‘Stay away’ warnings at contaminated river site
Apr 22 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal
A STRETCH of riverbank on the Tyne has been declared a contaminated zone after traces of hazardous chemicals were discovered.
Families, walkers and fishermen are being warned to stay away from the site surrounding the former St Anthony’s Tar Works, which closed in 1984, at Walker Riverside.
The area is polluted by industrial chemicals, which are seeping into the river.
A detailed investigation commissioned by Newcastle City Council discovered the contamination.
Signs have now been put up along the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, which runs next to the site, advising people not to go on to the area of shore affected.
The council has stressed there is no immediate risk to health because levels of contaminants are low – although the mixture, including Benzene and Naphthalene – can cause skin irritation.
However, long-term exposure to high levels of the contaminants over a period of years could cause health problems. Benzene can cause cancer and Naphthalene affects unborn babies.
The Hadrian’s Wall path, part of an 84-mile trail which opened in 2003 and which runs above and next to the site, is safe to use, the council said.
People with dogs are being advised not to let their pets on to the site, which is nearly 600m long.
The city council’s director of regulatory services and public protection Stephen Savage said: “The council continues to clean up areas of land contaminated as a result of our industrial heritage and we await confirmation of Government funding so that we can start the process as soon as possible.”
He said there were “several other sites” across the city which the council was concerned about, but would not give locations while investigations are ongoing. Mr Savage said: “We tackle them in order of importance and how often they are used by the public. We want to stress there is no risk to people who use the path and it would take a long exposure for anyone to be seriously affected. But if anyone is concerned, we would advise them to go to see their GP.”
Health Protection Agency consultant in health protection Dr Meng Khaw said: “Although concentrations found are below the levels which cause immediate serious health effects, they can be hazardous if absorbed in high enough quantities or over long periods of time and direct contact with them can cause skin irritation. Because of this, we are advising people to stay off the shore until it has been cleaned up.” The contamination has caused some concern for people living near the site.
Eleanor Cooper, a mother-of-five from Windhill Road, Walker, said: “My kids play down there regularly and I see people fishing in there all the time.
“I’ve always known it was a bit dirty but I am shocked there is actual contamination down there. This is very worrying for me. I’ll definitely be stopping the kids going down there now.”
It is thought that the clean-up could take millions of pounds and many years before it is finished.
