Asbestos discovery shock in Cleland yard
Contaminants at foundry blamed on dumped waste
Safety fears have been raised after asbestos was found at a yard in Cleland.
Network Rail have confirmed that contaminants including asbetos have been discovered in the ground at the Foundry yard site in the village’s Biggar Road.
The yard is being used as a base for the electification of the Glasgow to Edinburgh line.
Following analysis at six different parts of the site, Network Rail said that the findings were below levels where their presence would be deemed a risk.
Patrick Ferguson, secretary of the community council, said: “There appears to have been incidents of dumping of waste at this site over a number of years including asbestos and chrome, also landfill waste in unknown quantities.
“This is the yard to be occupied by Network Rail for the project electrification of Shotts line and it is proposed the site will be used for over three years.
“We have been informed that Network Rail have carried out bore testing and discovered asbestos present but despite requests from the environment agencies for information on the levels of contamination they have had no reply from Network Rail.
Earlier this month, the Wishaw Press reported how fed-up residents vowed to form a human chain in protest at an increase in HGVs using a narrow road in Cleland.
It comes as two village yards will be used to help Network Rail carry out vital works to electrify the Glasgow to Edinburgh line.
Anxious neighbours fear that extra HGVs and lorries going into the two sites in Foundry Road and Biggar Road could lead to a fatality.
Mr Ferguson added: “Network Rail plan to have large vehicles running through the site plus construction of large pylons, this movement and construction could result in the waste such as asbestos becoming airborne and not only a risk to the workers and visitors to the site but also the general public passing within yards of the site.
“Already a large building has been constructed and during this work the ground would be disturbed for foundations and such.
“We have requested SEPA to investigate our concerns and would request that the HSE become involved to protect employees and visiting contractors to the site.
“We would also request that all reports be made available to the public to ensure transparency to all concerned.”
Owen Campbell, Network Rail’s Community Manager said: “Further to recent speculation and to address concern in the community, Network Rail would like to clarify the situation with regard to the presence of contaminants in the ground at the Foundry yard site in Cleland.
“As is standard practice, we undertook analysis of ground conditions at the Foundry yard site and not unexpectedly given its former usage, we did find contaminants, including asbestos.
“As a precaution, we limited vehicle access to the site until a full analysis had been completed and the results became known.
“Assessment and analysis indicated that results of samples taken at six different parts of the site were below levels where their presence would be deemed a risk.
“We contacted the Health and Safety Executive in this regard and they have confirmed this analysis.
“Given the nature of the intended use of the yard going forward, the recommended course of action in this situation is to install a membrane and a compacted layer of ballast to minimise the risk of any contaminants becoming airborne and causing a risk.
“It is our intention to do this at an early point.
“Safety is and remains Network Rail’s top priority and the action we are taking in this situation is based on expert guidance and reflects the importance we place on protecting the health and well being of our work force and the community surrounding the work site. The additional work required to make safe the site is relatively small in relation to the overall site set up programme and should not delay plans to establish the site or to support the delivery of work to electrify the line.”