Site investigation, Cromlet Drive and Castle Avenue, Invergordon Environmental Protection Act 1990 Part IIA

Residents of properties on Cromlet Drive, Cromlet Court and Castle Avenue, immediately adjacent to the south east quadrant of the former Cromlet tank farm, today (Monday 10th October 2005) received correspondence from the Highland Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community (TEC) Services advising them on a further phase of investigation into land contamination issues which could potentially affect their homes.

In a letter to residents, Anthony Carson, Principal Environmental Health Officer said:

"Over the past 12 months Highland Council has been carrying out preliminary monitoring along Cromlet Drive and Castle Avenue, Invergordon. These works were necessitated by the potential for the hydrocarbon fuels, found in the vacant area of the former oil tank farm to the north of Cromlet Drive, migrating off site. Further works are necessary which will involve the placing of a number of boreholes in the gardens of the properties along Cromlet Drive and Castle Avenue."

"The boreholes will be installed with monitoring wells to allow samples of groundwater and soil gas to be collected. The information gathered from these boreholes will be used to establish whether there is any likely risk to the residents of Cromlet Drive and Castle Avenue and their properties. I would however assure you that at present the Council is not aware of any immediate risk to the residents or their properties and that these works are precautionary."

"A drop in facility has been organised at Invergordon Arts Centre, High Street, Invergordon to allow residents to view examples of the works, raise any issues which may be of concern to them and discuss the placing of boreholes"

Mr Carson asked for the cooperation of the residents and apologised for any inconvenience the works may cause. He also provided contact details in the Council should residents wish to discuss anything about the proposed works.