Assessment of land contamination and remediation proposals, Joss Street, Invergordon

In a letter to residents, Alistair Thomson, Head of Environmental Health said:

"With regard to the works carried out to measure the levels of contaminants in soils in the gardens and communal areas around the above properties and the risk assessment that was carried out on behalf of the Council, I can advise that a number of remediation proposals have been identified and considered by the Directors of Housing and TEC Services.

"There are no easy ways of making these areas completely safe and all of the remediation options will involve some disturbance to the residents during remediation works. At the very least, to allow excavation of soils, it will be necessary to disconnect services (gas, water and drainage, and electricity) to the properties during works. This will make it impossible for residents to stay in the properties whilst the works are carried out.

"At present the Council is exploring ways of providing alternative accommodation for residents for the duration of any works. This process is at an early stage and residents will be consulted on any such proposals before any decisions are taken.

"In addition, any remediation costs are likely to be considerable. As part of the remediation options review, costs have been estimated and proposals for a funding application to the Scottish Executive are being drawn up. Such an application cannot be made until the next financial year, beginning in April 2006.

"In the meantime the Council will investigate options for improving the amenity of the communal garden areas around the properties by looking at alternative means of protecting residents from contaminants present in surface soils, other than the fencing which has been in place over the last year."

Mr Thomson thanked the residents for their continuing patience and cooperation with the Council and advised them of contact details in the Council if they wished to discuss anything about the ongoing works.