Investigation works complete at Grantown Primary School

Parents at Grantown have been advised that the findings of precautionary action taken earlier this year to investigate land conditions within the grounds of Grantown Primary School show no risk to health or the environment.

The Highland Council has written to parents/carers of  pupils to inform them of the investigation outcome.

Local authorities have a duty under The Contaminated Land (Scotland) Regulations 2000 to inspect land with historical industrial use.  The Council began its inspection programme in 2003, and a routine investigation was carried out at one corner of the Grantown Primary playing field where a former gasworks was located and was closed over 100 years ago.

The investigation was carried out during the February half term break.  A small drilling rig was used to excavate ten boreholes to collect soil samples for chemical tests.  The boreholes were installed with groundwater monitoring wells.  The groundwater monitoring continued for a number of months after the boreholes were installed.

The chemical testing of the soil and groundwater did not find a risk to health or the environment from the site as it is currently used.
The boreholes will now be removed at a convenient time.
The Council would like to thank Grantown Primary School pupils and staff for their cooperation during the investigation.

Members of the public with queries can contact Esther MacRae on 01463 228734.  General information on land contamination legislation and guidance can be found at: http://www.highland.gov.uk/contaminatedland.htm