Castletown landfill site, Caithness - Update

Officials of The Highland Council have confirmed that, to date, levels of gas measured at the ex-landfill site at Castletown do not constitute a risk to neighbouring premises.

Over the last two months works have been carried out to allow the measurement of methane and carbon dioxide within the former landfill and establish whether these gases are present at the southern boundary of the site.

As a further precautionary measure, tests will be carried out over the next four months to establish that gas generation in the landfill is not influenced by seasonal weather conditions. Once this work is completed a further risk assessment will be carried out.

However, the Council is encouraged by the initial results and believes it is unlikely that tests will be required to be carried out in neighbouring homes or businesses.

Ian Hargrave, the Council’s Area Manager for Caithness, told residents: “I should emphasise that the Council is carrying this work out in the interest of public safety and that the investigation works are precautionary. Residents and businesses within Castletown will continue to be advised of any developments as the monitoring programme progresses.”
 
For any queries regarding the nature or extent of the monitoring works please contact the contaminated Land Team on 01463 702742.