Corby metal pollution may harm people, says study
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Earthwatch Europe said volunteers found the chemical element cadmium in six freshwater samples in July Campaigners trying to examine the effects of the toxic waste scandal in Corby say they have found a presence of metals which could post a risk to human health.
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Children in the Northamptonshire town have been born with birth defects, believed to have been caused when steelworks were demolished in the 1980s.
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Charity Earthwatch Europe says trained citizen scientists have found potentially harmful levels of metal or metalloid at 52 freshwater sites across Corby.
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The Environment Agency (EA) welcomed their work but said some metals occurred naturally and that its own evidence did not indicate "widespread or significant harm".
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Earlier this year, Earthwatch Europe said its volunteers collected evidence that the presence of metals could harm aquatic life - findings that were disputed by the EA.
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But this time, the group believes the samples show a potential effect on people.
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Dr Sasha Woods, a scientific advisor for the group, said the results highlighted "where further investigation and remedial action may be needed".
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"The findings indicate that some metals are present in freshwater at levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life, and in soil at levels that could impact human health, particularly in areas close to known historic waste sites," she added.
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What is the story behind Netflix's Toxic Town?
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Earthwatch Europe said its trained citizen scientists were out collecting in July, which as well as the freshwater samples, included taking 28 soil samples.
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It said at every freshwater site, at least one metal or metalloid was present, at concentrations exceeding the level where "no adverse ecological effects are expected".
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Nickel was found in 28 freshwater samples and cadmium was detected in six, the charity said.
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A spokesperson said the comparison between its summer and winter sampling indicated a "relatively constant source of pollution; likely groundwater and landfill leachate rather than urban run-off".
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"Elevated concentrations of cadmium and nickel in freshwater, and cadmium and arsenic in soil, were largely confined to Deene Quarry and a former slag heap in Weldon," the group added.
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Tracey Taylor's story was portrayed in the Netflix drama Toxic Town Tracey Taylor, whose baby daughter Shelby-Anne died at four days old, has spent years campaigning for justice over the scandal.
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In 2009, Justice Akenhead ruled in favour of 18 Corby families and that Corby Borough Council was negligent in managing the waste.
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She hoped the new Earthwatch Europe report would mean "people are going to start to listen to us".
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"I'm 30 years down the line, I don't need that apology, I don't need justice, but I will fight on for the children and the community of Corby, because the Corby community always come together and they support each other.
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"They should not have to deal with this or be living with this on their land.
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It needs sorting."
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Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, said "local authorities have a duty to inspect and identify sites where contamination is causing unacceptable risks". He urged North Northamptonshire Council - which replaced Corby council in 2021 - to publish a plan "to make these sites safe".
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The steelworks in Corby, pictured, closed in 1981 An EA spokesperson said it was reviewing the Earthwatch Europe report alongside its own evidence.
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"Our monitoring to date does not indicate widespread or significant harm to the freshwater environment across the Corby area," they said.
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"We will continue to assess the evidence and take any further action needed."
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A spokesperson for the council also welcomed the report and said it would "fully assess the data and supporting information".
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"Residents can be assured that any credible evidence of a risk to human health or the environment will be thoroughly considered and investigated through the appropriate regulatory processes."
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Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, Instagram, external and X, external. 'Toxic town' parents call for public inquiry No major toxic impact on waterways, says watchdog Toxic Town parents find metal pollution in water Toxic Town parents to test water to 'keep fighting'
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