The Council has contracted Keynvor MorLift Ltd to move 380 tonnes of waste building material from its current storage location at the Pendrethan quarry back to the waste management site at Porthmellon.
Some residents have raised concerns that this material might be hazardous and, in particular, that it contains asbestos. We would like to assure all residents that the material has been tested and has not been found to be hazardous. Of 11 samples taken, 2 were found to contain traces of asbestos at a concentration of 0.05%; this is well below the 0.1% threshold where it would be considered to be a hazard. Furthermore, to reduce the spread of dust during transit, the material will be sprayed with water. This is considered an acceptable mitigation given its non-hazardous classification.
The Environment Agency are fully aware of the materials and the plans for relocation and these have also been checked by a specialist waste consultant employed by the Council.
We hope that this information provides some assurance as to the nature of the material being moved. However, if you require any further clarification, advice or guidance on this matter please don’t hesitate to contact the Infrastructure Department by email at infrastructure@scilly.gov.uk or by telephone on 01720 424000.