Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Land South of Branston, Burton-upon-Trent

Branston East

St Modwen Developments Ltd

July 2011

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Branston East

St Modwen Developments Ltd

July 2011

Halcrow Group Limited Lyndon House, 62 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8PE tel 0121 456 2345 fax 0121 456 1569 halcrow.com

Halcrow Group Limited has prepared this report in accordance with the instructions of client St Modwen Developments Ltd for the client’s sole and specific use. Any other persons who use any information contained herein do so at their own risk.

© Halcrow Group Limited 2011

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Document history

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit Branston East St Modwen Developments Ltd

This document has been issued and amended as follows:

Version Date Description Created by Verified by Approved by

00 31/05/11 Draft for client comment AGRL SKT

01 14/07/11 Final for issue AGRL SKT PR

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Contents

Executive Summary 1

1 Introduction 3

2 Results of Desk Study 6 2.1 Historical Land Use 6 2.2 Aerial Photographs 8 2.3 Results of Landmark Geo-Environmental Data Search 5 2.4 MAGIC 10 2.5 Natural 11 2.6 Environment Agency 11 2.7 Mining Report 12 2.8 Preliminary Ground Investigation 12 2.9 Previous Ground Investigations and Reports 12 2.9.1 Topsoil, Made Ground and Alluvium 12 2.9.2 Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) 13 2.9.3 Sand and Gravel 13 2.9.4 Mercia Mudstone Group 13 2.9.5 Groundwater 14 2.9.6 Information provided by Howard Sharp and Partners 14 2.10 Geology 14 2.11 Hydrogeology 15

3 Site Implications 17 3.1 Geotechnical Implications 17 3.2 Environmental Implications 17

4 Preliminary Risk Assessment 19 4.1 Identified Sources, Pathways and Receptors 19 4.1.1 Sources 19 4.1.2 Pathways 20 4.1.3 Receptors 20 4.2 Qualitative Risk Assessment 20 4.2.1 Assessment methodology 21

5 Conclusions and Recommendations 24 5.1 Summary 24

6 References 25

7 Figures 26

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendices

Appendix A: Landmark Envirocheck Report; 34725405_1_1

Appendix B: Coal Mining Report: 00028695‐11

Appendix C: Correspondence with County Council

Appendix D: Risk Categorisation (based on DETR, 1995)

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Executive Summary

This report describes the findings of a Phase 1 Geo – Environmental Audit for the Branston East site, located south of Branston, Staffordshire, between the Birmingham‐Derby Railway and the . The site is proposed to remain as open space and landscaping and will form part of a green link and resource between Branston Water Park in the west and Nature Reserve east of the River Trent, within the proposed sustainable urban development and employment opportunity south of Branston.

Historically the site was used as fields, then during the 1960s and 1970s the central part of the site and a localised area of the south of the site were used for extraction of sands and gravels (River Terrace Deposits). The resulting excavations were filled with Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) from the nearby Drakelow . Previous investigations in an adjacent site (Branston West, west of the railway line) have found PFA to be up to 8.5m thick and the strength to be variable with depth. Branston East has since been reinstated and is now used as arable land, with hedgerows/field boundaries and an area of ponds and vegetation.

Natural deposits at the site are anticipated to comprise Alluvium, River Terrace Deposits (sands and gravels) and clays, mudstones and siltstones of the Mercia Mudstone Group.

The site is adjacent to the River Trent that has a river quality of Grade C. The superficial River Terrace Deposits (sand and gravel) are classified by the Environment Agency as a Secondary Aquifer – A. The Mercia Mudstone Group is classified as a Secondary Aquifer – B. The northern end of the site is within a Total Catchment Source Protection Zone. The whole site is within the indicative floodplain of the River Trent. It is anticipated that groundwater is present at relatively shallow depth; in the adjacent Branston West site groundwater was encountered between 1.3 and 3.2m below ground level In Branston East the groundwater in the superficial River Terrace deposits is anticipated to be in hydraulic continuity with the River Trent.

The Birmingham to Derby railway line forms the western site boundary and developments close to the railway line should not be undertaken without consultation with the appropriate authority.

The preliminary risk assessment undertaken for Branston East (Section 4) shows that, with the current usage of the site as arable land, the risks to site users, visitors, surface and ground waters are generally low. There is the possibility that sewage sludge may have been spread on the land historically. If this is the case, heavy metals may be present in the topsoil. If future use as public open space rather than arable land is proposed, surface

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 1 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

sampling and testing of topsoil should be undertaken to determine whether or not such substances are present. The presence of PFA within the site may have led to leachable materials within the soil and/or groundwater. Sampling and testing of surface waters at their entry to the site and exit from the site will allow assessment to be made of effects of the Branston East site on surface water quality.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 2 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

1 Introduction

In April 2011 St Modwen Developments Ltd commissioned Halcrow Group Ltd (Halcrow) to undertake a Phase 1 Geo‐Environmental Audit for the Branston East site, an area of land south of Branston, Burton‐upon‐Trent, Staffordshire, between the Birmingham‐Derby railway line in the west and the River Trent in the east.

This report has been prepared for St Modwen Developments Ltd to support an outline planning application for the land south of Branston

Land west of the railway line has been the subject of a number of reports, investigations and surveys over the years and where appropriate this information has been used in preparation of this report.

The vision and concept for the Branston East site, as set out in East Staffordshire Borough Council’s Development Brief (ESBC, 2010/2011), is for the land to create a green link and resource. This link forms part of the proposed sustainable urban development and employment opportunity south of Branston, and continues the green link from the Bass Millennium Wood and Branston Water Park in the west to the Drakelow Nature Reserve east of the River Trent.

The location of Branston East is shown in Figure 1. Summary details of the site are shown in Table 1‐1 below.

Table 1-1: Site Summary Information

Site Name and Branston East, Branston, Staffordshire Address Location The site is located at approximate National Grid Reference 422100E, 320100 N and is shown on the Site Location Plan, Figure 1. Current Uses The site is currently used as arable land and extends approximately 2km from north‐east to south‐west and between 100m and 650m from north‐west to south‐east. The extent of the site is shown on Figure 1.

The site is bounded by the Birmingham to Derby Railway to the west and the River Trent to the east. A tributary to the River Trent forms the northern boundary and agricultural land lies to the south of the site. Google aerial photography accessed on 6 July 2011, dated 2010, showed the field adjacent to the south of the site having been apparently worked for sand and gravel extraction and

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 3 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

currently part‐filled with water. Bing aerial photography accessed on the same day, also dated 2010, for the same area shows the field south of the site as apparently unworked. The land west of the railway forms the Branston West site and is currently used for agriculture.

Ground level within the site is typically 48mAOD (above Ordnance Datum) and the site is predominantly flat. Development The proposed development at the site is to retain the area Proposals for open space and landscaping and to form a green link and resource within the proposed Branston development, as described above.

For the purpose of this report a Phase 1 Geo‐Environmental Audit comprises the following:

• Desk Study in accordance with the recommendations of The Association of Geotechnical Specialists (AGS) Guide to Geo‐ environmental Reports (excluding services searches)

• Searches of publicly accessible geo‐environmental records

The purpose of a Phase 1 Geo‐Environmental Audit is, from readily available sources of information, to identify hazards and/or sources of potentially harmful substances and to determine the geological and hydrogeological conditions both beneath the site and in its vicinity. In order to establish environmental risk, a hazard/pathway/target relationship for contamination (if present) is tabulated. Additionally, the geotechnical conditions of the site have been reviewed from data held in published sources from which possible opportunities and constraints to future development have been evaluated.

The report describes the studies and enquiries undertaken and discusses the implications of the information obtained with outline recommendations for the geotechnical and environmental aspects of the proposed development. Specific recommendations are made for Phase 2 & 3 studies.

The Desk Study comprised a review of readily available public records from the following sources of information:

• National Monuments Records

• Environment Agency

• Ordnance Survey

• British Geological Survey

• Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 4 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

• Natural England

• Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

• Coal Authority

• Health and Safety Executive

• East Staffordshire Borough Council

County Council

District Council

• Staffordshire County Council

In preparing this report, Halcrow has used data from the above sources, as supplied principally by Landmark Information Group, but accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of that data.

The available information is provided as Appendix A to Appendix D of this report.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 5 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

2 Results of Desk Study

2.1 Historical Land Use

Historical Ordnance Survey maps were obtained from Landmark Information Group (these are attached in Appendix A); a description of the changes to the site are detailed in Table 2‐1 below.

Table 2-1: Historical Land Use

Year Scale Map sheet County Site Description 1883 1:2,500 047_07 & Staffordshire The site comprises a number of fields, 059_07 with a small quarry feature noted at NGR 421450/319500. 1884 1:10,560 040SE & Derbyshire The site comprises a number of fields 059NE with a meander of the River Trent being present in the most north easterly corner of the site. Meanders associated with The River Trent are also present at approximate National Grid References (NGR) 422300/320350 and 422350/319800; an area of marshland is present adjacent to the former of these two meanders.

A number of small ponds are also present across the site.

A footpath is shown to run though the site in a southwest to northeast direction.

1901 1:2,500 059_03, Derbyshire A meander of the River Trent is 059_04 & present in the most north easterly 059_07 corner of the site. A note on the map indicates that the southern part of the site is liable to floods. 1902 1:10,560 059NE Derbyshire A small quarry/gravel pit has appeared at NGR 421450/319500; just north of this feature an area of marshland is also noted. 1923 1:2,500 059_03, Derbyshire No further change 059_04 & 059_07 1925 1:10,560 059NE Derbyshire No further change 1937 1:2,500 059_03 & Derbyshire No further change 059_04

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 6 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Year Scale Map sheet County Site Description 1938 1:2,500 059_07 Derbyshire No further change 1938 1:10,560 059NE Derbyshire No further change 1955 1:10,000 SK22SW Ordnance The meander of the River Trent Survey Plan identified on the 1884, 1:10,560, map sheet 040SE appears to have disappeared, with the River Trent taking a course similar to that of the present day course. 1965 1:2,500 SK2119 Ordnance No further change Survey Plan 1968 1:10,000 SK21NW Ordnance Electricity lines and associated pylons Survey Plan have appeared in an east to west direction towards the south of the site. 1963 1:2,500 SK2119 & Ordnance A series of lagoons has appeared, to SK2120 Survey Plan centred at NGR 422100/320250. The 1972 lagoons are not shown on the 1963 and 1965 maps. 1969 1:2,500 SK2220 & Ordnance A linear earthwork/embankment is to SK2221 Survey Plan present that runs parallel to the River 1972 Trent from NGR 422590/320900 to 422100/320490; behind this feature (to the west) water is noted to be present 1975 1:10,000 SK22SW Ordnance A series of lagoons has appeared, Survey Plan centred at NGR 422100/320250. 1980 1:2,500 SK2119 Additional A line of east to west trending to SIMs electricity lines and associated pylons 1991 is shown to cross the site. 1991 1:2,500 SK2119 Additional No further change SIMs 1991 1:10,000 SK21NW Ordnance No further change to Survey Plan 1993 1994 1:2,500 SK2119 Large‐Scale No further change National Grid Data 1994 1:2,500 SK2220 Large‐Scale No features shown, including no National Grid evidence of the earthwork noted Data between 1969 and 1972 on the 1:2,500 scale map. 1994 1:2,500 SK2119 & Large‐Scale A series of small ponds is shown & SK2220 National Grid 1996 Data 1995 1:2,500 SK2220 Large‐Scale No further change to National Grid 1996 Data 2000 1:10,000 SK22SW 10k Raster There is no evidence of the lagoons Mapping noted in 1993, but there are a series of small ponds located to the southeast of

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 7 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Year Scale Map sheet County Site Description where the lagoons were initially located. 2006 1:10,000 SK22SW & 10k Raster No further change SK21NW Mapping 2011 1:10,000 SK22SW & 10k Raster No further change SK21NW Mapping

2.2 Aerial Photographs

National Monument records have been contacted with respect to aerial photographs taken of the site; these records are summarised in Table 2‐2.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 8 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Table 2-2: Aerial Photograph Summary

Sortie Library Frame Centre Run Date Scale 1: Notes No. No. No. point RAF/54 876 4417 SK 220 14 17 10000 Northern and central part of site visible on photograph. Some small ponds are present and 1/28 206 MAY field boundaries visible. 1948 RAF/54 2085 46 SK 218 10 14 10000 Extreme northern end of site not visible on photograph. Some small ponds are present and 3/1794 203 JUN field boundaries visible. A former alignment of the River Trent can be clearly seen 1962 connecting some of the ponds closer to the river; a further paleo‐channel is evident within the centre‐east of the site. A line of pylons has been constructed within the site. A line of four small ponds across the site aligned with a field boundary suggests historical local gravel extraction has been undertaken. MAL/7 7258 98 SK 230 3 12 12000 Unavailable. 1115 197 JUL 1971 MAL/7 7258 122 SK 210 4 12 12000 The photograph shows the central and southern part of the site. Active workings are shown 1115 194 JUL in the central area of the site. The gravel appears to have been worked in long strips leaving 1971 a rib of intact ground between the strips, most trending east‐west, with some in the north‐ east of the photograph trending north‐south. A larger expanse of workings is visible in the southernmost field. The workings extend to the railway in the west, to the southern boundary of the most southerly worked fields. Workings extend off the photograph to the east. It appears (although it is difficult to tell from the small scale of the photograph) that backfilling of the workings has begun in the south‐west of the site adjacent to the railway and in the southernmost field of the worked area. Also worth noting is the presence of a lagoon centred at NGR 421450/319450; the extent of which coincides with the 1st River Terrace Deposits (Sand and Gravel). MAL/7 7440 139 SK 219 4 23 2500 The photograph shows the southern most part of the workings, with water filled strip 6074 196 NOV ponds and ribs of intact ground in the north, trending east‐west and a large area of the rest 1976 of the field is not vegetated and has been trafficked ‐ backfilled workings, which were clearly visible as water‐filled on the 1971 photographs. The backfilling appears to be completed by end tipping/scraping materials into the workings from the east, south and west. A historical pond is evident at the field boundary corner.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 1 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

MAL/7 7440 140 SK 220 4 23 2500 Photograph 140 is slightly north of 139 and shows the area of east‐west trending ponds and 6074 198 NOV one area of north‐south trending ponds and intact ribs of material extending to the north. 1976 There is a haul road running parallel to the River Trent. Backfilling has reduced the extent of the ponds from those shown on the 1971 photographs. MAL/7 7440 141 SK 222 4 23 2500 Photograph 141 is slightly north of 140 and shows the area of east‐west trending ponds and 6074 200 NOV intact ribs of material extending to the north. The haul road running parallel to the River 1976 Trent continues to the north. Backfilling has reduced the extent of the ponds from those shown on the 1971 photographs. MAL/7 7440 142 SK 223 4 23 2500 Photograph 142 shows a bridge across the River Trent crossed by the haul road, and the 6074 202 NOV workings as seen on proceeding photographs. 1976 MAL/7 7440 143 SK 224 4 23 2500 Photograph 143 also shows the haul road bridge across the river. The area of ground 6074 204 NOV between the river and railway does not appear to show any workings for the extent of the 1976 photograph north of the bridge. MAL/7 7440 144 SK 226 4 23 2500 Photograph 144 just shows the northern boundary of the site and the edge of the railway 6074 206 NOV land is just visible for the northern part of the photograph. The area of ground between the 1976 river and railway does not appear to show any workings for the extent of the photograph. MAL/7 7440 145 SK 227 4 23 2500 Photograph 145 is located slightly north of 144 and clearly shows the northern boundary of 6074 208 NOV the site and the easterly bend of the River Trent. No workings are evident within the site 1976 from the photograph. MAL/7 7440 151 SK 222 5 23 2500 Photograph 151 shows the eastern edge of the site. The un‐worked land clearly shows a 6074 195 NOV paleo river channel running approximately north‐south inside the current course of the 1976 river, adjacent to a pylon. Workings and the southern extremity of the haul road are visible in the north‐west of the photograph. MAL/7 7440 152 SK 224 5 23 2500 Photograph 152 shows the eastern edge of the site and the river meander, with un‐worked 6074 196 NOV land in the south and workings and haul road as described above in the north. 1976 MAL/7 7440 153 SK 225 5 23 2500 Photograph 153 shows the eastern edge of the site and the River Trent, with the eastern 6074 198 NOV edge of the workings and backfilled areas and the haul road visible. 1976 MAL/8 9152 57 SK 229 1 03 10000 Photograph 57 is a small scale photograph showing the northern half of the site. Some 1036 210 AUG workings are visible in the central part of the site, part‐backfilled. There are no workings 1981 apparent in the northern part of the site.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 2 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

MAL/8 9156 218 SK 222 5 03 10000 Photograph 218 shows the central, formerly worked area of the site to be mostly backfilled. 1035 193 AUG Approximately a third of the worked are is yet to be reinstated, with ponds and gravel ribs 1981 evident in the north‐east of the central area. The southern part of the workings, shown as being backfilled in the 1976 photographs, now have no water showing at all and are completely filled. The lagoon noted at NGR 421450/319450 on 12th July 1971 has since been backfilled. MAL/8 9156 219 SK 213 5 03 10000 Unavailable. 1035 193 AUG 1981 EA/GE 40118 151 SK 226 3 22 3000 Photograph 151 shows the northern end of the site between the river and the railway, down O/9301 206 FEB to the bridge across the River Trent. The land surface looks uniform, with markings from 1 1993 farming activities. However the area does not look disturbed or reinstated. EA/GE 40118 153 SK 223 3 22 3000 Photograph 153 shows the new ponds formed by the reinstatement and backfilling of the O/9301 202 FEB gravel workings, approximately along the line of the ponds previously present on the 1 1993 course of the former River Trent. The central area of the site appears to have been completely reinstated and returned to pasture, with animals grazing. EA/GE 40118 154 SK 222 3 22 3000 As per photograph 153, but slightly further south. O/9301 200 FEB 1 1993 EA/GE 40118 155 SK 220 3 22 3000 Photograph 155 shows the southern end of the former workings, now reinstated and O/9301 198 FEB forming pasture. The newly formed ponds are present in the north of the photograph, a 1 1993 pre‐existing water feature present in the south at a change in hedge direction. The south‐ eastern field beyond the former worked area does not look disturbed and the pylon and paleo channel feature parallel to the River Trent are still visible. EA/GE 40118 157 SK 217 3 22 3000 Photograph 157 shows the southernmost field boundary of the former workings, now O/9301 194 FEB reinstated and forming pasture and a pre‐existing water feature present in the south at a 1 1993 change in hedge direction. The fields south of the former worked area do not look disturbed and the majority of the fields appear to be used for arable cops. EA/GE 40118 214 SK 223 4 22 3000 Photograph 214 shows the eastern part of the main river meander, with the former O/9301 196 FEB workings reinstated and used as pasture. 1 1993 EA/GE 40118 215 SK 224 4 22 3000 Photograph 215 shows similar features, but slightly north of 214. O/9301 198 FEB 1 1993

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 3 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

OS/893 13587 262 11 8300 The photograph shows the central and southern parts of the site. The southern part of the 76 JUL site appears not to have been worked for sand and gravel extraction and the original field 1989 boundaries are still evident. The central part of the site has been reinstated to one large field area following sand and gravel extraction although some of the ponds evident on the earlier photographs are still shown.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 4 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

2.3 Results of Landmark Geo-Environmental Data Search

Landmark Information Group Ltd was commissioned by Halcrow to carry out a search of geo‐environmental records relating to the site and its vicinity. A copy of the Landmark Geo‐Environmental Data Search can be found in Appendix A and is summarised in Table 2‐3 and Table 2‐4.

The immediate effects of landfill sites with respect to gas, etc are considered by Waste Management Paper No. 27 to be normally significant within a radius of 250m from a site. As such only the occurrences within 250m will be discussed in more detail.

Table 2-3: Landmark Search Occurrences within the site

Landmark Feature NGR Location within Description Licence Date Ref No. the Site* and Status C24 Register 422081/ C3SE (S) Branston Ash Lagoon Licence lapsed, landfill 320737 No. 4. Landfill; some cancelled, defunct, site restriction on source not applicable or waste and includes surrendered. 15th excavated natural April 1983 materials, PFA. A26 Historical 421879/ A11NW (NE) Powergen Plc, First Input Date: Landfill 319816 Branston Ash Lagoon 1st January 1960. Sites No.4. Provider Last Input Date: Reference: 31st December EAHLD18134. 1997 Deposited Waste included Inert and Industrial Waste A35 Local 422100/ A15SE (NE) Reference: 5/E/77/0132 Last Reported Authority 320000 (C7). Pulverised Fuel Status: Unknown Recorded Ash, Logging Material, Landfill Excavated Material Sites A42 Registered 421940/ A15NW (N) Powergen. Licence 15th April 1983. Landfill 320257 Reference: 5/E/77/0132 Licence lapsed/ Sites (C 7). Branston Ash cancelled/ defunct/ Lagoon No.4. Landfill not applicable/ ‐ with lagoon. Some surrendered restriction on source of waste: Excavated Natural Materials, Lagging, Pulverised Fuel Ash

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 5 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Landmark Feature NGR Location within Description Licence Date Ref No. the Site* and Status A43 Registered 421647/ A10NE (NW) Powergen. Licence 15th April 1983. Landfill 319598 Reference: 5/E/77/0133 Licence lapsed/ Sites (C11). Newbold Farm, cancelled/ defunct/ Newbold. Some not applicable/ restriction on source of surrendered waste: Excavated Natural Materials, Pulverised Fuel Ash. A45 BGS 421457/ A10NE (W) Tucklesholme Farm, Ceased Recorded 319507 Barton Turn, Barton‐ Mineral Under‐Needwood. Sites Reference: 37391. Opencast: Holme Pierrepont Sand And Gravel Member, Sand and Gravel

* This reference relates to the datasheets contained within Appendix A.

Table 2-4: Landmark Search Occurrences within 250m of the site

Landm Feature NGR Distance and Description Licence Date ark Direction from and Status Referen Site ce No. C1 Discharge 422700/ 48m SE Severn Trent Water 16th May 1959. Consent 320900 Limited Status: Sewerage And Other Not Supplied Matter Discharge ‐ Sewerage And Surface Water C2 Discharge 422700/ 244m E W J Howard, Trade 25th October 1978. Consent 321200 Effluent to Status: Not Groundwater Supplied C5 Local Authority 422200/ 226m S Tarmac Toppave Ltd, 13th October 1999. Pollution 320900 PG3/1Blending, Status: Not Prevention and packing, loading and Supplied Controls use of bulk cement

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 6 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Landm Feature NGR Distance and Description Licence Date ark Direction from and Status Referen Site ce No. C7 Pollution 422300/ 86m S Oils ‐ Diesel 15th November Incidents to 320800 (Including 1998. Controlled Agricultural), Oil & Waters Diesel From Storm Water On Site May Enter Brook, Poor Operational Practice, Category 3 ‐ Minor Incident C8 Pollution 422200/ 226m S Branston Pumping 9th December Incidents to 320900 Station, Land Drain 1998. Controlled Discharging Waters Red/Brown Liquid To Watercourse, Category 3 ‐ Minor Incident C13 Historical 422149/ 26m SW Central Electricity First Input Date: Landfill Sites 321017 Generating Board, 31st December Branston Ash Lagoon 1977. Last Input No.2, Deposited Waste Date: 31st included Inert and December 1989. Industrial Waste. C14 Historical 421961/ 29m SW The Marley Tile First Input Date: Landfill Sites 320709 Company, Disused 31st December Gravel Workings, 1960. Last Input Deposited Waste Date: 31st included Inert and December 1968 Industrial Waste C15 Historical 422340/ 103m SE Hollyhock Way, Not supplied Landfill Sites 321077 EAHLD18123 C18 Local Authority 421956/ 29m SW Disused Gravel Date of Closure: Recorded 320716 Working, Branston, Not Supplied Landfill Sites Boiler Ash C19 Local Authority 422249/ 36m S Reference: 5/E/77/0134 Date of Closure: Recorded 321031 (C6). Pulverised Fuel Not Supplied. Last Landfill Sites Ash, Excavated Reported Status: Material Unknown C25 Registered 422135/ 75m SW C.E.G.B. Licence 1st June 1977. Landfill Sites 321010 Reference: 5/E/77/0134 Licence lapsed/ (C 6). No.2 Ash cancelled/ defunct/ Lagoon, Branston. not applicable/ Landfill ‐ with lagoon. surrendered Waste produced/controlled by licence holder: Inert Waste

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 7 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Landm Feature NGR Distance and Description Licence Date ark Direction from and Status Referen Site ce No. C26 Registered 422605/ 237m E W J Howard, Main 20th June 1983. Landfill Sites 321269 Street, Branston. Licence lapsed/ Licence Reference: cancelled/ defunct/ 5/A/79/0160 (H11). not applicable/ Some restriction on surrendered source of waste: Construction And Demolition Wastes, Hardcore And Rubble C27 Registered 422017/ 295m SW The Marley Tile Co 22nd August 1983. Landfill Sites 321025 Ltd. Lichfield Road, Licence lapsed/ Branston. Licence cancelled/ defunct/ Reference: 5/E/77/0103 not applicable/ (M 7). Only waste surrendered produced on site: Concrete Waste, Empty Used Containers, Excavated Natural Materials C28 Contemporary 422385/ 111m SE Speed‐Ex, 1 Clover Active Trade Directory 320952 Court, Branston. Road Entries Haulage Services C29 Contemporary 422477/ 237m E Trevor Lunn, 1, Clays Inactive Trade Directory 321217 Lane, Branston. Car Entries Dealers A1 Discharge 421740/ 43m S Aggregate Industries Effective Date: 1st Consents 319430 (UK) Limited, May 2007. Issued Extraction Of Stone, Date: 12th January Gravel Etc. 2007. Tucklesholme Quarry, Walton Lane, Barton New Consent Under Needwood. (Water Resources Reference: Act 1991, Section T/24/36413/T. Trade 88 & Schedule 10 Discharge ‐ Mineral as amended by Workings to Environment Act Freshwater 1995) Stream/River A20 Water 422390/ 36m NE Powergen. Licence Not supplied Abstractions 320090 Number: 03/28/24/0054 /1. . Daily Rate: 872,832m3. Yearly Rate: 25,000,000m3 from the River Trent

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 8 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Landm Feature NGR Distance and Description Licence Date ark Direction from and Status Referen Site ce No. A20 Water 422390/ 37m NE E.On UK Plc. Licence Permit Start Date: Abstractions 320100 Number: 5th July 2004. 03/28/24/0108. Permit End Date: Drakelow Power Not Supplied Station ‐ River Trent. Production of Energy: Process water A20 Water 422390/ 37m NE Txu Europe Merchant Permit Start Date: Abstractions 320100 Generation Ltd. 31st March 2000. Licence Number: Permit End Date: 03/28/24/0108. Not Supplied Drakelow Power Station ‐ River Trent. Production of Energy: Process water A20 Water 422390/ 37m NE Eastern Merchant Permit Start Date: Abstractions 320100 Generation Ltd. 24th December Licence Number: 1997. Permit End 03/28/24/0108. Date: Not Drakelow Power Supplied Station ‐ River Trent. Production of Energy: Process water A21 Water 422350/ 39m E Bjb Farming Limited. Permit Start Date: Abstractions 319550 Licence Number: 30th April 2009. Md/028/0024/001. Permit End Date: Land At Drakelow. Not Supplied General Agriculture: Spray Irrigation – Direct. A27 Historical 421507/ 24m NW Powergen ‐ Formerly First Input Date: Landfill Sites 319646 Central Electricity 31st December Generating Board. 1972. Last Input Newbold Farm, Date: 31st Branston. Provider December 1988 Reference: EAHLD18133. Deposited Waste included Inert and Industrial Waste

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 9 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Landm Feature NGR Distance and Description Licence Date ark Direction from and Status Referen Site ce No. A28 Historical 421692/ 29m N The Marley Tile First Input Date: Landfill Sites 319934 Company, Lichfield 31st December Road, Branston. 1960. Last Input Provider Reference: Date: 31st EAHLD18135. Disused December 1968. Gravel Workings. Deposited Waste included Inert and Industrial Waste A36 Local Authority 421701/ 29m N Disused Gravel Last Reported Recorded 319940 Working, Branston. Status: Unknown Landfill Sites Boiler Ash A37 Local Authority 421300/ 103m W Reference: 5/E/77/0133 Last Reported Recorded 319500 (C11). Pulverised Fuel Status: Unknown Landfill Sites Ash, Excavated Materials A46 BGS Recorded 421300/ 78m W Tucklesholme Farm, Ceased Mineral Sites 319300 Station Lane, Barton‐ Under‐Needwood. Reference: 6999. Opencast: Bardon Aggregates ‐ Northern (Old): Holme Pierrepont Sand And Gravel Member, Sand and Gravel A50 Contemporary 421187/ 234m W Technics Group Plc. Inactive Trade Directory 319568 Technic House, Entries Branston Ind Est, Lichfield Rd, Burton On Trent. Tyre Manufacturers & Distributors.

2.4 MAGIC

MAGIC (Multi‐Agency Geographic Information for the Countryside) is a partnership project involving six government organisations who have responsibilities for rural policy‐making and management. Its website (http://magic.defra.gov.uk) provides information on UK designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), internationally important sites (including World Heritage Sites), biodiversity sites, and regionally important geological sites (RIGS). The website indicates (31 May 2011) that the site covered by a nitrate vulnerable zone (NVZ), is within the area of the National Forest.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 10 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

These classifications are not considered to have an effect on the proposed development of the site.

2.5 Natural England

The Natural England website (www.natureonthemap.co.uk) provides information on SSSI, internationally important sites (including World Heritage Sites, Special Areas of Conservation), biodiversity sites and geologically important sites (Regionally Important Geological Sites). The site is not in the vicinity of any of the above features, confirming the information on the MAGIC website.

The website also indicated (31 May 2011) that part of the site was covered by a Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) target area. The areas are produced by Natural England to increase the environmental benefits delivered through Higher Level Stewardship and help to secure the most appropriate management in geographic areas where environmental outcomes are likely to be greatest.

2.6 Environment Agency

The Environment Agency’s ‘What’s in Your Backyard’ website (http://www.environment‐agency.gov.uk) was used to obtain information on flooding, landfill sites, groundwater vulnerability, pollution incidents and discharge consents for the site and immediate surrounding area on 31 May 2011.

Information reviewed on the Environment Agency website has also been provided through the Landmark Envirocheck Report, which is tabulated in Table 2‐3 and Table 2‐4.

The Environment Agency’s website showed the whole site to be affected by flooding by river that has a 1% (1 in 100) or greater chance of happening each year. The site is also shown to be at risk of flooding from reservoirs (although the Environment Agency state that this is unlikely to happen due to high level of maintenance of existing structures). Branston Ash Lagoon No. 4 (a historic landfill site) is shown to cover the central portion of the site.

A total catchment groundwater source protection zone is shown to exist over the northern third of the site. The aquifer properties of the superficial deposits are described as a Secondary A aquifer and the bedrock as a Secondary B aquifer.

The River Trent is shown to have poor ecological quality and the Dunstall/Tattenhall Catchment (River Trent tributary) that crosses the site in the northern third of the site is shown to have moderate ecological quality.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 11 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

2.7 Coal Mining Report

The Coal Authority has been contacted with respect to obtaining a coal mining report for the area. The response received is enclosed within Appendix B.

The Coal Authority records state the site is not within the zone of likely influence on the surface of past, present or future planned underground or opencast coal workings. There are no known shafts or adits within the site. Their records do not disclose any damage notice or claim being made in respect of the site, and no notice of entitlement to withdraw support has been published.

2.8 Preliminary Ground Investigation

Not applicable.

2.9 Previous Ground Investigations and Reports

No ground investigations have been undertaken on the Branston East site, but a number of ground investigations have been undertaken on the adjacent Branston West site. Due to the proximity of the sites, the ground conditions are anticipated to be similar; the geological map shows similar materials for both.

Materials encountered during the ground investigations and typical descriptions and thicknesses/depths are given below, based on the preliminary ground investigation specified by Halcrow in 2002. More detailed information is presented in Halcrow’s Geo‐Environmental Planning Statement for Branston West (Halcrow, 2011).

2.9.1 Topsoil, Made Ground and Alluvium

In the northern part of Branston West, the top 100mm to 500mm of the PFA was described as topsoil or turf in most of the boreholes. At the base of six boreholes in this area, a silty material was encountered, described as uncompact, mottled grey brown silt, which was logged as possible made ground and in one borehole a “fairly strong foul or chemical odour” was noted.

Topsoil was encountered over most of the southern and central parts of Branston West and varied in thickness between 0.1 and 0.7m. Made Ground was encountered in two boreholes and was described as:

• firm brown, slightly gravelly sandy clay with occasional roots and the gravel fraction consisting of fine to coarse subangular clinker, and

• brown slightly gravelly sandy silt with the gravel fraction described as medium to coarse angular to subangular gravel containing clinker

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 12 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

The thickness of the made ground varied from 0.5 to 1.0m.

Alluvial material up to 2.9m thick comprising soft to firm grey brown sandy to very sandy clay was encountered in some areas of the southern part of the Branston West site.

2.9.2 Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA)

The PFA encountered in the northern part of Branston West was described as a grey sandy silt, mostly uncompact. Close to the footpath crossing the site and in the north‐western part of the site, the top 3m to 4m of PFA was found to be dense to medium dense. The depth of the PFA was variable, from zero at the edges of the site to 8.3m in the north‐west. The shallowest areas of PFA were typically 3.5m thick. The PFA was found to extend close to the sides of the site, estimated to be formed at side slopes typically of up to 1v:2.5h along the western edge and 1v:4h along the eastern edge of the site.

In the central and southern parts of Branston West, PFA was described as “uncompact, grey gravelly silt, gravel is medium to coarse subangular to subrounded”. The depth of PFA varied from zero to 6.9m below ground level.

2.9.3 Sand and Gravel

In the northern part of the Branston West site, Sand and Gravel was encountered at depths of between 3.5m and 8.5m below ground level and was up to 3.6m thick. It was described as a medium dense grey brown fine and medium sand and gravel. The gravel fraction was fine to coarse, subangular to rounded and occasional small cobbles were found. In central and southern parts of the Branston West site, Sand and Gravel was encountered at depths of between 0.2 and 6.9m below ground level and was up to 6.0m thick. It was described as a medium dense occasionally loose red brown and grey medium to coarse Sand and Gravel, with occasional subrounded cobbles. The gravel fraction was fine to coarse, rounded to subangular.

2.9.4 Mercia Mudstone Group

The depth to the top of the mudstone encountered in the northern part of Branston West varied from 4.7m to 9.0m, with an approximate dip to the north‐west of 0.5º. It was described as stiff to very stiff red brown clay with occasional grey green mottling with some fine to medium gravel sized lithorelicts. The top of the mudstone was Weathering Grade 4a to 3. The Mercia Mudstone was penetrated to a maximum thickness of 7.5m (14.0m bgl). Average penetration into the mudstone was 5.3m (approximately

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 13 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

11.1m bgl), considered to be the approximate boundary between Weathering Grades 2 and 3.

In central and southern parts of Branston West, siltstones and mudstones of the Mercia Mudstone were encountered at between 4.0m and 6.1m bgl and were penetrated by the investigation to a further depth of up 9.4m. The materials were found to be variable in composition across the site, varying from firm to stiff friable red brown, with green mottling, clay increasing in strength with depth, to weak grey green mudstone, moderately weak grey siltstone and very weak to moderately weak light green and grey sometimes fissile mudstone.

2.9.5 Groundwater

In the northern part of the Branston West site, groundwater was encountered within the PFA, Sands and Gravels and the Mercia Mudstone Group. In the PFA, water was encountered at depths between 0.2m and 5.0m bgl. Most water strikes during drilling were at depths between 1.5m and 3.0m bgl. Three boreholes had two water strikes within the PFA, indicating perched water tables in the PFA. Water in the Sands and Gravels was generally encountered close to the top of the deposit and the level rose between 0.4m and 2.8m in 20 minutes. Water strikes in the Mercia Mudstone were at depths between 6.7m and 8.1m bgl.

In the central and southern parts of Branston West, groundwater was encountered in most of the boreholes during installation close to the top of the Sand and Gravel. In areas with PFA the groundwater level generally rose rapidly from 3‐7mbgl (i.e. within the Sand and Gravel) to between 1.0m and 1.5mbgl within 20 minutes. Two boreholes did not record water strikes during drilling nor encountered Sand and Gravel deposits.

2.9.6 Information provided by Howard Sharp and Partners

Correspondence between Mr J. M. Wren and Staffordshire County Council is included in Appendix C.

In a letter dated 9th November 2000 the Council indicate that ‘the areas’ were worked during the 1950s, 60s and 70s and infilling and restoration was carried out during the 70s and 80s. The final restoration to the east of the railway line (Branston East) was completed in 1986 and the area was subsequently returned to agriculture.

2.10 Geology

The following geological information (Table 2‐5) has been derived from reference to British Geological Survey Map Sheet 140, 1:50,000 Solid and

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 14 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Drift Edition, 1982, the associated memoir Geology of the Country between , Rugeley and Uttoxeter (Stevenson IP and Mitchell GH, 1955) and the Landmark report enclosed in Appendix A.

Table 2-5: Geological Information

Drift Deposits Alluvium across the whole of the site 1st River Terrace Deposits in the southern end of the site

Solid Strata Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group

Structural No significant structural features cross the site Features Radon Risk Less than 1% of homes are above the Action Level, no radon protection measures are necessary (i.e. in relation to the natural geological materials within the area). Natural Low risk with respect to natural hazards Subsidence Risk

2.11 Hydrogeology

The following hydrogeological information (Table 2‐6) has been derived from the Landmark report enclosed in Appendix A and from the Environment Agency Groundwater Vulnerability 1:10,000 Map series sheet 23.

Table 2-6: Hydrogeological Information

Groundwater Southern site area: Soils of High Leaching Potential (H1) ‐ Soils which Vulnerability readily transmit liquid discharges because they are either shallow, or susceptible to rapid by‐pass flow directly to rock, gravel or groundwater

A very small area of the site located at NGR 422300/319600: Soils of High Leaching Potential (H2) ‐ Deep, permeable, coarse textured soils which readily transmit a wide range of pollutants because of their rapid drainage and low attenuation potential

Remainder of site: Soils of High Leaching Potential (U) ‐ Soil information for restored mineral workings and urban areas is based on fewer observations than elsewhere. A worst case vulnerability classification (H) assumed, until proved otherwise. Superficial Secondary Aquifer – A (Alluvium) Aquifer Designation Bedrock Secondary Aquifer – B (Mercia Mudstone Group) Aquifer Designation

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 15 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Water Table No groundwater level information is available for the site covered in this and Flow report; however the groundwater level was encountered between 1.3m and Direction 3.2m depth on the neighbouring site, Branston West (ref. previous ground investigation reports, as discussed in Halcrow’s 2011 Geo‐Environmental Planning Statement for Branston West). Near Surface Minor watercourses and ponds exist across the site Water Features Groundwater The River Trent flows along the eastern boundary of the site with a River and River Quality Designation of Grade C. Water Quality Source Northern quarter of site (north of NGR 422250/320500): Zone III (Total Protection Catchment): The total area needed to support the discharge from the Zones protected groundwater source. Licensed There are no records of licensed groundwater abstractions on site. Six Groundwater abstractions within 250m of the site (see Table 2‐4 for details). Abstractions Flood Risk The whole site is at risk of flooding from the River Trent in areas without defences; no defences are shown to exist on site or benefit the site from an off‐site location.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 16 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

3 Site Implications

The findings of this desk study imply that certain geotechnical and environmental constraints may exist within the site. These are summarised below in Table 3‐1 and Table 3‐2.

3.1 Geotechnical Implications

Table 3-1: Summary of Geotechnical Site Implications

Geotechnical Implications (i) Part of the site is underlain by PFA, which is of variable composition. If development other than open space/landscaping is proposed for the site, some areas may not provide a suitable bearing medium. (ii) Studies show that gravel was not abstracted from the whole of the site. Any structures should not be located across the boundaries between PFA and natural ground unless piled foundations are used.

The location of the only area of 1st River Terrace Deposits shown on the site appears to have been extracted as shown by the presence of a lagoon at NGR 421450/319450 on 12th July 1971; this area has since been backfilled. (iii) The Birmingham to Derby railway forms the western site boundary. Development within the railway easement should be done only in consultation with the appropriate authority. (iv) Groundwater is present close to the surface and trial pits excavated west of the railway in Branston West were prone to collapse. Excavations may require extensive shoring and / or dewatering. (vii) If excavation is required in the PFA, then this should be carried out carefully and measures taken to ensure that dust is minimised if necessary by spraying with water. All PFA transported off site should be in a covered vehicle. (viii) The nature of the PFA indicates that there is the possibility for some loss of bearing strength to occur during a seismic event. (ix) Chemical classification of the soils present is needed to enable the design of buried concrete to BRE Special Digest 1.

3.2 Environmental Implications

Table 3-2: Summary of Environmental Site Implications

Environmental Implications (i) The PFA may contain elevated levels of potential contaminants typically associated with PFA (e.g. arsenic, cadmium, selenium and copper); in addition it is likely to have a high pH.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 17 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Environmental Implications (ii) The whole site is within the Environment Agency’s indicative floodplain. (iii) Groundwater contamination may be occurring from material leaching out of the PFA on the site. (iv) Ground gas may be migrating to the site from nearby PFA landfill sites or being produced on the site itself from the PFA. (v) There is a potential for PFA in the site to be a source of radon gas. No monitoring of this has been carried out in the adjacent site during investigations because the level of radon within the ground does not give a reliable indication of the amount that would be present in buildings constructed on the site. Studies by the National Radiological Protection Board have indicated that there is unlikely to be any additional risk to houses built on PFA sites. Nevertheless, by adopting the “precautionary principle”, a basic level of radon protection should be provided if development other than open space/landscaping is proposed for the site.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 18 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

4 Preliminary Risk Assessment

The Government’s current approach to existing contaminated land is to encourage land to be used safely and economically, striking a balance between risks and the need to restore “Brownfield” sites to beneficial use. The “Suitable for Use” approach is adopted by regulators for existing contamination where site conditions are assessed in relation to intended use of the site after restoration.

Risk assessment is usually carried out to determine the significance of the presence and concentration of harmful substances measured at site. The commonly accepted approach to risk assessment is to examine the source of the harmful substance in relation to the receptor (which might be a human, sensitive environmental feature or building) and determine whether there is a linkage (pathway) between them. If any of these elements (source, pathway or receptor) are absent or removed the site poses no risk.

4.1 Identified Sources, Pathways and Receptors

4.1.1 Sources

Based on the history of the site and surrounding land, the potentially contaminative land uses and associated potential contaminants of concern are set out in Table 4‐1, below.

Table 4-1: Potential contaminants of concern

Land use Potential Contaminants of Concern

Onsite: Arable Hydrocarbons (fuel spills), pesticides, herbicides and heavy farmland metals (the latter only if sewage sludge was applied to the land)

Onsite: PFA Aluminium, iron, silicon, carbon, calcium, potassium, sodium and magnesium, sulphates. Trace elements including arsenic, boron, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, sulphur, selenium, titanium, vanadium and zinc. Mercury. Ash lagoons are noted in the industry profile to potentially contain metals, metalloids and their compounds, water treatment chemicals, timber treatment chemicals. Alkaline pH. PFA is potentially a source of radon and methane.

Adjacent to west: Hydrocarbons, PAH, herbicides, railway ballast (ash, clinker, Railway Land slag), anti‐freeze (ethylene glycol), VOCs, SVOCs

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 19 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

4.1.2 Pathways

The following pathways have been identified for the site based upon knowledge of the ground conditions at the site and proposed future land use as open space and landscaping:

• Mobilisation of hazardous substances within the ground (leaching) to controlled waters

• Direct contact with hazardous substances on the ground/ in topsoil

• Migration of gas through permeable strata

• Dust inhalation from topsoil

If any excavations are proposed at the site, the following additional pathways have been identified:

• Direct contact with hazardous substances within the ground

• Dust inhalation during works/excavations within the PFA

4.1.3 Receptors

The following receptors have been identified for the site based upon proposed future land use as open space and landscaping:

• Long term site users (such as farm workers).

• Visitors to the site if it is established as a local amenity

• Groundwater and Secondary A Aquifer within the sand and gravel deposits

• Surface water: Tatenhill Brook, streams and ponds in the site

• Surface water: River Trent

The following additional receptors have been identified for the site if future excavation/ construction is proposed:

• Site workers

• Buried concrete, services

4.2 Qualitative Risk Assessment

A preliminary qualitative risk assessment has been carried out and is summarised in Table 4‐2 below. The purpose of this is to prioritise any risks likely to be present and to provide an initial indication of their acceptability

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 20 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

in the context of ongoing use of the site as open space and to determine the need for any investigation.

4.2.1 Assessment methodology

By assuming that a viable pathway exists, connecting a source to a receptor, a “pollutant linkage” is said to exist. Assuming that there is a link between the above source(s) and receptor(s), an assessment is made of the level of risk. Risk is a consideration of both:

• the likelihood of an event occurring (probability of an event); and

• the severity of the consequences that result from receptor/source contact (consequence).

A Risk Categorisation (based on DETR, 1995) has been formulated and enclosed within Appendix D; the significance of each risk is also explained here.

Rev: Final Version 01 Date: July 2011 21 P:\PJF116 - Branston\Docs\Outgoing\Reports\Phase 1 Branston East\Final version 01 July 2011\Branston East Phase 1 Geo-environmental Audit final Version 01.doc

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Table 4-2: Preliminary assessment of risks associated with the site under present site conditions and during future use as open space and landscaping

Source of Source of Site Area Pathways Receptors Likelihood of Consequence Potential Comment/Mitigation Harmful Information Occurrence of Occurrence Significance Substance (risk classification) Arable Present Entire site Direct Visitors Low Low Low risk Assuming modern farmland ‐ land use contact Site users approved pesticides/ herbicides and herbicides are used pesticides and appropriate warning signs are placed during application Arable Present Entire site Migration Ground‐ Low Low Low Natural farmland – land use through water biodegradation small scale permeable anticipated if any hydrocarbon strata localised spills have spills occurred associated with farm vehicles Arable Present Entire site Direct Visitors Low Medium Moderate risk If future use as public farmland – land use contact/ Site users open space rather than heavy metals dust arable land is possibly inhalation proposed, GI should present if be undertaken to sewage sludge determine presence or has been absence of heavy applied to the metals in topsoil land

Doc no: XXXX Version: Draft Date: May 2011 Project code: PJF116 Filename: Branston East Phase 1 Geo‐environmental Audit final Version 01.doc 22 Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Source of Source of Site Area Pathways Receptors Likelihood of Consequence Potential Comment/Mitigation Harmful Information Occurrence of Occurrence Significance Substance (risk classification) PFA ‐ Historical Central Migration Ground‐ Low Medium Moderate risk Sampling and testing Leachable Ordnance and through water and likelihood – of surface waters at materials Survey southern permeable surface PFA assumed entry/exit to site will within the soil Plans areas of strata water low allow assessment to be and/or site, features permeability made of effects of site groundwater possibly with low on surface water elsewhere mobility of quality if migrated contaminants from offsite PFA landfills PFA ‐ Ground Historical Central Migration None N/A N/A N/A Valid pollutant linkage gas and radon Ordnance and through identified not identified Survey southern permeable in current/ Plans areas strata future use where PFA as open was space deposited.

Note: 1. Railway land has not been considered in the preliminary risk assessment as development is not proposed in the Branston East site; the situation is unchanged from existing and the railway land is outside St Modwen Development Ltd’s ownership

2. Potential future pollutant linkages identified in Section 4.1have not been considered here as there is no currently‐proposed development at Branston East

Doc no: XXXX Version: Draft Date: May 2011 Project code: PJF116 Filename: Branston East Phase 1 Geo‐environmental Audit final Version 01.doc 23 Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

5 Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1 Summary

The Branston East site is located south of Branston, Staffordshire, between the Birmingham‐Derby Railway and the River Trent. It is currently used as arable land and is proposed to remain as open space and landscaping within the sustainable urban development and employment opportunity south of Branston. Branston East will form part of a green link and resource between Branston Water Park in the west and Drakelow Nature Reserve east of the River Trent,

A review of the historical land usage of Branston East indicated that the site was used as fields, then during the 1960s and 1970s the central part of the site and a localised area of the south of the site were used for extraction of sands and gravels (River Terrace Deposits). The resulting excavations were filled with Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) from the nearby Drakelow Power Station. Branston East has since been reinstated and is now used as arable land, with hedgerows/field boundaries and an area of ponds and vegetation.

The underlying geology comprises Alluvium and 1st River Terrace Deposits above deposits of the Mercia Mudstone Group. Previous investigations in Branston West (west of the railway line) have found PFA to be up to 8.5m thick and the strength to be variable with depth.

The site is adjacent to the River Trent that has a river quality of Grade C. The superficial River Terrace Deposits (sand and gravel) are classified by the Environment Agency as a Secondary Aquifer – A. The Mercia Mudstone Group is classified as a Secondary Aquifer – B. The northern end of the site is within a Total Catchment Source Protection Zone. The whole site is within the indicative floodplain of the River Trent. It is anticipated that groundwater is present at relatively shallow depth; in the adjacent Branston West site groundwater was encountered between 1.3 and 3.2m below ground level In Branston East the groundwater in the superficial River Terrace deposits is anticipated to be in hydraulic continuity with the River Trent.

The Birmingham to Derby railway line forms the western site boundary and developments close to the railway line should not be undertaken without consultation with the appropriate authority.

The preliminary risk assessment undertaken for Branston East (Section 4) shows that, with the current usage of the site as arable land, the risks to site users, visitors, surface and ground waters are generally low. There is the possibility that sewage sludge may have been spread on the land historically. If this is the case, heavy metals may be present in the topsoil. If future use as public open space rather than arable land is proposed, surface sampling and testing of topsoil should be undertaken to determine whether or not such substances are present. The presence of PFA within the site may have led to leachable materials within the soil and/or groundwater. Sampling and testing of surface waters at their entry to the site and exit from the site will allow assessment to be made of effects of the Branston East site on surface water quality.

Doc no: XXXX Version: Draft Date: May 2011 Project code: PJF116 Filename: Branston East Phase 1 Geo‐environmental Audit final Version 01.doc 24 Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

6 References

Coal Authority (13th May 2011). Coal Mining Report, Branston, Staffordshire. Ref 00028695‐1

Halcrow Group Ltd, July 2011. St Modwen Developments Ltd. Geo‐Environmental Planning Statement, Branston West. Report Ref. PJF116/22/12354, Version 01.

Landmark Information Group, May 2011. Envirocheck Report. Site at Burton upon Trent Staffordshire. Ref 34725405_1_1.

Stevenson IP and Mitchell GH, 1955. Geology of the Country between Burton upon Trent, Rugeley and Uttoxeter, Memoir for 1:50 000 geological sheet 140 (England and Wales). HMSO.

Doc no: XXXX Version: Draft Date: May 2011 Project code: PJF116 Filename: Branston East Phase 1 Geo‐environmental Audit final Version 01.doc 25 Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

7 Figures

Figure 1: Site Location and Boundary Plan

Doc no: XXXX Version: Draft Date: May 2011 Project code: PJF116 Filename: Branston East Phase 1 Geo‐environmental Audit final Version 01.doc 26 Branston East, Staffordshire Figure 1 – Site Location & Boundary Plan

N

Site

Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2011

Drawn by AGRL Date: 31/05/11 Drawing Scale at A4: NTS Drawing No. Checked by Date: SITE LOCATION & File Name: Figure 1-Site Location & Figure 1 Authorised by Date: Boundary Plan BOUNDARY PLAN Revision - Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix A

Landmark Envirocheck Report; 34725405

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix A: Landmark Envirocheck Report; 34725405

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix B

Coal Mining Report: 00028695-11

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix B: Coal Mining Report: 00028695-11

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix C

Correspondence with Staffordshire County Council

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix C: Correspondence with Staffordshire County Council

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix D

Risk Categorisation (based on DETR, 1995)

Phase 1 Geo-Environmental Audit

Appendix D: Risk Categorisation (based on DETR, 1995)