Aberdeenshire Councillor Paul Johnston is again raising concerns about the former Blackdog tip just to the North of Aberdeen and calling for new tests to let the public know what is leaking from the former landfill site.

“I was contacted by residents in March this year again and asked officials to visit the site.  Oily water seemed to be leaching from the side of he tip to add to the massive problem of beach contamination” said Paul.

Council officials had assured Councillors at the visit that the water’s oily sheen was due to iron contamination and was not uncommon or hazardous.

Now, following complaints to the Environmental Health service, notices warning people to keep away from the site’s contaminated springs, have been put up.

“On checking, it appears the chemical contents of the water were last tested in 2002 and only partially checked in 2005.  On both occasions it was not specifically tested for its hazardous nature, just its chemical contents.  Its time to re-test and tell local people what is in the water and if it is hazardous.”

Paul has asked both the Council and approached WRG group that are responsible for the site to put clear permanent signs about the contaminated nature of the site and that it should not be used as a recreation ground until such times as the site has had remedial works.

“I indicated to officials in April, the need to have signs and better fencing and it disturbs me that we still have had no action other than the temporary signs put up yesterday.  I appreciate this is a major problem and that may cost WRG group millions to fix the landfill site – if they ever can.  However, they still have an obligation and duty to make sure that the place is safe or properly secured and signed. That needs to happen quickly.”

Further recent evidence has also been shown to Councillors of the lack of care of the test boreholes for monitoring the larger problem of seeping oils from the site onto the beach causing sand and water pollution.  Paul has asked that this be properly investigated and the monitoring figures double checked in light of any findings.

The monitoring program is due for reporting this summer on the speed and volume of seepage of oils from the site onto the beach.  These figures, according to officials are needed to know what action will be taken about the pollution, similar to making sure the tap is actually no longer running before deciding to mop up.

The village of Blackdog is surrounded on all sites by former or operating landfill sites.  Cllr Johnston has been campaigning for better environmental standards in both operations and care in support of local residents, to try to mitigate the problems.  He has been a strong opponent of extended operations locally at Wester Hatton and has raised concerns over Hill of Tremaud on several occasions along side residents.