Freedom of Information Act 2000: Gas Monitoring Measures at Sheepwash Nature Reserve

Dear Mr Carroll,

Freedom of Information Act 2000: Gas monitoring measures at Sheepwash Nature Reserve

Thank you for your enquiry of 5 February 2012 regarding the gas monitoring at Sheepwash Nature Reserve. The answers to your questions are set out below:

(i) Could you confirm what gas monitoring measures are in place at Sheepwash Local Nature Reserve, Great Bridge Tipton and who undertakes the monitoring on behalf of Sandwell Council and how frequently this is performed?

Gas monitoring is not currently being undertaken at this site.

(ii) If possible and within cost limits could you show by way of a map of the site, where the monitoring points are on the site?

This site was last monitored for landfill gas in 1996 and it is most unlikely that the monitoring points in use at that time will have survived.

(iii) Could you confirm the most recent results undertaken and whether and how past monitoring results can be viewed by members of the public?

The most recent results are from samples submitted on 14 October 1996 which were analysed for methane, carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen. Sampling was undertaken at that time to check the performance of a perimeter vent trench and slurry wall which had been installed to prevent landfill gas migration from the infilled marl hole. Long-term monitoring had by that date established that the gas control measures were effective and testing was then discontinued. Periodic maintenance is now undertaken on the vent trench to ensure it does not become overgrown or silted-up. Specific results are not published but could be requested under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

(iv) Can you confirm that phosphine gas levels have never been tested for or undertaken at the site during any part of its development or since 1974 with the creation of Sandwell Council and that the council have never asked anyone to undertake such analysis?

There are no records within this organisation of any testing for phosphine or of any requests for such testing to be undertaken.

If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal review. Internal review requests should be submitted within two months of the date of receipt of the response to your request, and should be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Unit

Oldbury Council House

Freeth Street

Oldbury

West Midlands

B69 3DE

Email -

If you are not content with the outcome of an internal review, you have a right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner’s Office

Wycliffe House

Water Lane

Wilmslow

Cheshire SK9 5AF

Please remember to quote your reference number above in any future communications.

Yours sincerely,

Richard Norton

Environmental Health Manager

Environmental Health

Homes and Communities Directorate

Council House, High Street, Smethwick, West Midlands, B66 3NT

E-mail:

Fax: 0121 569 5117