The former Johnson’s Factory site was for many years a building used for large scale industrial dry-cleaning.
It operated just off Stanley Road and was located between Alpha Street and Mildmay Road.
As part of the dry-cleaning activity which went on, special chlorinated solvents were used to remove stains from fabrics. We are aware that these solvents were previously stored in underground tanks.
Chemicals
The factory has since been demolished and new homes are being constructed on the land.
Some of the chemicals stored underground have remained in the soil since and have spread slightly beyond the original borders of the site.
While there is currently no evidence that these chemicals have affected air quality levels inside homes in the immediate vicinity to the site, we are carrying out non-intrusive testing as a precautionary measure.
Many properties are expected to have no or only very low level traces of these chemicals in the air. New properties built on the site itself have been constructed in line with modern regulations which mitigate any potential air quality contamination.
Over the next few weeks some homes in the immediate vicinity of the site will be invited to take part in indoor air quality monitoring. This involves placing small monitoring devices inside rooms and possibly under floors, as well as carrying out a brief visual inspection of ventilation and flooring.
As part of plans to redevelop the site around 2012–2013, testing of ground conditions identified contamination associated with its previous uses. A remediation strategy was subsequently developed, and extensive works were undertaken, including the removal and treatment of solvents.
On Site Remediation
Although significant quantities of contamination were removed and treated, ongoing monitoring indicated that some contamination remained. As a result, redevelopment proposals were put on hold. At that time, the developer’s consultants did not raise any specific concerns related to contamination potentially affecting neighbouring properties.
Since the initial remediation works, the site has changed ownership several times, and redevelopment recommenced. As part of this process, a review of the previous remediation and ground conditions was undertaken. This identified the need for further monitoring to inform any additional remediation requirements.
Subsequent testing and monitoring confirmed the presence of residual solvent contamination, including some off-site impacts. Consultants therefore recommended undertaking indoor air quality monitoring within neighbouring properties to ensure that local residents are not exposed to unacceptable levels of vapours.
Modern Protections
Plus Dane, who now owns the land, has a robust ongoing remediation strategy in place specifically designed to ensure the land is suitable for residential use. New properties being built on the site have been developed with modern vapour protection in place. This means that they are protected from any solvents that may remain in the ground and are safe to live in.
The current remediation strategy that Plus Dane is undertaking focusses on the area of land that used to house the multi-story Johnson’s HQ building, the only part of the site that has not been remediated previously.
As part of this strategy, regular tests are conducted, validation reports produced and certificates provided for each stage. Inspections are also carried out by a specialist remediation consultant working with Plus Dane to ensure the strategy is being followed to the highest of standards. There have been no concerns with regards to levels of contamination on the site since the remediation has taken place.
The remediation strategy will remain ongoing until the development is completed.