§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment in relation to the toxic waste disposal site at Ewelme, Oxfordshire(a) what reports he has received of leakage and contamination of groundwater, (b) what is the extent of the contamination, (c) what measures are being taken to clear up the pollution and (d) whether he will call in the planning application to extend the site submitted by S. Grundans Ltd.
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 2 December 1991]: I understand that routine monitoring of the waste disposal site at Ewelme by Oxfordshire county council, as the waste disposal authority, has identified chlorinated solvents in nearby groundwater. Mains supply drinking water is unaffected, but local environmental health officers are making urgent quality checks on water from nearby boreholes and wells. The site operator, S. Grundans, is also seeking consultants' advice on the extent of pollution and on possible remedial measures.
The county council, as planning authority, has the planning application under consideration and are presently consulting on a submitted environmental statement. When consultation is completed it will be in a position to consider the matter further in the light of local criteria. The Secretary of State would generally consider calling in the application only if planning issues of more than local importance were involved.