HS2 agrees to mitigate ‘foul odour’ from construction site exacerbated by heat

HS2 has agreed to introduce further mitigation measures to stop a foul odour emanating from a construction site in North Warwickshire that is being exacerbated by the recent heat. North Warwickshire and Bedworth MP Rachel Taylor (centre of image above) has led calls for the project team to intervene and for HS2 to compensate residents who live near to the source of the smell. The odour is linked to the lime stabilisation process used to turn wet material into solid material to be stockpiled before it’s reused. In line with HS2’s sustainability policy, all material extracted during the construction process is reused or recycled. Lime stabilisation is a common technique in the construction industry and is not harmful to human health. This material is currently stored in two stockpiles with the main stockpile being southeast of Water Orton village, near Birmingham. During the recent hot weather, HS2 said it has received an uptake in enquiries and concerns from local communities. HS2 stated it has taken immediate measures to try and mitigate the odour. These include doubling the number of mist cannons being deployed to dampen the smell, increasing the concentration of odour neutraliser and the construction of a 4m high earth bund. When used, the recycled earth will primarily be buried but some will also be used for the overall landscaping of the completed railway. This will all be covered with regular topsoil so, once buried in its final location, there will be no further risk of odour release. HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, Balfour Beatty Vinci (BBV), is constructing 90km of the high-speed line between Long Itchington in Warwickshire to the centre of Birmingham and on to Staffordshire. Earlier this month, following complaints from residents, Taylor said the “HS2 stink had returned”. In response, she wrote to HS2 chief executive Mark Wild and the Environment Agency. She subsequently visited the HS2 excavation works site to see the situation for herself. During the visit, Taylor made clear that residents should not have to put up with foul smells affecting their homes and daily lives. She has also launched a petition for compensation that has been signed by nearly 500 people. HS2 stated that excavation and movement of the material presenting the highest odour risk is expected to be completed by the end of September. An HS2 Ltd spokesperson said: “We hold regular meetings with Ms Taylor and her constituents so we can listen and act on concerns. “We’ve been transparent about the cause of the odour, which is linked to the storage and movement of excavated earth. While it poses no harm to human health, we recognise it may be unpleasant for those living nearby – particularly during the recent hot weather. “We are taking decisive action to alleviate this. Following our recent meeting with Ms Taylor and detailed information from nearby residents we are enhancing our mitigations in targeted areas including adding additional mist cannons. We encourage anyone with concerns to contact us, as this helps to inform our own detailed investigations.” Have your say or a new account to join the discussion.