Waters Edge Reclamation Project Barton upon Humber Sam Hill Alun Macey

Waters Edge 1988 BritAg Fertiliser Plant and associated works/fire fighting ponds.

The problem Waters’ Edge is situated on the south bank of the Humber Estuary on the northern edge of Barton-upon-Humber. Waters’ Edge is situated on the south bank of the Humber Estuary on the northern edge of Barton-upon-Humber. Historical clay extraction- void spaces Historical clay extraction- void spaces Spaces filled with waste materials Spaces filled with waste materials The fertiliser and chemical production facilities were later constructed on infilled pits. The fertiliser and chemical production facilities were later constructed on infilled pits. The contaminants present on the site were found in: The contaminants present on the site were found in: the infill materials which cover most of the former Britag Factory site and MTM factory site, the infill materials which cover most of the former Britag Factory site and MTM factory site, the contents of the Works Tip, the contents of the Works Tip, surface water run off, pond water and ground water. surface water run off, pond water and ground water.

The problem 35-hectare contaminated site. 35-hectare contaminated site. Heavy metals contamination following the closure of agrochemical factories on the site Heavy metals contamination following the closure of agrochemical factories on the site Concern over leaching into River Humber Concern over leaching into River Humber Unnacceptable levels of anthrax spores in the soil Unnacceptable levels of anthrax spores in the soil Leaching threatened chalk aquifer Leaching threatened chalk aquifer Site was “neutered”, preventing it from being returned to a worthwhile use. Site was “neutered”, preventing it from being returned to a worthwhile use.

Solutions Production of fertilisers ceased enabling the site to be reclaimed to be used as a recreational area. Production of fertilisers ceased enabling the site to be reclaimed to be used as a recreational area. The solution was to identify and dig up the contaminated land, which took 2 years The solution was to identify and dig up the contaminated land, which took 2 years Total cost of the decontamination was £5.7 million. Total cost of the decontamination was £5.7 million. HGV’s took the contaminated soil to Conesby landfill site at a rate of 3 truckloads per day during peak operation. HGV’s took the contaminated soil to Conesby landfill site at a rate of 3 truckloads per day during peak operation. Fresh clay from local sources used as fill. Fresh clay from local sources used as fill. It was intended that the site was to be restored to a country park with reed beds, water bodies and public access. It was intended that the site was to be restored to a country park with reed beds, water bodies and public access.

Nature Reserve - Aerial view

Nature reserve Maps Green indicates SSSI

Future Plans Autumn 2004 saw the start of the construction of the new Waters' Edge Visitors Centre. Autumn 2004 saw the start of the construction of the new Waters' Edge Visitors Centre. Displays will be themed around: Displays will be themed around: Wetland biodiversity. Wetland biodiversity. Threats posed through climate change and sea level rise, the effect on biodiversity and important habitats on the Humber. Threats posed through climate change and sea level rise, the effect on biodiversity and important habitats on the Humber. Sustainable construction Sustainable construction The centre will also act as the communication hub for the region’s ‘wildlife surveillance network’. This will provide live images to centre visitors and the Internet. The centre will also act as the communication hub for the region’s ‘wildlife surveillance network’. This will provide live images to centre visitors and the Internet.