News about HS2

HS2 Air Quality

The February Air Quality report is available here

We note that there is little change form the previous repor - apparantly the Air Quality Monitors failed a lot as they are Solar powered.

There were 6 dust trigger alerts in February. HS2 say " the trigger alerts are likely due to wind whipping of nearby (within 3m) loose earth mounds and monitor being located immediately beside site-vehicle haul route"

HS2 Water Contamination

Affinity Water has applied to vary their water abstraction licence for the Batchworth, West Hyde and Blackford bore holes due to HS2. They expect to have to cease using some or all of our local water sources for up to 4 years due to HS2's construction work. They have also placed a contract with Thames Water to purchase replacement water.

Digging a railway tunnel through a chalk aquafer always had the risk of contaminating the water supply, the calculations are that this will be temporary, lets hope they are right ! 

You can see the part redacted document here, it is part of the Environment Agencies consultation.