Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have released an update on an ongoing investigation into toxic chemical waste leaking from a quarry near Caerphilly. The Ty Llwyd Quarry, near to Ynysddu, is believed to contain highly carcinogenic PCBs and other pollutants which were dumped at the site decades ago by chemical company Monsanto from its Newport factory.
Manufacturing of PCBs, which were widely used in electric equipment, was banned in the UK in 1981 after tests revealed them to be deadly to humans and wildlife. The leakage came to a head in January this year when those who live in the area below the council-owned quarry said that after heavy rain a potent-smelling brown foamy liquid flows from the site down through woodland and past homes.
Many are concerned the substance is potentially harmful to inhabitants and that it could be entering the Sirhowy River and eventually spilling into the Celtic Sea. The local council claims the liquid is “normal surface water” but has urged people to stay away from the quarry and surrounding area during periods of heavy rainfall.
