Hi Peter,
I have not investigated human remain burial sites, but I have
investigated a large former vaccine production facility which used
various infectious microbes for vaccine production, with large burial
remains of animals and egg embryos. I so doing, we did a detailed
literature review of a range of infectious bacteria and viruses in
various media - our overall conclusion was that the spore formers,
specifically Clostridium sp. and anthrax, could possibly survive over a
period of decades (and possibly greater than 100 years) in the spore but
not the vegetative state. Other organisms, including viruses were not
likely to survive at significant levels over those types of time
periods. Of course, that was a different setting, but still, could be
something to consider.
Regards
Aamer
Aamer Raza
Associate Director
Harrison Group Environmental
Kimberley Street,
Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2RJ
Phone: 01603-613-111
Email [log in to unmask]
-----Original Message-----
From: Contaminated Land Management Discussion List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Andy
O'Dea
Sent: 27 August 2009 10:27
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: BioHazard Related to London Burial Site
We have carried out an Phase 1 desk study for a proposed development
site in
central London (near Regents Park). The earliest edition historical map
identifies the site as a "workhouse" but archaeological advise indicates
that
the site was used for the burial of human remains before that time (pre
1780s). We do not know if these were so-called 'plague pits' or simply
individual graves.
My question is this........is there likely to be any significant
biological/contamination risk associated with a burial site of such age
(at least
230 years old) and if so, what testing should be carried out in any
future
ground investigation works? I have heard that this has been an issue
for
London Underground in the past but risk was related to protection of
buried
concrete/steel from acid conditions and public notification of the
works.
Many thanks in advance for any advice.
Regards
Andy O'Dea
Senior Associate
For and on behalf of Peter Brett Associates LLP
Tel: +44 (0)118 952 0252
Mob: +44 (0)7917 372 803
Web: www.peterbrett.com
Ext: 252
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