Andy
There will always be some risk from these sites, your main worry
would be anthrax, although I think that you would be unlucky if the
spores is were still to be found viable after 230 years, although its
possible.
I have a presentation which I can send that may give you some background
on the issues of pathogens in contaminated land.
Best Regards
Dr Russell Thomas
BSc(Hons), PhD, CBIOL, MIBIOL, MIENVSc, CEnv, MSCI
Principal Scientist, Communities
Parsons Brinckerhoff
44-(0)7879-602-509
-----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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