Notes on meeting held on Tues 1st September 2009, attended by Debbie, Roger, David, Marcus and Mary.

The meeting discussed the informal findings of the soil sampling carried out on 10th August 2009. These were that a sample taken from the proposed orchard area contained unexpected evidence of arsenic and cadmium, and an area close to the proposed seating area had slightly raised levels of Benzo(a)pyrene, which is often found near tarmac and scalping. (This area has been used for parking vehicles, and turning vehicles.)

In general, the problems can be avoided by altering the proposed growing position of various plants on the meadow, to avoid growing anything that could be eaten on areas that may have raised levels of potentially toxic chemicals. It would be wise to carry out more detailed soil sampling in these area when funds become available. We have informed the ecologist at Wessex Water to see what their response is, and hope for more information shortly.

At a recent visit to the village by David Laws, Roger raised the issue of lack of clarity about the “set aside” area next to the pumping station. Wessex Water have confirmed that the original designated area is broadly that initially discussed by the original team and Mark Doughty. In the unlikely event of Wessex Water needing to use that area, we would need to pay half the cost of removing any material we had placed there. As this is some fencing, benches and other small pieces of equipment this should not be a problem.

Wessex Water have produced site safety guidelines, and notices warning drivers of pedestrians, and pedestrians of vehicles have been erected in prominent positions on the site.

Mary is to seek clarification of levels of chemical compounds in soil, and pass these on to Jeff Downing at SSDC. Wessex Water to be contacted on Friday if no response received. Meanwhile work on finalising the application form for a meeting with Martin fine on Monday is continuing.

The committee would like to thank Roger for all his recent hard work on site (weed killing and cutting back and mowing) and also setting up the details of the Landscape Specification sent out to 6 potential contractors, all of whom were given a site visit if required. These tenders are being submitted at present.

It was decided that we should have a regular work party each month, with detailed tasks to be undertaken advertised in advance. These work parties to take place on the 4th Sunday of each month, from 10.30 am to lunch time. The first will be on Sunday 27th September. The aim will be to clear areas where fencing is to be erected, and to burn all dried brambles etc. Subsequent work parties will be on 25th October, 22nd November, 27th December, in 2009.

For more information on how you can join in ring Roger on 241608, Debbie on 241756, David on 52238, Marcus on 240619, Mary on 240363.
Mary H Clarke 2/9/09