<box 440px center|Sunday 21th September 2008> large:Y9AzeOM3ncE </box>

Notes on working party held on Sunday 21st Sept 2008

The group of 7 met and checked out some of the raised manhole covers, finding two deep concrete chambers, approx 2.5 m in diameter and 3 m deep. We assume these are storm water anti surge chambers, and are situated at approx the same area identified by Richard Martin.

The top of the chambers is approx 0.5 m below the ground level, but the inlet and outlet pipes are about 2 m below the soil surface. Providing we avoid planting very close to these manholes, fruit trees should easily be accommodated in this area.

It was decided to make further enquiries about the cost of scanning the site to detect plastic/concrete structures that have no metal content. David is to talk to contacts at County Hall to find out the cost of soil analysis (reckoned to be about £50.00 a sample).

We probably need to check nutrient status ( Phosphates, Nitrogen and Potassium) and also for toxic materials such as heavy metals (eg Lead) and also other potentially dangerous biologically active substances (eg PCBs and organophosphates). We obviously need guidance on this.

Test pits dug to examine the soil profile in a couple of sites, showed a shallow layer of humus, and below that a very mixed layer of clay small stone, lighters more sandy material. The impression was of disturbed soil , some from deep in the normal undisturbed soil,(perhaps dug up when chambers and deep pipes were installed, with a layer of humus that may have been spread on the surface when works were completed, or developed naturally as plants colonised the bare soil.

The boundary between the pumping station and the eastern edge of the plot was examined. The fencing probably needs replacing, and some dangerous looking remnants of spiked railings removed.

At the end of this week, we expect to have had some feedback from our facilitator, so will have a meeting to discuss aspects of the application, and also Jules’s update of the site plan. This will take place in the pub, at 7.30pm on Wed 1st October. A copy of the plan will then soon be available for general inspection.

We also hope to maintain a monthly working party. The suggested date for the next one being Sun 26th October. This will be confirmed after the next meeting. Mary H Clarke