Commonside Landfill - response from Cheshire West and Chester Council 7th September 2026

RE: Letter – Former Landfill Site at Commonside, Alvanley – Request for Update, Transparency and Ongoing Community Engagement

Thank you for your letter, dated 26 August 2026, on behalf of Alvanley residents regarding the ongoing investigation at the former landfill site at Commonside, near Alvanley.

We recognise the concerns that the Parish Council has raised about the site and the importance of ensuring that the investigation is undertaken in a thorough and transparent manner. The Council continues to work closely with its specialist consultants, AECOM, and with regulatory partners including the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Environment Agency (EA) to progress the investigation.

As the investigation remains ongoing, some aspects of the next phase of work are still being finalised and, consequently, there are certain matters on which definitive timescales or outcomes cannot yet be provided. Nevertheless, the Council is committed to keeping residents and stakeholders informed as significant milestones are reached and further information becomes available.

We have set out below responses to the questions raised in your correspondence.

1. Investigation timetable: What is the current timetable for completion of the investigation and publication of the final AECOM report and associated findings?

The Council is in the process of refining the scope of the next phase of investigation with AECOM, with advice from both the UKHSA and the EA. Once this is confirmed, we will write to Alvanley Parish Council and nearby residents setting out what will happen and when, including an expected reporting completion date for that phase of work. We would highlight that depending on the investigation findings, further work may be required and for this reason we will not be able to confirm final reporting dates.

2. Publication of Data: Will all sampling and monitoring results be published in full, including data relating to PCB concentrations in soil, groundwater,      surface water and sediment samples?

All sampling and environmental monitoring data collected as part of this investigation will be made available on the Council’s dedicated Commonside webpage:

https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/environmental-health/contaminated-land-information/commonside

3. Environmental Monitoring: What ongoing monitoring programme is currently in place for Foxhill Brook and downstream watercourses, and how frequently are samples being collected and assessed?

The programme of environmental monitoring for Foxhill Brook forms part of the next phase of investigation, referenced in our response to Question 1. An expected timeframe for monitoring will be shared, but again, this may change depending on the outcome of the proposed programme and assessment of the results. Any amendment or extension to this programme will be shared with the Parish Council and residents once confirmed.

4. Ecological Assessment: Are ecological surveys and habitat assessments being undertaken alongside the contamination investigation to determine whether wildlife or downstream ecosystems may be affected?

Potential exposure to ecological receptors is considered in the Preliminary Risk Assessment, which can be read in full on our dedicated webpage referred to above. The outcome of this preliminary assessment is that there is a low risk to these receptors, but this assessment will continue to be refined following further assessment of Foxhill Brook.

5. Contingency and Remediation Planning: Should the investigation conclude that contamination is present, and migration pathways are confirmed, what contingency arrangements exist and which authority would lead any remediation programme?

Previous testing has already established that contaminants are migrating from the landfill. The aim of the current investigation is to determine if contamination from the landfill presents a significant risk, or a significant possibility of significant risk, as defined in the Statutory Guidance on contaminated land assessment under Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. If such a risk is identified by the Council, this would be grounds to determine the site as contaminated land. Once a site is determined as contaminated land, the Council is responsible for deciding what remediation is required and who is responsible.

6. Funding and Responsibility: If remedial works become necessary, how would responsibility and funding arrangements be determined?

As explained in our response to Question 5 above, if the site is determined as contaminated land, the Council is responsible for determining how contaminated land should be remediated and who is responsible.

7. Community Cooperation: How frequently does Cheshire West and Chester Council intend to provide formal updates to residents, parish councils and community stakeholders while investigations continue?

We understand the importance of ensuring that communities are kept informed about matters that may affect them and we will continue to provide updates through the Council’s dedicated Commonside webpage, as well as through direct communication with the Parish Council and residents, where appropriate. To ensure information remains relevant and meaningful, updates will be provided as substantive progress and / or key milestones are reached, rather than according to a fixed reporting schedule.

Thank you for the invitation to attend a future Parish Council meeting. The Council values opportunities to engage directly with residents and the community, and we will consider attending a meeting at an appropriate stage in the investigation, particularly when further findings are available that can assist informed discussion.

Should you have any questions regarding this letter, please do not hesitate to contact the Environmental Protection Team by email or telephone on 0300 123 8123 (8am until 7pm, Monday to Friday).