Campaigners examining the effects of a toxic waste scandal in Corby have identified potentially harmful levels of metals in freshwater and soil samples, prompting fresh calls for action. According to BBC News, the charity Earthwatch Europe says trained citizen scientists discovered metals and metalloids at 52 freshwater sites across the Northamptonshire town during sampling in July, with particular concern about cadmium and nickel concentrations.
The findings reignite longstanding concerns about contamination linked to steelworks demolition in the 1980s, when children in Corby were born with birth defects believed connected to the clearance process. ITV News reports that Earthwatch identified cadmium above its Soil Guideline Value at two sites and arsenic above it at six sites, with the charity warning that long-term exposure at those levels could pose a human-health risk.
Earthwatch Europe's analysis revealed that at every freshwater site examined, at least one metal or metalloid was present at concentrations exceeding the level where "no adverse ecological effects are expected". Nickel was detected in 28 freshwater samples and cadmium in six, the charity reported. The group's assessment suggests a "relatively constant source of pollution; likely groundwater and landfill leachate rather than urban run-off", with elevated concentrations of cadmium and nickel in freshwater, and cadmium and arsenic in soil, largely confined to Deene Quarry and a former slag heap in Weldon.
Dr Sasha Woods, a scientific advisor for Earthwatch Europe, said the results highlighted areas where further investigation and remedial action may be needed.
The findings indicate that some metals are present in freshwater at levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life, and in soil at levels that could impact human health, particularly in areas close to known historic waste sites.
The scale of contamination in Corby reflects a broader national problem. ITV News Anglia has documented that between 1985 and 1997, the council moved approximately 200 million tonnes of toxic waste through Corby during the steelworks-site clearance, often transported in open lorries. This historical context underpins the current investigation and the ongoing health concerns affecting residents.
Tracey Taylor, whose baby daughter Shelby-Anne died at four days old, has spent decades campaigning for justice over the scandal. In 2009, Justice Akenhead ruled in favour of 18 Corby families, determining that Corby Borough Council was negligent in managing the waste. In 2010, the council dropped its appeal and agreed a financial settlement with 19 families, though more than 30 families later joined together to demand answers about birth defects they believe were linked to the waste.
Taylor expressed hope that the new Earthwatch Europe report would prompt greater attention to the issue.
I'm 30 years down the line, I don't need that apology, I don't need justice, but I will fight on for the children and the community of Corby, because the Corby community always come together and they support each other. They should not have to deal with this or be living with this on their land. It needs sorting.
What are the regulatory authorities saying?
The Environment Agency (EA) acknowledged the volunteer work but stated that some metals occur naturally and that its own evidence did not indicate "widespread or significant harm" to the freshwater environment across Corby. An EA spokesperson confirmed the agency is reviewing the Earthwatch Europe report alongside its own evidence and will continue to assess the findings and take any further action needed.
North Northamptonshire Council, which replaced Corby council in 2021, also welcomed the report. A council spokesperson said it would "fully assess the data and supporting information" and that residents could be assured that any credible evidence of a risk to human health or the environment would be thoroughly considered and investigated through appropriate regulatory processes. ITV News reports that the council says its technical review will determine whether further investigation is required.
What are politicians demanding?
Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, stated that local authorities have a duty to inspect and identify sites where contamination is causing unacceptable risks. He urged North Northamptonshire Council to publish a plan to make these sites safe, emphasising the need for transparent action on the issue.
Families have also called for a public inquiry and a full apology, reflecting the depth of concern about both past harm and ongoing contamination risks. The Earthwatch Europe report, compiled by thirty citizen scientists, provides fresh evidence to support these demands for comprehensive action.
What happens next?
The Environment Agency and North Northamptonshire Council are currently reviewing the Earthwatch Europe findings. The council's technical review will assess whether further investigation is needed, though no scheduled date for a decision has been reported. The outcome of these reviews will determine what remedial measures, if any, are undertaken to address the contamination identified in freshwater and soil across Corby.
