Friday 25 October update
Southern Gas Networks (SGN) continue to investigate following the reported gas leak in the village. They continue to vent and are addressing this in accordance with their usual procedures. We will continue to monitor and liaise with SGN.
Update from Openreach/OHES
- Hard copies of the information leaflet are now available in the library, village hall, café and other locations around Bramley. Copies will be distributed by Royal Mail.
- A second Starlink hub has been set up at the nest café and Openreach are exploring a number of other options.
- They have seen a slight reduction in the number of users impacted and are working with the service providers on all known issues.
- They are continuing to prioritise vulnerable people. Thank you to Cllr Austin who referred a vulnerable client this week.
Update from Asda/EPS
- The first stage of the remedial treatment system at the petrol station has successfully removed all floating fuels from on-site boreholes and continues to clean a large volume of groundwater containing dissolved petrol compounds.
- On the northern High Street the final boreholes have been drilled and they are on stage 3 of this roadmap.
- Further work is planned including more boreholes in the southern end of the High Street. This is subject to a licence application to the Highways Authority which is currently being prepared.
- You will see a QR code on the EPS compound in Bramley which provides further information regarding the ongoing work.
Update from Waverley Borough Council
- Please go to our website for the latest updates.
- The Technical Working Group and the Recovery Coordinating Group continue to work with partners and regulators with significant work being done to remediate the contamination. Please see an update from the technical working group by visiting Technical Update.
- We are prioritising vulnerable people in the village who have been impacted by the incident.
The Recovery Coordinating Group will be meeting fortnightly going forward as partners continue to progress against their roadmaps. The next update will follow the next Recovery Coordinating Group on the 8 November.
Friday 18 October update
Please see below the latest update from the Recovery Coordinating Group (RCG) in relation to the ongoing issues at Bramley.
Unfortunately, a gas leak was detected by Openreach as part of their monitoring. This has been reported to SGN, Openreach and Asda are following their normal procedures for dealing with a gas leak.
Vapour recovery systems have been switched off to allow SGN to identify the source of the leak.
There is currently nothing to suggest that the leak is linked to the petrol leak.
Update from Openreach
- The Openreach leaflet is currently with Royal Mail awaiting distribution. Hard copies of the leaflet will hopefully be available from the 21 October in the library and the Village Hall.
- They continue to look for alternative solutions and this week report a reduction in the number of impacted customers.
- They have 30 faults in the immediate Bramley area where they are unable to carry out repairs, all of these faults have been provided with a temporary solution.
- They continue to prioritise vulnerable customers in the area to ensure they are connected.
- The second Starlink hub has been located at the Nest Coffee shop this week. Openreach are looking to set up a third hub and are looking for an appropriate site. If you have any suggestions for a suitable site please contact us, BRAG, the Bramley Business Network or your local County, Borough or Parish Councillor who will be able to pass the information on.
Update from Asda/EPS:
- They are looking at drilling more bore holes on the southern section of the High Street next week. This is the next step in their roadmap.
- All partners will work together to try to minimise the impact of the road closures.
Update from Waverley Borough Council:
Economic Development - Our team are in discussion with the valuation office in relation to claims for reductions in business rates. While individuals will have to make their own claims for business rates reductions Waverley Borough Council will be providing an overview and evidence of the impact on businesses in the village to support their claims.
We are keen to engage with as many people as possible across Bramley and will be sending out links to the update on our social media channels, however, if you would like to receive the update direct, please contact: helen.barnsley@waverley.gov.uk
Friday 11 October update
We wanted to take this opportunity to talk about the remit of Recovery Coordinating Group (RCG).
The RCG is part of the Surrey Local Resilience Forum and represents all responders under the Civil Contingencies Act as well as partners.
In relation to Bramley this includes Waverley Borough Council, Surrey County Council, the UK Health Security Agency, the Environment Agency, Thames Water, Asda and EPS and Openreach with OHES and support from the MHCLG.
We know the work has been/is extremely disruptive to the residents and businesses in Bramley as well as serious concerns regarding the impact of the incident on the village and residents.
The recovery process is complex and will be a long running process.
Partners are working extremely hard to remediate the situation but as Lord Rose said at the last public meeting there is no quick fix and it is a complex situation.
We are grateful for Bramley Residents Action Group, the Bramley Business Network as well as the local and parish Councillors who are working hard to support residents and to address concerns raised by residents and business and we are keen to ensure we work closely with these groups going forward.
Update from Openreach:
Openreach are preparing a leaflet which will be mailed to all residents and will contain information regarding the action required if peoples phones or wifi are affected by the incident.
Openreach, OHES, Asda and EPS continue to meet to coordinate their work program.
They are continuing try to look for solutions as they become aware of issues and are looking for additional community hub sites.
They are working to improve the appearance of the approach of their compound.
Update from Asda:
Asda and EPS are continuing to develop and refine the road map. They are working with the EA on this and to update their permits.
They are currently struggling to find a contractor who is able to complete the additional boreholes that they would like to monitor, but will continue to try to find suitable contractors as soon as possible.
Update from Highways:
Members of the Business Network and local Councillors have made us aware of significant traffic issues this week. This is due to some emergency Thames Water works as sewage was backing up in the system. Unfortunately four way traffic lights are required to manage this work safely which has led to congestion in the village. The lights are being manually controlled and are prioritising traffic on the A281. Hopefully, the situation should improve over the weekend with the work finishing early next week.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Helen Barnsley, BRAG, the businesses network or your local Parish or Borough Councillors.
Friday 4 October update
Please see below the update from the Recovery Coordinating Group on the 4 October 2024
Update from Openreach
Openreach reported that they have been in Bramley today and are looking for additional sites to locate community hubs. If you have any suggestions please let us know. They are meeting with the communications providers weekly and report that everyone should now have either a dongle or hybrid phone.
- We continue to extract vapour from our network and monitor the vapour levels within our network
- We are prioritising vulnerable and welfare customers, please do continue to get in touch with your CPs to highlight any issues and if additional support is required, contact Bramley-Incident@openreach.co.uk
- The Star Link is available to access via the Village Hall, this is a wi-fi connectivity hub, details for connecting are available on the door.
- We are looking for additional locations for other star link hubs to be connected.
- Our website is kept UpToDate with our latest position, Update on fuel leak in Bramley, Surrey (openreach.com)
Update from Asda and EPS
Asda reported that they now have a list of community schemes and environmental initiatives which they are looking to fund. They have also agreed a number of the business compensation claims.
EPS reported that the boom on the stream has been vandalised and found down stream. This is the second time this has happened. The representative from the EA was very concerned to hear this and could exacerbate the potential environmental problem.
EPS and OHES will be meeting next week to continue their collaborative approach to their work.
Highways
We became aware during the meeting that residents have been notified of an upcoming road closure on the A281. Highways confirmed that this closure has not been approved and that they have an embargo on routine work in sensitive locations such as Bramley High Street at this time.
If you would like to know more, please email business.support@waverley.gov.uk
We continue to receive requests for information which we will reply to when we can
Please see the Waverley Borough Council website for further information regarding the road maps Bramley petrol contamination: Information and advice (waverley.gov.uk)
Friday 27 September update
There were no urgent items raised at the meeting today although we are aware that there have been reports of petrol vapours in Bramley. We believe this is probably as a result of the recent heavy rain.
We also appreciate that not everyone has access to social media. Openreach are looking at producing a leaflet with information for residents with information about what they can do if impacted by the incident.
Update from Openreach
Openreach are working with Bramley Parish Council regarding the community hubs and will be releasing the instructions on how to access the hub. To find out more, visit their website at Update on fuel leak in Bramley, Surrey (openreach.com).
They are meeting with the service providers weekly to address issues as they occur.
They have found solutions for all known vulnerable people who have made contact with them. If you are aware of any vulnerable person impacted by this incident please make contact with Openreach at bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk
Vapour extraction and monitoring continues. They have also flushed parts of their network. A camera survey is being planned to further investigate their network.
Openreach are planning a drop-in session in Bramley for anyone who has any issues the date is yet to be confirmed. They are receiving a very low number of enquires to the incident in box.
Update from Asda and EPS
On site pumping of free phase fuel from under the petrol filling station has finished (phase 1). A vapour extraction unit was commissioned a week ago to extract hydrocarbon vapours from soils underneath the station (phase 2).
Offsite works in line with the offsite roadmap continue. Work is being undertaken in preparation to mobilise equipment and works to install further boreholes in the northern and southern High Street areas later in October. Permit/Licence applications are also being progressed with the EA as the regulator, to enable remediation of the northern High Street. Otherwise monitoring continues.
Representatives from Asda are in Bramley today to discuss the community fund and are keen to understand the specific issues that residents and businesses are experiencing.
They report they are close to agreeing a number of compensation claims to business.
Update from the Business and Economic Recovery Group
The business and economic recovery group report that vacancy rates in the village remain at 10%, unchanged since they were last monitored in February. Lower than the national figure of 14%.
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Retail premises
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Vacant
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Vacancy Rate
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Bramley
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29
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3
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10%
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The next meeting business and economy recovery meeting is to take place at the end of October and the council are grateful for the work of the Bramley Business Network, which is looking to support and develop business and economic opportunities across the village.
If you would like to know more, please email business.support@waverley.gov.uk
Please see the Waverley Borough Council website for further information regarding the road maps Bramley petrol contamination: Information and advice (waverley.gov.uk)
Friday 20 September update
Please see below the latest update from the Recovery Coordinating Group on 20 September 2024.
There have been a couple of positive developments this week as you can see below:
Openreach are installing two community hubs in the village using satellite technology.
Asda have reported progress against their road map with vapour soil extraction going live this week. This means that we are moving to phase two of the road map and that the bore holes under the petrol station no longer contain floating fuel.
There was a discussion regarding the Business and Community compensation arrangements from Asda.
- They report that processing the business applications that they have received.
- In relation to the Community fund, they are looking for projects that will benefit the broader community.
- We will be in touch with the Bramley Business Network, Bramley Residents Action Group (BRAG), Borough and Parish Councillors to discuss this further.
- We are also looking to convene a business and economic recovery and community recovery group.
Openreach reported that they:
- Will be providing an update on their website on how to access the Community Hubs.
- They continue to prioritise vulnerable people who have been impacted by the incident.
- They will also send out dongles directly to people who have been impacted.
Waverley reported that:
- The Economic Development team have been in Bramley talking to businesses and carrying out their bi-annual vacant property survey. Results will be published on the Business Waverley website. They have also been liaising with Surrey County Council colleagues on other issues impacting the High Street that they have been made aware of from the business community.
- All Bramley businesses are encouraged to register on the Business Waverley web directory Bramley (businesswaverley.co.uk)
- Members of our community team have been working with Openreach to support vulnerable people impacted by the incident.
Friday 13 September update
There has been additional monitoring of the stream and the boom this week following the heavy rain that we suffered last week. EPS report that they have not found petrol on the boom.
If you detect petrol in the stream please do report to the Environment Agency. They have asked if you could specify if it is an odour that you detect, sheen on the water or petrol in the water.
Update from Asda and EPS
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Our environmental consultants EPS continue to make good progress in line with our remediation roadmap.
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To date EPS have drilled over 40 boreholes in the village and have a good understanding where the petrol came from and where it has gone
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The situation has been made more complicated by the various utilities that are close to where the fuel has travelled
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Prior to the PFS re-opening, the damaged fuel pipe which leaked was replaced and the opportunity was taken to undertake extensive upgrade works to the fuel storage, including new lines, relined tanks, relined interceptor and new leak detection monitoring. There are also boreholes around the site that are checked regularly to ensure no fuel is present.
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EPS have installed a remediation pumping system which has contained and now largely removed petrol which was on the water table under the petrol station.
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EPS are now finalising permits for the offsite remediation installation. Once this is in place, the next treatment phase will begin where vapours remaining in the soil will be extracted.
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We continue to collaborate with Surrey CC Highways, Thames Water, Openreach, Waverley Borough Council, Surrey Fire & Rescue and the Environment Agency to ensure a coordinated response to deliver on our roadmap.
Update from Openreach
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Whilst parts of our underground network aren't yet safe for our engineers to access, we've reduced the risk to residents and passers-by, using a vapour extraction unit. Outside the high-risk areas we've been able to re-establish some engineering activity and we're also resolving some issues without access to our network, where we can. We’re regularly updating our dedicated webpage and will continue to update our people, partners and customers as work progresses.
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We continue with work on site to control vapour levels within our network, however we are still not in a position to access our network to carry out any work, either proactively or from a remedial point of view
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Vulnerable customers are prioritised, we continue to work with these customers to provide alternative temporary solutions
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We also understand the impact this is having on customers and local businesses, and we’re equally frustrated by this, so we’re working closely with all the relevant authorities and organisations involved to resolve the situation as quickly and as safely as possible.
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If you’ve already raised your welfare status with your provider but you’re still encountering service issues, please contact us directly at bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk.
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If you’re a resident who only has a landline with no alternative way to make telephone calls – or if you have an urgent enquiry – please get in touch directly with Openreach at bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk and we’ll help you explore all possible options.
Thames Water
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The final trial holes have, as thought, shown no concerns.
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Routine monitoring is continuing.
Friday 6 September update
Unfortunately, we are aware of reports of petrol being detected in the stream following the recent heavy rain. The Environment Agency have visited and the feedback is that currently the boom is holding and that they will continue to monitor as well as EPS on behalf of Asda.
If you see pollution in the stream: please report to the Environment Agency on their 24 hr. incident number - 0800 807060 in order that it can be investigated.
Openreach reported that unfortunately they have found elevated levels in their system including cabling and cabinets. Their web page has been updated today and can be found here Update on fuel leak in Bramley, Surrey (openreach.com). They continue to work with individual service providers regarding possible solutions until they are able to safely carry out repairs. They are also looking at alternative methods of carrying out repairs and have managed to reconnect a number of properties this week. They have also reported to Offcom so that they are aware of the situation in Bramley and the surrounding area. We are looking at new ways that we can engage with the individual service providers to provide solutions until repairs can be carried out.
If you are aware of people without service particularly if they are vulnerable please let us know and we can see what additional support is available.
Thames Water have reported that they continue to carry out routine and additional sampling in the area. The results of the sampling can be found in the FAQ’s here. https://www.thameswater.co.uk/bramley-incident-faqs/bramley-water-quality-sample-results
EPS and Asda reported that they are making good progress on their road map which you can find at 16.07.24 EPS - Bramley Off-Site Investigation, Risk Assessment and Remedial Roadmap (V1.4 ASDA) (waverley.gov.uk). It is their intention to share and discuss their data at the next public meeting.
The Environment Agency have confirmed that they are satisfied with the progress being made with respect to controlled waters (groundwater and surface water) in line with the agreed roadmaps. They have held initial discussions with ASDA’s consultants on factors to be considered in reaching an acceptable remedial end point and await further borehole investigation and monitoring data, and assessment as the information becomes available.
Friday 30 August update
Please see below the latest update from the Recovery Coordinating Group (RCG)
- Firstly, we would like to acknowledge the frustration felt in the village as this incident continues. We have become aware this week of the increasing impact of the telecommunications issues and we are working together with Openreach to try and find a solution.
- In relation to any telecommunications issues the advice remains:
- Contact your service provider.
- If they are not able to provide a solution, contact Openreach at bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk
- If they are not able to provide a solution, please contact me helen.barnsley@waverley.gov.uk, the Bramley Business Network or the Bramley Residents Action Group to escalate the problem.
- Openreach will be in contact again with all the service and mobile providers with regard to solutions they can offer such as dongles and hybrid phones.
- Works are underway to remove the existing markings from the footway chamber lids and re-position as ‘Do Not Open’
- On a positive note, the remaining ‘do not drink’ notice has now been lifted. This means that no one within the area is affected by a restriction of use notice.
- Thames Water continue their sampling in the area including additional testing around St Catherines School.
- We are aware that there are concerns regarding the possible health impacts from the contaminated water and I would like to reiterate the advice from the UK Health Security Agency, as follows:
UKHSA’s advice and public health risk assessment has remained consistent throughout the course of the incident and remains the same to date.
Those in the affected area who have drunk water from the tap are likely to have only been exposed to hydrocarbons at low levels which is unlikely to cause any long-term ill effects.
The public health risk assessment is that the detectable level of petroleum products in the water is very low, which means you would be able to smell it in the water and are therefore unlikely to drink it, this reduces potential exposures and the risk of adverse health effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) produces international norms on water quality and human health in the form of guidelines that are used as the basis for regulation and standard setting world-wide. These are based on lifetime exposure and considering vulnerable groups. The levels of sampled hydrocarbons to date are below WHO drinking water guidelines and therefore it is unlikely to present a risk to health.
- EPS (the consultant for Asda) have meet with the Environmental Consultant who is supporting BRAG. They are working on a way of providing information to the community in a useful format.
- Asda are keen to receive ideas for projects for their community grant.
Please do not hesitate to contact helen.barnsley@waverley.gov.uk if you have any questions or concerns.
Friday 23 August update
There is positive news with the remediation work continuing to progress well across Bramley and with the petrol station reopening this week.
Thames water report that they continue to carry out routine samples as well as drilling trial holes to check for contamination.
The ‘do not drink’ notice has now been lifted across Bramley apart from a very specific area within St Catherines School. Thames Water are currently in discussion with the UK Health Security Agency with regards to lifting this final part of the notice.
Openreach have reported that:
- they continue to monitor the vapour levels within the Openreach network, but in some areas they still remain too high for engineers to safely access or commence engineering activity within the affected area (see orange grid below)
- Outside of this remit, w/c 26 August, Openreach will re-commence some engineering works in attempt to restore service where the network routes don’t cross or enter the currently impacted area
- In addition, we are continuing to work closely with our service providers to support them to offer alternative and temporary solutions, as well as identifying and protecting vulnerable customers affected
- It’s important that if there is a vulnerable customer with a fault or service impact that this is raised directly with the service provider. If there are any challenges with this, please contact us at bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk and we will reach out to the service providers and work in partnership
- Openreach will shortly start to replace the markings on the footway chamber lids with ‘Do Not Open’
- The Openreach Bramley page website continues to be updated - https://www.openreach.com/news/update-on-fuel-leak-in-bramley-surrey/
Click the following link to view a diagram of the Openreach affected area.
Asda now have upwards of 50 boreholes which they continue to monitor. Further information is available on the Waverley Borough Website.
Business Rates Relief: there have been questions in relation to the availability of Business Rates Relief which we have been investigating. Following a number of conversations including those with Asda, it appears that individuals will need to make their own individual claim and that there is no provision for a collective claim. We have received the following advice:
Any requests for a reduction to a property’s Rateable Value (RV), temporary or otherwise, will need to be submitted using the link below. Here is a link to a step by step guide for any business owners who are not familiar with our Check and Challenge service: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-and-challenge-your-business-rates-valuation-step-by-step
Affected business owners need to be aware that any Check submitted for a temporary reduction in RV must be submitted while the cause of the reduction is ongoing.
Bramley Community Recovery Group: To ensure that we best meet the needs of the community, especially those more vulnerable members, the Group met this week. As an RCG we will be looking at ways to make these updates more widely accessible. Concerns were raised regarding the number of people, including vulnerable people, who may be impacted by telephone or internet faults who were unknown to any agency. If you are aware of anyone who you would consider vulnerable, please let us know. The advice is to contact your service provider in the first place.
Friday 16 August update
As we move into a new phase of the recovery, with the launch of the Asda business support scheme and Asda’s engagement with the local community, we would like to emphasise the importance of partnership working and recognise the valuable contributions being made by Bramley Business Network and the Bramley Residents’ Action Group. They are independent networks which provide a unified voice to represent businesses in Bramley and the Bramley residents respectively, and the Council and other partner organisations involved in the recovery phase look forward to working with them to support the recovery process.
The Bramley Business Network has been set up following the issues that Bramley has suffered. Their aim is to:
- Liaise with relevant parties to secure compensation for affected businesses including a business rates freeze and other support.
- To take advantage of business support offered and explore promotional ideas.
- To support businesses in Bramley and make connections, introductions and opportunities to network in a relaxed way.
If you would like to find out more, please email bramleybusinessnetwork@gmail.com
The Bramley Residents Action Group (BRAG) has been set up to provide a voice to Bramley residents focusing on the remediation of the affected area and to provide an understanding of the impact of the fuel leak. If you are a member of the community impacted by the incident and would like more information about BRAG please go to their facebook page BRAG Updates - Bramley Resident Action Group | Facebook
Thames Water, Openreach and Asda and their consultants are continuing with their remediation plans:
Thames water advise that:
- They will be drilling more test boreholes in the area checking for plastic pipes.
- All supplies into St Catherine’s school have now been replaced and results of the final samples are awaited before the last of the restrictions can be lifted.
Openreach advise that:
- They continue to monitor the vapour levels in their network and are seeing a reduction in some areas due to the vapour extraction unit operating.
- Analysis is being carried out to confirm the level of contamination that is within the network, this will inform them on their next steps on remediation.
- They are continuing to work closely with their service providers to support them, to offer alternative and temporary solutions, as well as identifying and protecting vulnerable customers affected
- They have updated our Bramley webpage this week, it is noted with the date of update at the bottom of the page.
Update on fuel leak in Bramley, Surrey (openreach.com)
Asda advise that:
- They will be drilling additional boreholes within the Openreach compound to enable further ground water level monitoring.
- They have worked with Thames Water on Station Road works to taking samples but no evidence of contamination found.
The Waverley Borough Council website has links to the various organisations road maps and information regarding the ongoing remediation work please see Bramley petrol contamination: Information and advice (waverley.gov.uk)
Friday 9 August update
The Recovery Coordinating Group met today (9 August 2024) in relation to the Bramley petrol contamination issues.
Asda released their Business Support Scheme this week at the Business and Economic recovery Group meeting on Tuesday, thank you to Bramley Golf Club for hosting. More details can be found here. They then met with residents and community representatives.
Asda are keen to receive ideas from the community on how they may be able to facilitate community recovery.
Please do not hesitate to contact us and the Bramley Residents Action Group bramleyrag@gmail.com with any ideas which can then be presented to Asda.
Asda aim to reopen the petrol filling station in Bramley on 22 August. Before which there will be activity on the site in readiness for the reopening:
- Monday the 12th, Tuesday the 13th, Wednesday the 14th:
- Full assessment of the site
- Thursday the 15th:
- New fuel pump commissioning - site cleaning - fuel delivery
- Thursday the 15th to Wednesday the 21st:
- Thursday the 22nd:
Remediation work continues as set out in the road maps.
Thames Water are in discussion with Surrey County Council Highways in relation to the traffic management required for pipe replacement.
Openreach continue to vent and monitor their inspection chambers. The Openreach web page will be updated fortnightly.
As discussed last week we continue to assemble coordinated responses to the enquiries that we receive.
Friday 2 August Update
Following the meeting of the Recovery Coordinating Group (RCG) today (2 August 2024) please see an update in relation to the ongoing work in Bramley.
The road maps from each organisations in relation to the planned works are available on the website. Bramley petrol contamination: Information and advice (waverley.gov.uk)
The Technical Working Group met this week and were able to report continuing good progress with remediation at the petrol station which continues to show signs of improvement in the ground water under the petrol station.
Monitoring is ongoing on and off site with plans progressing for the installation of further monitoring wells/boreholes.
Work is ongoing at St Catherines School, where Thames Water are working with Surrey Couty Council Highways to finalise plans to complete the next phase of pipe replacement works.
You can view any planned road closures here Causeway one.network
Openreach continues to vent and monitor the vapour levels and are seeing a reduction in some areas due to the vapour extraction unit operating. At this point they need to see a sustained reduction to understand when they can inspect their network.
They are continuing to work closely with service providers to support them to offer alternative and temporary solutions, as well as identifying and protecting vulnerable customers affected. Their new landing page is live, updates, where available, will be published here: Update on fuel leak in Bramley, Surrey (openreach.com)
The Business Recovery Group and the Community Recovery group are meeting on Tuesday.
Asda will attend both meetings to discuss what support they can offer to businesses and the community.
We have received a number of questions this week both from the Bramley Business Network and the Bramley Residents Action Group which we will endeavour to answer next week at the Business Recovery and the Community Recovery group.
Friday 26 July Update
Following the meeting of the Recovery Coordinating Group (RCG) today please see an update in relation to the ongoing work in Bramley.
The Technical Working Group meet this week and were able to report continuing good progress to the RCG.
Thames Water reported that;
- They continue to work with St Catherine’s School and are looking to replace a number of supply pipes that could be at risk.
- Normal routine testing and monitoring of the water supply continues as normal across the rest of Bramley.
Openreach reported that:
- They have begun venting their chambers and continue to monitor the vapour levels and are seeing a reduction in some areas
- At this point they need to see a sustained reduction to understand when they can inspect our network
- They are continuing to work closely with their service providers to support them to offer alternative and temporary solutions, as well as identifying and protecting vulnerable customers affected
- The new Openreach in Bramley webpage will be available from Monday 29 July .
Asda reported that:
- They will attend the next Business Recovery Group meeting, to discuss what support they can offer businesses
- They will continue to work with the Environment Agency to further develop the roadmap and share progress with the RCG and keep it updated on the Council’s website.
All members of the RCG are committed to clear communications with everyone impacted by this incident. I am aware this week that we and partners have received a number of different requests for information and a number of similar requests to a number of different partners all of which we have endeavoured to answer. In order to manage this process, to avoid duplication of effort in answering queries, ensure consistency and to ensure that everyone receives the best available information going forward we would ask that all such requests are from now on directed through the Recovery Coordination Group, addressed to either Helen (helen.barnsley@waverley.gov.uk) or myself (richard.homewood@waverley.gov.uk). We will then be able to ensure the appropriate agency or company provides the information and that we can collate responses for future use in answering similar enquiries.
The recovery roadmaps from Asda, Thames Water and Openreach which were discussed at the recent public meeting will shortly be available on the Waverley Borough Council Web pages Bramley petrol contamination: Information and advice (waverley.gov.uk) We will circulate the link to the page as soon as the website is available.
As explained above please address any questions or concerns to myself or Helen and we will ensure that you get a response from the most appropriate agency / company.
Friday 19 July Update
Following the meeting of the Recovery Coordination Group (RCG) today please see below an update of the work in Bramley.
It was really good to see so many people at the public meeting this week. We hope it demonstrated that everyone in the recovery coordinating group is committed to improving communication with the community and businesses. We also hope the updates provided by Asda, Openreach and Thames Water helped everybody understand the scale of work that has been going on in the background further demonstrated everybody’s commitment to enable the village and their operations to return to business as usual as soon as possible. Further discussions are underway to agree how the community and businesses can best engage in the recovery process and a further update on this will be provided as soon as possible.
The Technical Working Group has also met this week and were able to report positive progress from partners to the RCG.
Thames Water reported that:
- The Do Not Drink advice has been lifted for all properties with the exception of St Catherine’s School. They continue to work closely with the school to resolve the issue but due to the complicated pipework it is taking longer to resolve
- they are continuing to carry out testing across their network
- Next week they will start work to replace pipework on four streets where there is a heightened risk of contamination due to the material of the existing pipe. They will start by digging trial holes to understand the extent contamination and risk and the work needed to mitigate that risk.
Openreach have advised that:
- This week they have continued to work with the Highways Authority and street works are now in place and signed off.
- Testing of vapour concentrations continues, and they are still finding unsafe levels - in their underground chambers – in the area serviced by Bramley Exchange.
- They are still unable to carry out engineering works, and continue to monitor service impacted by faults and remain committed to working closely with their Communication Provider (CP) customers who’ve been encouraged to provide alternative and temporary networks where they’re required, and it is possible.
- Their environmental experts are also beginning to extract vapours from our infrastructure this week. This is the first step in their plan of recovery.
- They will continue to update timelines on recovery as they have more information.
- If any residents have any concerns or queries, please feel free to contact bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk
Asda have advised that:
- Their consultants showed their off-site remediation plans, their modelling of water table levels and possible extent of contamination on the basis of borehole sampling results at the public meeting.
- They are looking at ways of sharing more data in future.
- They are continuing to monitor water table levels and levels on contamination
- They are looking to increase the number of boreholes available for sampling.
The Businesses and Economic Recovery Working Group meeting took place in the morning on the 16 July to further understand the impact on businesses and explore what support might be offered to businesses going forward. There are a number of actions from the group which we are working through including:
- Offering 1-2-1 communications to those on the high street who need it
- To assess the possibility of lobbying collectively for support such as business rates relief
- To investigate business support and promotional opportunities for Bramley businesses
- Look at possibility of moving signs/wider signage to make it clear that Bramley is open.
- Any ongoing highways works to be communicated and coordinated, and night time works preferred.
- Engaging with Asda to explore how they might help businesses
Long Term Health Impacts of long-term, low-level exposure to h of long-term, low-level exposure to hydrocarbons
At the public meeting on Tuesday evening, a question was asked in relation the impact of long-term, low-level exposure to hydrocarbons. Please find the response below from the UK Health Security and their assessment of public health risk is low.
UKHSA’s advice and public health risk assessment has remained consistent throughout the course of the incident and remains the same to date.
Those in the affected area who have drunk water from the tap are likely to have only been exposed to hydrocarbons at low levels which is unlikely to cause any long term ill effects.
The public health risk assessment is that the detectable level of petroleum products in the water is very low, which means you would be able to smell it in the water and are therefore unlikely to drink it, this reduces potential exposures and the risk of adverse health effects. The World Health Organization (WHO) produces international norms on water quality and human health in the form of guidelines that are used as the basis for regulation and standard setting world-wide. These are based on lifetime exposure and considering vulnerable groups. The levels of sampled hydrocarbons to date are below WHO drinking water guidelines and therefore it is unlikely to present a risk to health.
A further update will be issued next week.
Friday 12 July Update
Following the meeting of the Recovery Coordination Group (RCG) today please see below an update of the work in Bramley.
The Technical Working Group has also met this week and were able to report positive progress to the RCG.
Thames Water have confirmed that the 'do not drink' notices have been lifted from Bramley Oak School and further testing is being carried out at Gosden House School. The situation is more complex at St Catherines. We are advised that the restriction of use will be lifted for the Prep School only. The rest of the school remains on an independent tanked supply while further investigation is carried out.
Openreach have advised that in the recent weeks, their focus has been on working in partnership with SCC Highways on the relevant street works permit requirements and are progressing with agreed changes to minimise any disruption to Bramley residents. These revised arrangements and set up will allow them to proceed with further testing and removing petrol vapour from the Openreach underground network, as of next week. At present, testing of vapour concentrations by expert contractors continues to find unsafe levels in their infrastructure in the area serviced by the Bramley Exchange. Given this, no engineering work can be undertaken at present – they are closely monitoring any service impacting faults and engaging with service providers to provide alternative and temporary network arrangements when required. If any residents have any concerns or queries, please feel free to contact bramley-incident@openreach.co.uk
Asda and their consultants are refining their off-site remediation plans with the Environment Agency and are revising their 3D modelling of water table levels and possible extent of contamination on the basis of borehole sampling results.
Waverley BC will be meeting with businesses again on 16 July to further understand the impact on businesses and explore what support might be offered to businesses going forward.
A Public Meeting is being held at the Bramley Village Hall at 6.30pm on Tuesday 16 July. Representatives from Asda, Thames Water and Openreach will be attending along with representatives from the Environment Agency and Waverley Borough Council. Asda’s Chairman, Lord Rose will chair the meeting and Asda will give a presentation on the work they have been doing and their evolving off-site remediation plans. Thames Water and Openreach will also give an update on progress with the work they have been doing.
Friday 5 July Update
Following the meeting of the Recovery Coordination Group today, please see below an update of the work in Bramley.
There were two other meetings this week. An inaugural meeting of the Business and Economy Recovery Working Group (BERWG) and a meeting of the Technical Recovery Working Group (TRWG).
The BERWG is focussing on the impact on businesses and what can be done to mitigate it and to help businesses recover from that impact and was an opportunity for local businesses to express their concerns etc. The meeting was constructive and moving forward will be looking to establish a business network to represent the interests of businesses going forward. A further meeting is planned, and additional local businesses are being invited.
The TRWG focussed on the development of ‘road maps’ setting out the proposed programmes of work for the different companies involved.
- Asda and their consultants EPS are developing a detailed off site remediation road map for monitoring levels of groundwater and contamination off site and steps to remediate. They are working closely with the Environment Agency on this. At the same time, they are monitoring levels of groundwater and contamination at their boreholes around the High Street and are continuing the work on site to extract and treat groundwater.
- Thames Water have completed the water mains replacement and have now lifted the Do Not Drink order for the residential properties. Bottled water distribution to residential properties has ceased and as letters were delivered residents were asked if they had any water they wanted to return. A final extra recycling collection will be made this Saturday to collect any remaining plastic water bottles. They are working with the schools to ensure the complex pipe networks on these sites are flushed completely before considering lifting the DND /order on the schools.
- As of Wednesday 3 July, Telecommunications network provider Openreach has analysed the current impact and, at this moment, the direct impact on local phone and broadband services is limited. Openreach, along with specialist environmental consultants, OHES (part of Adler & Allan), are now working outside Grange Cottages and near to the Holy Trinity Church, where there are underground access points to its network. These points have particularly high petrol contamination, so attempts are being made to reduce the concentrations to levels which are safe enough for engineers to access. This process is unique and complex, so work needs to proceed with caution, and it is unclear how long it will take. Openreach hope to give a clearer indication of its position and further next steps over the coming weeks. Masts have already been deployed to help with mobile coverage. There is still cellular coverage in the area, but masts should help reinforce coverage. Mobile dongles are being issued by providers for additional bandwidth.
- There have been issues this week with traffic management in the High Street because pedestrians were not following the directions to use the pelican crossings and two-way traffic lights had to be re-introduced. Following a site meeting on Thursday alternative arrangements were agreed and are being implemented now which will negate the need for daytime traffic lights. Overnight restrictions will still be needed however whilst Openreach carry out their work, but these should be less disruptive to traffic.
A recurring theme this week has been that more communication is required from all partners with the community and businesses. As part of this a public meeting involving partners has been suggested which we will be looking to take forward. We have also committed to issue this weekly update after the RCG meeting on Fridays. I am also meeting representatives from the Bramley Residents Action Group (BRAG) next week to explore other ways of improving communication and keeping the community informed going forward.