More queries over reservoir

I noted the reply to my letter from Mr Williams of Bristol Waterin a recent Cheddar Valley Gazette.

He says that the questions that he has been asked are far todetailed to answer at this stage and so, in the interest of fairdiscussion, I will ask just two simple questions.

1. If the Axbridge site is chosen it would involve building thereservoir on top of a disused refuse tip. At the time the tip wasactive there was little or no regulation on what could be tipped andtherefore the it could, and probably does, contain anything andeverything. Any disturbance could result in potentially toxicmaterial being released into the atmosphere and the consequences ofthese potentially toxic materials leeching out into drinking wateris just unthinkable. What measures will Bristol Water take to ensurethe potential hazards are dealt with and rendered safe?

2. If the Axbridge site is chosen the proposed reservoir wouldinvolve flooding the habitat of at least three species of wildlifethat are protected in the UK and it would also involve the floodingof the feeding ground of one species that is on the endangered listand has European protection. How will Bristol Water deal with theseissues?

Peter Watson

Axbridge

I am extremely unhappy about the proposed new reservoir as itseems to have appeared as an idea out of the blue.

What I can't understand is why this proposal didn't come up onthe searches when I bought my house five years ago.

As the proposed new reservoir would be at the end of my road just500m away I am left dumbfounded as to how that can that happen?

Cathy Plummer

Axbridge