Protect-the-health-of people-near-mineral-workings-in-Surrey

Surrey is currently reviewing its mineral and waste plan. We ask that Surrey County Council will not allow any new sites for gravel extraction within 1000 meters (1 km) of residential settlements or schools, such as Whitehall Farm Lane and Milton Park Farm.

Air pollution in Runnymede is above the national average. The introduction of an Air Quality Management Area has failed to improve air quality and reduce levels of nitrous oxides and particulate matter (PM) below 40µg/m3. PM droplets are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health issues. Small particles less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) can get deep into your lungs or even into your blood, causing millions of annual premature deaths globally. WHO recommends levels of PM should not exceed 10 µg/m3.

Companies operating mineral extraction have to provide protective equipment to their employees. There is no such protection for people who live near to mineral sites. Vulnerable people are most at risk, especially when the wind carries dust generated through mineral extraction and processing towards residential areas.

NW Surrey has been subject to extensive gravel extraction in the past and is the most densely populated part of the county. Residents live with airborne pollution at dangerously high levels. We ask that Surrey County Council in its new mineral and waste development plan stipulates that all sites for future mineral workings will be at least 1000m away from residential settlements or schools.