soil sampling in the area (British Geological Survey)

[Robyn0312]

Hi everyone,

Tomorrow British Geological Survey will be conducting soil samples in our area. I am one of the people doing them, there'll be small pairs of people in high vis jackets with what look like metal poles with loops on the ends of them. Please do not get stressed if you see us in the parks as council's have granted access. Also we may be asking permission to sample peoples gardens due to the lack of open public ground. If you see us about we're a friendly bunch and feel free to ask us about what we're doing as we have info leaflets...

maybe see you tomorrow guys..

[Marmora Man]

What is the objective of the survey - how deep will you be going?

No objections - just interested to understand.

[KidKruger]

May I ask what is the driver for this measuring exercise ?

Is it to validate the levels of Strontium55 again ?

Or is to to check on other radiological/chemical/biological dispertion in our area ?

[macroban]

What is expected that is not in Sherlock or on NIX S.E.?

[louisiana]

Petroleum.

Or given that this is Nappy Valley, perhaps petroleum jelly.

[lenk]

It's funny as without this post the board would have been a flurry of 'SUSPICIOUS SOIL-STEALING THIEVES SPOTTED THIS AREA GOING TO HELL IN HANDCART' posts by tomorrow evening...

[malleymoo]

Hooray, I spotted some people today in high vis jackets and was going to ask what was happening and someone has already answered my question before I asked it !

[Michael Palaeologus]

Were they "testing soil" on the grassy knoll?

[Robyn0312]

sorry not to reply sooner due to lack of internet access. Firstly thank you to all the lovely helpful individuals that let us sample their gardens. The sampling is being conducted as part of two studies run by BGS; London Earth and GBASE. They are analysing the content of the soil, the minerals and any contaminants present. These will then be mapped and compared to land use, the bedrock geology and comparative studies between cities and rural and city locations. The results will not be availble for two years and are involved with any regulatory body or environmental group. If you would like further info please see the following links:

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/gbase/home.html

[Robyn0312]

sorry cut out signal as I was writing my message please also see

http://www.bgs.ac.uk/news/NEWS/London%20Earth%202008%20FINAL.pdf

we will be doing everywhere south of the thames over the next 5 weeks so maybe you'll see us around elsewhere!