Sir, – You recently published comments on the potential health risk associated with the proposed Grundon landfill site at Grooms Farm, Frith End. This particular subject is understandably generating a great deal of public concern and we feel compelled to respond to the article.

The possibility of an association between landfill sites and adverse health effects has been the subject of considerable public debate – much of it accompanied by somewhat sensationalist media coverage.

It is quite right that the matter should be publicly scrutinised – but equally important that a balanced view of the research is presented.

One of the most recent pieces of research (the Eurohazcon study, as reported in The Lancet, 1998), is frequently used to support the argument that residents in close proximity to any landfill are subject to increases in adverse health effects.

Grundon, the waste management industry and a significant number of independent, well respected academics all believe that this argument is not consistent with the findings of the study. The study does not prove any link between landfill sites and adverse health effects.

The authors themselves stress that the report "has simply shown no relationship" between the increased risks and proximity to landfills (John Scott, Newcastle University, report author).

In summary, the report studied a number of old (some 25 years or more) landfill sites, including some uncontrolled dumps. Such sites bear no comparison to modern landfill sites, properly managed by a reputable operator and regulated by the Environment Agency.

Only three of the study areas showed significant higher health effects. The other twelve study areas showed either no increase in health effects or in some areas a lower frequency of health effects near the landfill.

Of the three study areas showing elevated frequency of effects, two were heavily industrialised and the landfill sites in question were surrounded by, for example, sewage works, chemical processing plant, heavily contaminated land and numerous other industrial process sites. The report failed to address how any of these activities might have influenced the results of the study.

The report did identify some areas with a higher level of adverse health effects – but did not identify the cause. (Redfearn A, IWM Scientific and Technical Review, April 2000). It is therefore wrong to assert that the report has proven any link between landfill sites and adverse health effects.

Properly designed, operated and regulated landfill will continue to be an essential part of the government's waste management strategy. Moreover landfill will, in certain circumstances, remain the only disposal option for wastes such as incinerator residues.

The government supports the continued use of landfill and recognises the high standards of operation and regulation in the UK. The DETR draft waste strategy for England and Wales – "A Way with Waste" – states that "Properly regulated, landfill is a proven method of dealing with wastes safely".

Once Hampshire County Council has completed its consultation exercise with the parish councils and other interested organisations and individuals, the company will produce a response document which addresses pertinent issues raised during the consultation process. Where appropriate, the application may be revised to accommodate specific concerns.

Owen Dimond

Project Manager

Grundon