LORRY loads of ashes from animals culled as a result of the foot and mouth crisis, and burnt on pyres in North Cornwall, have been transported to the Liskeard area this week – for final disposal.

However, assurances have come from MAFF that the cremated remains are not infected, and therefore pose no threat to Cornish farmers.

The ashes and unburnt material from sheep and pigs incinerated at Cansford Quarry, Otterham, are being taken to Connon Bridge landfill site at East Taphouse.

But residue from bovines (cattle), placed on a separate pyre, are being taken for re-incineration to Peake Brothers' plant at Stoneybridge, Liskeard.

This is for BSE reasons, as the firm is licensed to dispose of BSE waste. It has also been the official contractor for the disposal of culled cattle at the Cansford site – this overseen by MAFF.

Soil

A MAFF spokesman told the Cornish Times this week that ash and topsoil from the quarry are being taken to approved landfill sites, after the material has been washed down to ensure it is inert.

Graham Copplestone, operations manager for County Environmental Services Ltd, who run the landfill site at Connon Bridge, said the operation will involve about 50 trips by lorry between Cansford and East Taphouse, and is expected to finish today.

He said he would like to reassure the public that every safety precaution is being taken.

Water supplies

The Community Liaison spokesperson for County Environmental Services Ltd, Sue Annear, said procedures as advised by both MAFF and the Environmental Agency were being adhered to throughout the operation.

She confirmed that the site at Connon Bridge was fully lined and therefore contained.

She also said that each 'leachate', the term for water which runs off such areas, is contained and also treated.

'There is no danger to local water supplies' she said. Peake Brothers were unable to comment.

A Devon MAFF spokesman said that in that county, in a bid to speed up incineration of already-culled animals, or those awaiting slaughter, two small incinerators have been organised, with two larger incinerators from Florida.

Cornwall NFU chairman, Philip Stiles, said his observation would be that it is safest to incinerate such material, rather than expose it to the air.