Earthwatch study links Corby metal pollution to health risks
- Earthwatch Europe study finds metal pollution in Corby soil and water.
- Testing at 52 freshwater sites revealed elevated levels of nickel and cadmium.
- MP Lee Barron has called for a safety plan from North Northamptonshire Council.
- Local families are pushing for action citing historic steelworks contamination.
- The Environment Agency says monitoring shows no widespread harm to freshwater.
A new report from environmental charity Earthwatch Europe, released in partnership with the Corby community on 17 October 2026, has identified levels of metal pollution in the town's soil and freshwater. The study involved 30 trained citizen scientists who tested 52 freshwater sites and 28 soil samples across Corby in July 2026.
These findings are significant as the identified metal or metalloid pollution could pose a risk to human health and the environment.
Elevated metal concentrations found at 52 freshwater sites
Earthwatch Europe reported that potentially harmful levels of metal or metalloid were present at all 52 freshwater sites tested across Corby. At every location, at least one metal or metalloid was found at concentrations exceeding its predicted no effect concentration.
Nickel was detected in 28 freshwater samples at concentrations higher than its predicted no effect concentration. Cadmium was also detected at elevated concentrations in six of the freshwater samples.
Deene Quarry and Weldon identified as pollution hotspots
Analysis identified elevated concentrations of nickel and cadmium in water samples, while cadmium and arsenic were found in soil samples, particularly near Deene Quarry and a slag heap in Weldon. Investigations in November 2025 similarly showed elevated concentrations in waterbodies located near these two sites.
Contaminated waste from the town's decommissioned steelworks was moved by lorry to Deene Quarry, while toxic industrial sludges, slag and furnace waste were dumped in heaps in the Longhills area near Weldon. A comparison of summer and winter sampling indicates a constant source of pollution, which Earthwatch Europe suggests is likely from groundwater and landfill leachate rather than urban run-off.
Environment Agency disputes widespread harm
The Environment Agency said its own monitoring does not indicate widespread or significant harm to the freshwater environment in the Corby area.
A spokesperson for the agency said they are currently reviewing the latest Earthwatch report alongside their own evidence.
Lee Barron MP demands safety plan from North Northamptonshire Council
Lee Barron, the Labour MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire, has urged local authorities to identify and inspect sites where contamination poses unacceptable risks. On 17 October, he called for the North Northamptonshire Council to publish a plan addressing the contamination risks identified in the report.
Local families seek justice for historic contamination
Local families have expressed concerns that health problems, including cancers, heart defects, and birth defects, are linked to toxic waste from the town's former steelworks. The project was initiated in August 2025 when Corby community leaders approached Earthwatch to investigate long-standing concerns over residual contamination from the former British Steel works.
Tracey Taylor, a campaigner whose daughter Shelby-Anne died at four days old, has spent years seeking justice regarding the toxic waste scandal. On 18 October, she expressed hope that the new Earthwatch Europe report would mean "people are going to start to listen to us".
Legacy of 2009 negligence ruling
In 2009, Justice Akenhead ruled that Corby Borough Council was negligent in its management of waste in a case involving 18 families. This landmark court case found that airborne industrial contaminants, including cadmium, chromium and nickel, caused local birth defects during the decommissioning process of the former British Steel works.
North Northamptonshire Council replaced Corby Council in 2021.
Scientific advisor calls for further investigation
Sasha Woods, the Independent Scientific Advisor for Earthwatch Europe, stated that the study complements existing knowledge about metal pollution in Corby. Samples were analysed for 33 elements, including 29 metals and metalloids, using laboratory analysis by Artemis Analytical.
Woods said the findings indicate that some metals are present in freshwater at levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life. She added that metals in soil are present at levels that could impact human health, particularly in areas close to known historic waste sites.
Sam Smithies from Artemis Analytical acknowledged the significance of the study and the role of scientific analysis in understanding the environmental impact. Woods said these findings highlight areas where further investigation and remedial action may be required.
Woods said she is grateful to the community in Corby for their support in producing this report. She noted that the organisation is proud to support important citizen-science projects like this.
North Northamptonshire Council commits to reviewing evidence
A spokesperson for North Northamptonshire Council stated they are aware of the findings. The council will review the report in detail with relevant partners.
The spokesperson said the authority will thoroughly investigate any credible evidence of a risk to human health or the environment.
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