Monday 9 February 2009

Local Environmental Atrocity

This 'footprint' is a photo of the strata of a local environMENTAL catastrophe. The locale is an ex-mining district of a Northern English provincial city. At the bottom of the photo you can see the lowest sub-layer (at least to where I was able to dig with a stick!) which looks like spent lyme ash. Next up is a burned version of the former - sorry, I'm no Geologist. After that is a burning organic matter which seems to be layered upon what the local people commonly call a "slag heap". On top of that is a less destroyed layer of organic matter consisting of twigs, etc. Then finally the top layer consists of leaves.

The two videos below demonstrate the effect of this deadly combination. The smell which exudes from this monstrosity is close to sulphur, which wouldn't surprise me. However, a proper analysis needs to take place of the burning mess.

Unfortunately, for some of us, we have to live down wind of the smoke. Certainly when walking past the heap if I am walking in the prevailing direction of the wind then I always cover my face with something as the smoke makes me cough.

I also noticed that some of the facing trees seem to have been stripped of their bark by something. I'm not sure if this is connected.

There is some local action to try to fix the problem although its quite obviously of limited impact so far. The problem has been around for some time now and nothing has happened. Meanwhile we continue to cough and splutter. I have no idea how the local wildlife is affected but it can't be pleasent for them either?