Unearthed documents have revealed contaminated waste is at a building site where a suspicious fire has raged for 15 days.

As previously reported by the Bucks Free Press, a large pile of rubbish went up in flames on Thursday, April 25, with site owners Bellway Homes claiming it was caused by "fly-tippers". 

Despite the best efforts of the fire service, the mound has continued to smoulder and smoke for more than a fortnight, leading local residents to complain of nausea and headaches from the fumes.

When asked by this newspaper if Bucks Council was monitoring the air quality, a spokesperson said the authority was not - and that the case has been referred to the Environment Agency.

Now newly unearthed documents reveal "elevated levels of contamination" were identified in some areas of the site at the time plans were submitted.

A Bucks Council Environmental Protection Officers report dated August 2023 says: "Site investigations were subsequently completed by RSK which comprised both targeted and non-targeted sampling.

"The targeted areas included the former scrapyard, bus depot, storage area, workshop area and stockpiled material within the southeastern area of the site.

"As part of the site investigation soil samples were taken and sent for chemical analysis for a range of potential contaminants.

"It is noted that olfactory signs of contamination in addition to visible potential asbestos containing material (ACM) were identified in the former scrapyard area." 

Resident Susan Jamson has been demanding answers from Buckinghamshire Council and the Environment Agency on whether the burning material is hazardous.

She told the Free Press how residents are reporting symptoms ranging from headaches and nausea to exacerbated asthma conditions.

On Sunday, May 5, efforts to dampen the blaze briefly reduced visible emissions, but embers soon reignited.

Alarmingly, this unspecified rubbish may contain the deadly fibre, asbestos as the site hasn't been inspected properly.

A concerned resident expressed their worry, adding: "Because it was fly-tippers and they buried it deep, we don't know what it is.

"We need Bellway to examine."

During efforts to extinguish the fire, the brigade could not identify any asbestos on the site.

They were, according to their own account, "only tasked with putting out the fire but not investigating". 

In an impassioned plea for transparency, Susan Jamson added: "I'm like a Rottweiler, I won't give up until we know what is in that fire."

Adding emotional weight to community fears, the same resident cited two personal acquaintances who have succumbed to asbestos-related diseases.

The incident has provoked a barrage of questions directed towards Bellway and the Environment Agency. 

Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Housing & Regulatory Services said: “The council is aware of this incident and the ongoing concern it is causing. Bucks Fire and Rescue have been managing the incident with the landowner. 

"They had advised local people with any concerns about the smoke to shut doors and windows and to keep a distance from the smouldering materials.

“We are working with them to establish next steps in terms of how the remaining waste is dealt with and removed.”

The Environment Agency has been contacted for a comment.