Community-led study finds 'widespread' presence of metal pollution in Corby's rivers

The study involved 35 volunteers testing 59 freshwater sites across Corby in November 2025 showing pollutants at levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life.

Some of the volunteers were among parents who believe there is an ongoing risk to the public posed by the botched clean-up of the steelworks and existing ground contamination.

Samples were analysed for 33 elements, including 29 metals and metalloids, using a combination of field-based kits and laboratory analysis.

At every site tested, at least one metal or metalloid was detected at a concentration above its Predicted No Effect Concentration (PNEC) for freshwater habitats – the level below which adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems are not expected. Chromium was not detected at elevated concentrations, or above its PNEC in any sample.

Dr Sasha Woods, director of science and impact at Earthwatch Europe, said: “By working with the community in Corby, we’ve been able to gather a detailed snapshot of freshwater metal pollution across the town. The findings indicate that some metals are present at levels that could pose a risk to aquatic life, particularly in areas close to known historic waste sites.

"This study complements what we already know about metals pollution in Corby and highlights where further investigation may be needed. We’re very grateful to the community in Corby for their support in producing this report and we’re proud to be able to support important citizen-science projects like this.”

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.

These concerns date back to the site’s decommissioning and a landmark 2009 ‘Toxic Town’ court case, that found airborne industrial contaminants—including cadmium, chromium, and nickel—had caused local birth defects during the decommissioning process.

In this most recent study by Earthwatch, nickel was detected above its PNEC at 30 sites, while cadmium was detected at elevated concentrations at seven sites.

Sites where cadmium and nickel concentrations were elevated were largely concentrated around the vast Deene Quarry and a former slag heap in Weldon.

Distribution of metals was not uniform across the town. The analysis identified three areas where five or more metals were present above their PNEC, indicating localised pollution hotspots.

The report focuses on environmental health and does not assess risks to human health.

Drinking water in the UK is treated and regulated separately, with strict standards overseen by the Drinking Water Inspectorate.

Earthwatch Europe emphasises that the findings are indicative and that further monitoring – including repeat testing in different weather conditions – would help build a clearer picture of the sources and behaviour of metals in Corby’s waterways.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We welcome the initiative and work that has been carried out by Earthwatch Europe. Citizen science is a valuable contribution to the evidence base on water and helps to identify and prioritise action.

"We will study the findings of the final report so we can support and advise North Northamptonshire Council and Earthwatch Europe on their next steps."

The spokesman added: “In the last 12 months we carried out pollution prevention day of action, visiting 36 of the highest risk businesses around Gretton Brook Road. We provided advice on pollution prevention, including chemical storage disposal of wash waters, drainage plans and waste disposal. However, we did not identify any pollution source from these sites.

"The permit (for Deene Quarry) is currently held by North Northamptonshire Council and the Environment Agency regulates this. Monitoring is currently conducted annually and a report is produced.”

Responding to the results of the investigation, Des Collins, senior partner of Collins Solicitors (who acted for local families on the original legal challenge to Corby Borough Council over alleged negligent decommissioning of the Corby steelworks and who is now advising further families on their ongoing health concerns arising from the same), said: “I am not surprised by these findings. Whilst Earthwatch can only vouch for the risks to aquatic life from the levels of metals they detected in the water around Corby, the obvious question remains over the risk to human health. Drinking water will be treated before consumption, but what about the soil, land, air and environment - how else might the above-normal presence of these metals manifest itself and be impacting the local community even now after 40 odd years?

“Clearly further investigation is required to allay, or confirm, residents' concerns that will have been heightened by this study. We say only a full public inquiry will suffice.

“We also continue to call upon North Northamptonshire Council to fully disclose the whereabouts of all the toxic waste resulting from the decommissioning of the steelworks. Finally, we are still waiting for the long promised data on cancer rates in Corby from the Council. This stonewalling must stop.”