Olympic park site may have been exposed to toxic waste

By Sarah Flanagan [Recycle]

The future of the London Olympics could be at stake with the discovery of radioactive waste under the Olympic park site.

Trace amounts of radium and thorium were found buried under the main stadium, but the Olympic Delivery Authority is adamant that there is no risk to attendees or participants during the Games. Experts, however, are saying that the site will need to be reassessed after 2012, prior to any further developments of the location.

John Large, an independent nuclear analyst, said that there is a little doubt that radiological risk analysis will have applicability and validity for future uses, such as housing. The Lower Lea Valley location was used previously as industrial land, where during the Fifties and Sixties illegal dumping of toxic waste and misuse of landfills was more common.

The Olympic Park Legacy Company, which plans to sell off the assets after the Games, stated that the ODA had assured the firm that the land was clean and kept to the highest possible standard. Simon Wright, director of utilities for ODA, said that the Olympic park site was perfectly safe.

The Olympic Games are scheduled to be held in London in 2012. Preparations have already been long underway to put everything in order for the coming attraction. The Games are expected to bring a large boost to the London economy, particularly in the wake of the economic downturn. In similar sporting news, England has also been bidding for the World Cup 2018 to be held on British soil.