Two huge sinkholes appear out of nowhere
The Environment Agency is investigating now to see if the sinkholes have caused pollution to the local water supply.
Two large sinkholes have opened up by a stretch of the HS2 railway line – just months after others formed nearby.
The holes are thought to be caused by recent boring for the Chiltern Tunnel, which has affected the community of South Heath, near Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
The Environment Agency is investigating now to see if the sinkholes have caused pollution to the local water supply.
A spokesman told BBC: ‘We are investigating sinkholes on private land at Frith Hill in Buckinghamshire to understand whether they have resulted in any pollution to the local environment.
‘Our specialist officers work closely with HS2 Ltd and contractors to ensure all relevant legislation is followed.
‘We also continue to talk to local people, the water industry and local authorities to ensure the environment is protected throughout the HS2 project.’
HS2 Ltd believes the latest sinkholes may have been caused by recent tunnelling and rainfall, with a spokesperson saying: ‘We have always recognised that the geology of this part of the route is particularly challenging – with poorer quality, less stable chalk susceptible to ground movement.
‘Temporary fencing has been installed and extra monitoring put in place.’
In May, a massive 20ft wide sinkhole opened up above a tunnel built for the HS2 high speed rail line.
The gaping hole, which is about 16ft deep, appeared over part of the Chiltern tunnel in Little Missenden, Buckinghamshire.
Anti-HS2 campaigners hit out in response and said tunnelling for the project should stop.
Locals were concerned about their safety around the hole but a spokesperson for HS2 reassured the public the site has been sealed off.
Catherine Bunting, a parish councillor for Great Missenden and Prestwood, said: ‘Residents want drilling to stop whilst the safety of the aquifer is independently assessed.
‘They have expressed concern for the fragile aquifer for years now and HS2 don’t appear to address any of our concerns.
‘The aquifer feeds drinking water to millions of people in the south east and feeds our chalk streams and rivers.’
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