The initial soil analysis results from the Flooded Pitches Survey conducted by Cranfield University and funded by the Institute of Groundsmanship shows that affected sports pitches exhibited a low health risk.

After last July’s floods a number of sites were surveyed, including notably Worcester’s New Road county cricket ground.

Groundstaff at all the sites were consulted to determine the pathway, sources and extent of flooding and mitigation measures taken. A total of 26 samples of sediments and soils were taken for full laboratory analysis. This revealed that sediments did notcontain concentrations of heavy metals potentially hazardous to human or plant health.

There were concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons, probably from roads, cars and other machinery, but it was not thought high enough to cause harm.

E.coli and Salmonella were identified at some sites, but only a direct risk to human health if ingested.

In addition, the study also recommended that the clean up process should be carried out in line with appropriate health and safety procedures.

A second survey this Spring 2008 will revisit all sites to assess whether the contaminants have persisted, though the expectation is they will not.

“The clubs involved were obviously very concerned and needed to determine if there was any risk to groundstaff in terms of the clear-up process and disposal of debris, and whether the surface was safe for players,” said Iain James, Cranfield’s Lecturer in Sports Surface Engineering.

“This problem has not been investigated before, so we launched the study and with substantial financial backing from the IOG were able to help these grounds professionals.”

“The IOG acted immediately in allocating money from its 2012 budget,” said its Chief Executive Geoff Webb.

“The floods caused enormous damage to many sports grounds, especially in Yorkshire and the west of England, and it was imperative that grounds staff were re-assured that professional advice is easily available to determine the best and safest course of clean-up action.

Cranfield has produced an advice sheet which is available online at www.cranfield.ac.uk It provides information on where to get information from organisations such as the Health Protection Agency and the Environment Agency on potential hazards, how to assess risks, how to dispose of sediments, and health and safety procedures.