THE EXCESS & TAR 1st April 2014
Farting frogs to blame for lagoon “gas”
By Ross Socrates
The cause of bubbling gas at a controversial waste disposal site was today revealed to be being caused by flatulating frogs. Local residents and the campaign group Sandwell Swanwatch had raised concerns at bubbles of gas rising to the surface of the Rattlechain lagoon in Tividale, which underwent remedial works last year “to make it safe for wildfowl.”
The lagoon contains white phosphorus, which is toxic and the deaths of dozens of birds were blamed by ingesting the chemical. Spokesman for swanwatch Ian Carroll said,
” We were concerned about gas being visibly evolved from the lagoon which we recorded on video. We were convinced that this was phosphine gas being evolved at the site due to the nature of the waste being stored there, and also after being in contact with experts in the US who have dealt with similar sites. I was sure that the smell of rotting fish, garlic and onions was coming from the lagoon. However now that I have seen Rhodia/Solvay’s extensive research, I am convinced that the cause of the gas is coming from the frogs at the lagoon.” he added.
Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble
Belgian company Solvay, who own the pool, commissioned 10 environmental consultants, the RSPCA, the WWF, The Environment Agency, Sandwell council environmental health, Public Health England, Defra, Esther Rantzen and former MP Lembit Opik to investigate the claims of gas being evolved. A company spokeman today commented;
“Naturally we too were concerned at the gas being evolved from the lagoon and the concern expressed by local residents. We took water and ambient air samples and are pleased to confirm that the results and conclusions from our independent consultants express the view that the flatulence from the frogs at the site pose no human health risks. Analysis was conducted using “UK best practice” and samples were sent to accredited laboratories for analysis.”
The breakthrough at the site apparently came when the record “We all stand together” by Paul McCartney was played nonstop during daylight hours, with the gassing amphibians joining in the chorus. In addition to the frogs, the odours from 5 toads, 3 sticklebacks and a housesparrow were detected.
The small silent ones are the deadliest