The public has raised concerns over potential lead contamination at a controversial windfarm site in Powys.

A member of the public has contacted Planning and Environment Decision Wales (PEDW) about concerns that work at the proposed Esgair Galed site could potentially lead to Lead and Cadmium leaching into tributaries in the River Dyfi and the River Severn.

The site being proposed by Bute Energy, would see turbines twice the size of Big Ben at 220 metres high and would incorporate the nature reserve at Glaslyn – which has led to concerns from environmental organisations such as the Montgomeryshire Wildlife trust.

READ MORE: Wind farm near nationally important site 'hugely worrying' - wildlife trust

However, this latest intervention raises other concerns about disused metal mines at the site.

In a letter to PEDW it states: “The proposed energy park site is littered with old lead mine workings and any work such as; constructing, turbine bases, access tracks, borrow pits etc. may well mobilise heavy metals such as Lead and Cadmium.

“These toxic pollutants may well, via ground water flow and tributaries, find their way into both the catchments of both the Rivers Dyfi/Dovey and Hafren/Severn.”

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PEDW have since raised the issue with Bute Energy and noted “that the Scoping Report acknowledges that part of the site and areas to the north of the site boundary have an extensive history of metal mining.”

“Within the Land, Soil and Water chapter, the Applicant has proposed to scope in mineral mining and former mine workings as part of the construction phase."

However, they went on to recommend that “this assessment should include the potential for contamination, as referred to in paragraph 5.6.2 of the Scoping Report”.

Bute Energy have said that there will be extensive survey of the site and that there will be further public consultation next year.

(Image: NQ)

A spokesperson for Bute Energy said: "Bute Energy conducts extensive surveys for all of its projects, including Esgair Galed Energy Park.

“We have an intimate understanding of our sites, and environmental surveys inform every aspect of our designs and plans.

"PEDW has welcomed our approach and advised us on our next steps.

"We continue to undertake environmental impact surveys at Esgair Galed as part of the development of the site. The proposed energy park will come forward for further public consultation next year."