Harper Adams event cancelled after power plant collapse

Open Farm Sunday will not now be held at the university as it would have involved key staff who are dealing with the aftermath of the spill.

Meanwhile, the clear-up operation at Harper Adams's anaerobic digestion plant was continuing today after a processing tank on site collapsed last Friday.

University Vice-Chancellor Dr David Llewellyn said: "Over the weekend, digestate from the processing tank, which collapsed on Friday, was all cleared from the site access road.

"The spill is now contained within the AD site. Cleaning efforts continue within that area.

"We are working with the Environment Agency and specialist contractors today to develop a plan for the management of future stages of the clean-up operation

"The Environment Agency is also conducting routine monitoring of the local watercourse. No release of pollution has been detected so far.

"Assessment of the damage to the AD facility is ongoing. As reported in our earlier statements, we have ceased power production from the plant until we have a full assessment of the implications of the incident.

"We continue to advise drivers passing the site not to unnecessarily slow down to view the damaged structure and clean-up operation. Our principal concern is to avoid anyone being hurt by someone causing a road accident.

"The AD plant is located on a site some distance from the main campus and all other university business will continue as normal during this week, including the full examination timetable.

Dr Llewellyn said the decision to cancel this weekend's Open Farm Sunday had been taken "out of consideration" for some of the key staff members who would have been working at Open Farm Sunday, who are heavily involved in the AD clean-up operation.

He said there would be another opportunity to visit the Harper Adams Farm at a summer open day on July 6.