research shows.

Scientists at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research are conducting a study of waters in Castle Harbour around the dump.

Early results show heavy metals, possibly including copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, magnesium and lead from cars, ovens and refigerators, are poisoning the waters and harming the fragile reefs.

It is also suspected that poisonous metals could be seeping into the water from ash blocks dumped into Castle Harbour from the Tyne's Bay incinerator.

Yesterday Dr. Sheila McKenna, a post-doctoral research scientist at the Bio Station, said the research was still in its early stages and would continue until at least next summer.

"There is a lack of information on the effects of concentrations of toxins in the water. To that extent we are trying to find out if there is any effect on the reefs and the fish in Castle Harbour,'' she said.

She said she and her assistant Anne-Michelle Stanley, were looking at exactly which metals in which concentrations were seeping into the water, but early indications showed high levels of copper.

"Levels of metals are nowhere near toxic yet, but they are at such a level that they are affecting the eco-system,'' added Dr. McKenna.

She said the metals were one of a combination of factors affecting the waters in Castle Harbour.

Another source of metals could be from ash blocks dumped into the waters in Castle Harbour.

And in the past the area's eco-system was also altered when the Airport was built and the Causeway had the effect of altering the normal flow of water, meaning the sea is not flushed out as it used to be.

Scientists worried "There are cars, batteries, scooters, ovens and refrigerators in the dump.

Metals are leeching into the water and the reefs are sick.

"We are still at the analytical stage and the study will continue until next summer, but there is a definite trend for higher concentrations of metals nearer the dump,'' added Dr. McKenna.

The dump is run by the Government through a contractor and has been in existence for several years.

It is used to dispose of items such as cars and refrigerators although they are stripped down to remove metals such as copper before they are dumped.

Last night Works and Engineering Minister Leonard Gibbons said he had not heard of the Bio Station's research, but promised to look into the scientists' early findings.

"The contractor manages the dump for the Government, but the Government is responsible for the area and I will contact the Bio Station.

"Things are stripped before they go into the dump and obviously copper is a valuable substance and the contractor would have taken the copper out.

"No-one has mentioned this to me. If this is correct I would have thought the Bio Station would have contacted us, but I will look into it,'' he said.

WATERY GRAVE -- Cars and other metal objects at the Airport Dump spill into Castle Harbour.