A SPECIAL investigation into the level of contamination in the ground under Barton Hill car park, Dawlish, has begun. In a two-week operation, Environment Agency contractors will drill eight boreholes to find out what remains in the soil at the site of the old Dawlish Gas Works. Depending on results of the investigation, steps may be taken to safeguard the Brook from possible pollution. 'We are working with Teignbridge Council to find out the extent of any contamination on the old gas works site where more than 40 years ago there were several gas holders and tar tanks,' said Tim Jenkins, for the Environment Agency. 'Unfortunately, drilling the boreholes is noisy and possibly smelly so there may be some disruption to local people although the contractors will try to keep this to a minimum. 'Car park users could also suffer some inconvenience while the work is being done as there will be some heavy vehicles at the site and there will be no access through the car park.' In 2003, black tar discharged into Dawlish Water and the problem was traced to the Barton Hill car park. Short-term emergency measures were taken by Teignbridge. Michelle Kenney, of Teignbridge Council, said: 'Teignbridge is committed to providing clean, safe and well maintained car parks, and as such we would like to have this issue resolved as soon as possible. 'Any case of pollution is taken very seriously and we welcome this investigation. 'We will aim to keep disruption to our customers to a minimum during these vital works.'