Michael Sheen held a meeting with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth regarding allegations of toxic chemical dumping examined in his BBC documentary “Buried with Michael Sheen.” The actor characterized the discussion as productive and said both parties discussed pathways forward on the issues raised by the film. Sheen noted that while it remains early in the process, he found the conversation encouraging.
The documentary, which aired in August, investigated toxic chemical dumping at 14 sites across Wales and England. Sheen had previously indicated that an offer to meet with the first minister had not been accepted prior to the broadcast. The project involved testing soil samples at locations suspected of being used for dumping by chemical manufacturer Monsanto. Testing revealed elevated levels of PCBs—carcinogenic chemicals—at nearly all examined sites.
Sheen recently addressed Parliament, urging lawmakers to support a national testing program for historic toxic dump sites to ensure community safety. His investigation was conducted in collaboration with investigative journalists Lucy Taylor and Dan Ashby, who inherited research and documents from Douglas Gowan, a farming consultant and long-time campaigner who warned of risks to nearby communities before his death.
The documentary has prompted renewed concern among residents near affected sites. Susan Smith, who worked at a Monsanto facility in Wrexham, described workplace conditions that lacked safety briefings or protective equipment. Smith and her husband have lived near the decommissioned chemical works for 53 years and have both experienced serious health conditions, though they acknowledge uncertainty about causation. Blood tests showed Smith had PCBs present, and residents have formed the Monsanto Contamination Action Group to address concerns in their community. Eastman, the US company now owning the former Monsanto operations, was contacted for comment.
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