Residents in Thornton urged to wash home-grown veg over contamination concerns

Residents in Thornton have been told to wash and peel any produce they are growing to remove any potentially contaminated soil or dust.

It comes after the launch of a probe into possible contamination from a chemical plant.

Wyre Council and the Environment Agency are investigating whether a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has contaminated local gardens and allotments close to the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone, off Fleetwood Road North.

There is three-fold concern about the chemical – it is a ‘forever chemical’ that is said to take thousands of years to break down, it was in use at the site between 1950 and 2012 and it was identified last year as a potentially cancer-causing substance.

A councillor from the town’s Bourne ward, which covers the area of the Hillhouse industrial site in Thornton, says some of her constituents are concerned.

Earlier this month, Wyre Council said sampling was set to get underway next week to consider whether historic contamination has occurred from the industrial site.

The council, which is the area’s environmental protection regulator, launched the detailed investigation following probable release to air of PFOA by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd (formerly ICI Ltd) at the Hillhouse site between the 1950s and 2012.

According to a specialist journalism probe from Watershed Investigations, the substance, used in the manufacture of items such as nonstick pans, is said to have been released in that time into the river Wyre, landfill and air.

The site investigation is to be carried out by the Environment Agency and will be undertaken as a precautionary measure to establish whether the chemical released into the air affected land in the local area.

In an online letter on its website, the council tells residents to “reduce contact with the soil by taking sensible measures” and to “wash and peel any produce grown in the soil in order to remove any soil or dust”.

The council has also sent out letters, by mail, specifically to 24 residents who use nearby council-owned allotments.

Coun Victoria Wells, one of three Labour councillors who serve Bourne ward, said: “Some of my constituents are understandably concerned about this.

“I have told them to attend either of the two drop-in sessions that are being held to allow residents to find out more.

“The question is going to be how Wyre Council can enforce the owners to clear the site up if it is found to be contaminated.”

AGC Chemicals, which manufactures Fluoropolymers which are known for their exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals and weathering, says it is working with Wyre Council and the Environment Agency to establish whether historic contamination has occurred at the Hillhouse site.

The company has never manufactured or sold the chemical PFOA, and phased out its use in its manufacturing processes by early 2012.

A spokesperson said: “AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. (AGCCE) has always worked collaboratively with the Environment Agency, Wyre Council, local community and wider stakeholders, and will continue to do so as the detailed investigation is carried out.

“For clarity, AGCCE does not manufacture or sell PFOA, PFOS or firefighting foam.”

Anyone can attend the next drop-in event which will be held at Thornton Cleveleys Football Club, Gamble Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 4JH, on Monday, September 30 from 3pm until 7pm.

The first one was staged at the venue this week.