Tests confirm carcinogenic substance found in gardens and allotments at former Thornton Cleveleys chemical plant

A carcinogenic substance has been found in gardens and allotments close to the grounds of a former chemical plant in Thornton Cleveleys.

Wyre Council launched an investigation into possible contamination of on land at the site of AGC Chemicals, formerly ICI, after concerns were raised by local residents.

The council said in some cases the levels exceed those acceptable for growing vegetables for private consumption, and more detailed tests will be carried out on 22 areas of land by the Environment Agency in the coming weeks.

While elevated concentrations of the potentially hazardous substance are not necessarily a concern, the results highlight the need for more detailed testing to enable a thorough, scientific risk assessment to be carried out.

A factual report has been published which confirms the presence of the chemical PFOA on 22 parcels of land tested as part of an investigation into potential airborne pollutants from AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone (the former ICI site) in Thornton-Cleveleys.

In July, Wyre Council launched an investigation into the historic use of a chemical called Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) between the 1950s and 2012. The investigation is being carried out by the Environment Agency and supported by partners, including Wyre Council.

The initial sampling exercise – which forms the first part of a large and complex investigation – was designed to provide a snapshot of information to confirm whether or not the chemical been deposited onto surrounding land after it was released into the air by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd.

The inspection involved shallow soil sampling from land parcels located near to the Hillhouse site. Results from the Environment Agency confirm the presence of PFOA.

In some cases, the PFOA levels found exceed interim screening levels for certain types of land use – specifically where vegetables are grown for private consumption. These screening levels vary between land use types because people use land differently, affecting their exposure to soil contamination.

While elevated concentrations of PFOA are not necessarily a concern, the results do highlight the need for more detailed testing to enable a thorough, scientific risk assessment to be carried out.

More work is now required to provide the level of data needed for this risk assessment to take place. Therefore, planning is underway for Phase II of the investigation which will commence in the coming weeks.

The Environment Agency said: “This preliminary inspection has confirmed the presence of PFOA in shallow soils around the facility.

“These preliminary findings indicate further work and risk assessment is necessary. These inspections are complex and need to be conducted in a phased and methodical way. It is important to note that it can take time, and several phases, before clear and robust conclusions regarding risk can be delivered.”

The complete factual report has been released as part of a commitment to keep the community updated as information becomes available during the investigation.

Information and updates are available on the multi-agency webpages here: www.wyre.gov.uk/multi-agency  Residents can also attend community drop-in sessions to speak to members of the investigation team and to ask any questions they have.

The drop-ins will be held at Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club, Gamble Road, on  Monday, January 13 and Thursday, January 23, 3pm -7pm.