Residents advised to get to drop-in session over contamination concerns

The owners of up to 500 properties in Thornton have been advised to attend a drop-in session to find out more about the presence of a chemical linked to cancer.

It comes after one allotment site has been closed temporarily as part of an ongoing investigation into historic contamination by the chemical used at a nearby facility, while another has closed as a precaution.

Wyre Council launched a multi-agency investigation last year to consider potential historic contamination from the former ICI site on part of Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone.

The investigation is looking into whether Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), used on the site between the 1950s and 2012 and released into the air, may have been deposited on land in the surrounding area.

PFOA is a type of acidic substance which was once used widely in industrial chemical processes but has largely been phased out over environmental and health concerns. It has been called a “forever chemical” because it does not easily break down.

Now, scientists at the Environment Agency have concluded that an allotment at Occupation Road meets the statutory criteria for formal classification as “Contaminated Land”, meaning it had to close with immediate effect.

This is based on identified potential risks to human health as well as possible harm to property, specifically domestically grown produce.

A second allotment site – located at Sandringham Avenue – has also closed on a precautionary basis until scientific interpretation of shallow soil sampling results is received.

Soil samples were also taken from nearby properties, around 70 of which showed the presence of PFOA, which is described as being potentially harmful to both the environment and people’s health.

Although no action was deemed necessary in the majority of cases, seven properties deemed to be higher risk will need further investigation.

Where is the drop-in?

People can find out more at the drop-in session taking place at Thornton Cleveleys Football Club on Gamble Road from 4pm to 7pm on Tuesday March 17.

Wyre Council Leader Michael Vincent said owners of up to 500 properties should take advice at the drop-in session. An earlier one was held at the same venue last week.

A spokesperson for the multi-agency group, said: “We appreciate that the arrival of this report may cause worry and concern within the community.

“Throughout the investigation, we have been open and transparent, and we will continue to keep people informed as the process advances.

“Our priority is to move forward as swiftly and thoroughly as possible, ensuring we comply fully with the legal requirements of the legislation at every step while continuing to put the needs of our communities first.

“It’s important to note that these findings and conclusions relate specifically to the Occupation Road Allotments site only. No conclusions have been reached, nor any decisions made, regarding the Contaminated Land status of any other areas of land or properties considered as part of the wider Part 2A inspection”.

Meanwhile, the BBC reports that more than 60 home-owners living near the former industrial site are considering taking legal action over the presence of PFOA.

One of the residents said his house was built on land that was previously part of the factory and is concerned about problems with not only his health but that of his family.

He said his GP has told him that the NHS will not pay for blood tests for PFOA, and he wanted the council to meet those costs.

ICI and later AGC Chemicals, which took over the site,  were allowed to use PFOA from the 1950s to 2012, when AGC ceased involvement with it.
AGC Chemicals Europe is carrying out its own more complex investigation.

But the BBC said Cllr Vincent wanted the Environment Agency to put pressure on AGC to speed up their investigation.