PFAS pollution in Lancashire: High levels of ‘forever chemicals’ in local allotments

Leigh Day is currently investigating issues surrounding the alleged contamination of allotment plots situated near AGC Chemicals plant in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire.

Wrye Council announced in July 2024 that it had, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, launched an investigation after discovering the probable release of the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd, and previously Imperial Chemistry Industries Ltd (ICI), at a site in the area.  

According to Wyre Council, initial sampling results for Occupation Road Allotments, a nearby allotment in Thornton-Cleveleys, suggest elevated levels of PFOA in the soil - above the interim guideline value for the growing and consumption of produce in an allotment setting.  

What are PFAS? 

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are coined ‘forever chemicals’ due to the thousands of years they take to break down in the environment. PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are types of PFAS. In 2023, PFOA was classified as a carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization. 

How has the operational site next to the allotments developed over time? 

Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, situated close to the Occupation Road Allotments, has an extensive industrial history beginning in the 1800s. 

According to the Guardian, AGC Chemicals Ltd, which took over operation of the site from previous operator ICI, itself estimated that around 115 tonnes of PFOA may have been emitted into air, soils, water and landfills between 1950 and 2012. 

What does this mean for the allotment holders and the wider community? 

Provisional samples taken from the soil at the Occupation Road Allotments have suggested the levels of PFOA are above the guideline value given for both the growing and consumption of vegetables in an allotment setting.  

Allotments holders, and local people more broadly, have been advised to wash and peel vegetables from their allotments and gardens before consuming them. One allotment holder has been blogging her experience learning about this issue on Youtube.  

The Leigh Day team investigating the issue have also been instructed by members of the community in the North Yorkshire Town of Bentham. They too have received warning letters concerning the consumption of produce from their allotments. 

What is happening now?  

Leigh Day understands that initial samples taken from public land near the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone, where the factory site is located, are currently being analysed and risk accessed. Once this stage has been completed, additional advice should be provided to residents and details of the next stages of the investigation into PFAS contamination will be published.  

How are we involved? 

Leigh Day is currently investigating reports by the Environment Agency regarding the impacts of PFAS contamination allegedly linked to AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd. 

The team investigating will be watching developments in Thornton-Cleveleys closely, and is aware of the environmental and public health concerns arising from PFAS chemicals. 

What can I do? 

If you consider you may have been affected by the operations of AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd or by PFAS contamination, please fill in the form here or please contact us for further information at pfasenquiries@leighday.co.uk.

This will help us investigate these claims and to assess how we may be able to help.