PFAS pollution near Blackpool: Will it last forever?
Mary Westmacott, Napat Phuphatana and Kah Ho Teh of Leigh Day discuss the allegations of PFAS pollution in Thornton-Cleveleys near Blackpool.
Posted on 24 September 2024
Leigh Day are currently investigating issues surrounding the release of large amounts of PFAS, including high concentrations of PFOA, allegedly discharged by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd at Thornton-Cleveleys, into the River Wyre, as reported in a recent Guardian article.
What are PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a chemical family consisting of at least 5,000 individual substances. They are sometimes referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ because they are very persistent in the environment and some forms will not break down for thousands of years.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are types of PFAS. PFOA and PFOS are classified as PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic) substances by the EU’s REACH regulations. Last year PFOA was categorised as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization.
What is happening near Blackpool?
High levels of PFAS, including PFOA, have been found in water samples taken near to a chemicals plant operated by AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd in Thornton-Cleveleys, near Blackpool.
In 2023, the Guardian and Watershed Investigations reported that more than 700 types of PFAS were detected in effluent discharged near the AGC Chemicals site. This included 12,000 nanograms/litre of PFOA. AGC Chemicals has said any PFOA in the effluent is due to historical use given it no longer uses or manufactures PFOA.
As reported in the Guardian this September, Watershed Investigations has now obtained correspondence between AGC Chemicals and the Environment Agency in which the chemicals company estimates that about 115 tonnes of PFOA would have been emitted into air, soils, water and landfills between 1950 and 2012, including the period when the chemicals company ICI operated at the site.
The Environment Agency, the UK Health Security Agency and Wyre Council have launched an investigation to assess possible contamination in the area surrounding AGC Chemicals’ site at the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone in Thornton-Cleveleys. The investigation will include soil sampling in the area to assess for possible soil contamination.
We are at an early stage in our investigations but we are keen to lend our expertise to anyone affected by these issues locally. PFAS chemicals are linked with significant potential harms for the environment and human health.
How are we involved?
Leigh Day are currently investigating allegations against AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd and the impacts of potential PFAS contamination in the area.
What can I do?
If you feel 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.
Contact us today
If you feel you may have been affected by the operations of AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd or by PFAS contamination, please fill in the form here.
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