Environment Agency Investigation
We have created this information page to hold information about an investigation which is underway to consider whether contamination has occurred at the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone in Thornton Cleveleys.
This relates to historic usage of a chemical called PFOA at the former ICI site - now AGC Chemicals Ltd - between the 1950s and 2012.
The use of this substance was within the terms of the official permit held by ICI and later AGC Chemicals Ltd, which was issued by the Environment Agency. Its use was also in line with UK legislation in place at the time.
The investigation has been instigated by Wyre Council which is the area’s primary regulator for Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The investigation will be carried out by the Environment Agency.
We know that people in our communities may have a range of questions or concerns. This page will provide information on the investigation in place and answers to some of the questions that may arise.
It is important to note that the legal role of Wyre Council relates solely to the official classification of contaminated land. However, relevant information from other agencies is available on this page to help answer any further questions you may have.
Multi-agency working
The response to the issue of potential contamination of the AGC Chemicals Europe site at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone involves multiple agencies, each with a separate and distinct role.
Information provided on this page represents the work of a number of these agencies.
Our legal role as a Council
Local authorities such as Wyre Council are responsible for deciding whether a site or location meets the legal criteria set by the Government for official classification as contaminated land.
To do this, the Council can decide that an investigation should take place to understand whether contamination is likely to have occurred and, if it has, to what extent.
Following an initial study by the Environment Agency, the Council believes that the criteria for a detailed investigation relating to the AGC Chemical Europe Ltd site has been met.
A detailed investigation will now be carried out by the Environment Agency.
The role of other agencies
Wyre Council is working with a range of agencies to support this work including:
- The Environment Agency – who are the primary regulator of Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations.
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – has an advisory role and prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards. The agency provides scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health.
We will endeavour to keep this page updated with further information as it becomes available.
View our resident letter as a PDF
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Please check back regularly.
PAGE LAST UPDATED: 25 July 2024
If you have a question or concern, please email: multi-agency@wyre.gov.uk
Please bear in mind, however, that the legal role of Wyre Council is as the regulator for Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and therefore may not hold the information you are looking for. In these circumstances, we may ask you to contact another agency for further detail.