A SECOND phase of sampling is set to get underway in the New Year as part of an investigation into historic airborne pollutants from AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd.
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 Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) had escaped from the factory at Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone in Thornton-Cleveleys between the 1950s and 2012.
Carried out in September, the initial phase of soil testing by the Environment Agency has confirmed the presence of PFOA at all 22 parcels of land sampled.
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 undertaken - work that will begin early in 2025.
Further community drop-in sessions will take place in January to allow members of the public to find out more about the investigation. It is hoped details about the results of the Phase I sampling programme will be available at that point.
The drop-ins will be held:
At: Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club, Gamble Road, Thornton-Cleveleys
When: Monday, January 13 and Thursday, January 23
Time: 3pm -7pm
Cllr Michael Vincent, the Leader of Wyre Council, said:
"As we promised we would, we are updating residents about the investigation as soon as we have any new information.
"We will be hosting roadshows in January, at which point we hope to have received more detail about the results from the Phase I sampling programme to share with people.
"Anyone can come along to ask questions and to find out more."
Advice from the Food Standards Agency for residents living near to the site who grow and consume their own produce remains the same;
- Everyone in the country is exposed to very low levels of PFOA, via their diet. Based on current information, local residents who regularly eat large amounts of vegetables and fruits grown in allotments and gardens could be increasing their exposure, while occasional or modest intakes are unlikely to greatly affect longterm background intakes.
- Various contaminants can be present in soil. The FSA advise to wash fruit and vegetables with water before consuming to remove soil and dust, as well as for general hygiene reasons such as removing harmful bacteria. Peeling vegetables can also remove more soil and bacteria.
Information and updates are available on the multi-agency webpages here: www.wyre.gov.uk/multi-agency
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