An allotment site in Thornton-Cleveleys is to be closed temporarily as part of an ongoing investigation into historic contamination by a chemical used at a nearby facility.
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.
Now, scientists at the Environment Agency have provided an expert interpretation of the results of shallow soil and produce sampling undertaken at Occupation Road Allotments, which is located on the boundary of the Hillhouse site.
Both the UK Health Security Agency and the Food Standards Agency have provided their input and contributed to the findings of this report. The Environment Agency has concluded that Occupation Road Allotments meets the statutory criteria for formal classification as “Contaminated Land.” This is based on identified potential risks to human health as well as possible harm to property, specifically domestically grown produce.
This is because the amount of PFOA found in both the shallow soil samples and the produce grown on the site means there is a significant possibility it could cause significant harm to health. This risk is higher for allotment tenants because they are likely to eat more of the produce from the site as part of their regular diet than people who grow produce in their garden.
In light of this, the council has no choice but to temporarily close Occupation Road Allotments with immediate effect.
In addition, a second allotment site - located at Sandringham Avenue - will also close on a precautionary basis until scientific interpretation of shallow soil sampling results is received.
The Food Standards Agency has issued advice for those living within 1km of the Hillhouse site:
- People who eat large quantities of vegetables on a daily basis from Occupation Road Allotments are likely to be increasing their exposure to PFAS. This is based on results from a limited amount of produce sampling, supported by more extensive testing of soil in the allotments.
- Lower levels of consumption, for example weekly consumption or small amounts of produce, is unlikely to result in a significant increase above usual exposures experienced by most people from the diet.
- For those living within 1km of the site, we continue to advise that consumers of home-grown produce wash and peel their produce to remove soil, dust and bacteria before eating.
- The FSA advise this for all home-grown produce, however given the elevated levels of PFOA in soil samples, removing the soil will help reduce exposure to PFAS.
- Due to the elevated levels found in soil, residents living within 1km may also consider the use of raised beds and fresh soil when growing produce in gardens or allotments.
Advice from UK Health Security Agency for people living around or on potential contaminated land sites is to:
- Follow normal hygiene precautions and wash hands thoroughly after working or playing in the garden or allotment, especially when in contact with soil and before handling food or drink.
- Wash and peel any produce grown in the soil in order to remove any soil or dust.
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”.
If the allotment site is formally determined as contaminated under Part 2A of the legislation, Wyre Council and the Environment Agency will follow statutory steps to identify those responsible and secure remediation of the site.
We will be holding community drop-in sessions to ensure people can speak directly with those involved in the investigation.
Dates: Thursday, March 12 and Tuesday, March 17
Time: 4pm to 7pm
Location: Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club, Gamble Road, Thornton-Cleveleys, FY5 4JH