Concerns Over Chemical Pollution at Former RAF Upper Heyford
The "fire practice pond" at Upper Heyford, where firefighting chemicals were reportedly "drained into storm water drainage," has become the focus of environmental concern following the discovery of significant contamination.
The leader of Cherwell District Council has formally written to the government, urging prompt action after independent testing revealed extremely high levels of 'forever chemicals' near the former RAF Upper Heyford air base in Oxfordshire.
Recent independent analysis of a stream close to the site detected levels of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—43,000 times above established environmental safety standards.
Local campaign groups have previously demanded immediate testing of residents and the surrounding environment to assess the extent of pollution and its potential health impacts.
Lesley McLean, leader of Cherwell District Council, addressed a letter to Emma Hardy, the water and flooding minister, requesting a meeting to discuss the issue in detail.
In her correspondence, McLean also proposed that Heyford Park and its adjacent areas be designated as priority monitoring zones for PFAS contamination.
"I'm calling on all national and local agencies to pull together urgently to understand exactly what the health concerns are and agree what immediate actions are required to ensure this matter is properly understood," she stated.
"I hope Emma Hardy MP responds positively to my request for a meeting and can help bring about a comprehensive multi-agency response."
The letter follows revelations from historic Ministry of Defence documents reviewed by the BBC, which detailed the disposal of firefighting chemicals via drainage systems at the RAF site.
PFAS compounds, known for their persistence in the environment—taking thousands of years to degrade—were previously used in firefighting foams before being banned in the UK due to their potential carcinogenic effects.
These substances are now suspected to be the source of chemical pollution detected in nearby watercourses.
The Environment Agency (EA) had earlier acknowledged a risk of contamination at the site linked to historic firefighting activities.
Initial concerns were raised by local residents in April after water quality data revealed elevated PFAS levels 4km (2.5 miles) downstream from the site.
Since these findings, Dorchester Living, the current owner of the site and developer planning 9,000 new homes at the former RAF base, admitted that it had not conducted testing for PFAS.
In a statement issued earlier this month, the company explained that PFAS "has only more recently emerged as a focus for investigation and was not historically included within the suite of substances routinely tested for."
Resident Leigh Radwell has expressed concern regarding the potential contamination of the local community by PFAS.
Background and Ongoing Developments
The discovery of PFAS contamination at Upper Heyford has prompted calls for a coordinated response involving multiple agencies to address the environmental and public health implications.
Lesley McLean’s appeal to the government underscores the urgency of establishing comprehensive monitoring and remediation strategies to manage the legacy of chemical use at the former military site.
The Ministry of Defence’s historic records provide context for the contamination, indicating that firefighting chemicals were routinely disposed of into drainage systems, contributing to the current environmental challenges.
PFAS chemicals, due to their chemical stability and resistance to degradation, pose long-term risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating detailed investigation and intervention.
The Environment Agency’s prior recognition of contamination risks aligns with community concerns and independent testing results, highlighting the need for transparent communication and action.
Dorchester Living’s acknowledgment of the absence of PFAS testing reflects evolving regulatory and scientific awareness of these substances, emphasizing the importance of updated environmental assessments in redevelopment projects.
Local residents continue to seek clarity on the extent of contamination and potential health effects, advocating for thorough testing and protective measures.
Related Information
- MoD papers reveal firefighting chemicals were disposed of via drainage at the base.
- Site owner admits PFAS testing was not previously conducted.
- The Prime Minister has promised action regarding chemical levels found to be 43,000 times above standards.
