Independent Tests Reveal Extremely High Levels of PFAS Near Former RAF Base
Residents living close to the former RAF Upper Heyford base have commissioned independent testing that detected levels of 'forever chemicals' 43,000 times above environmental standards.
The testing was conducted in a stream located 0.5 km south of the former RAF Upper Heyford site. The Environment Agency (EA) has indicated that there is a risk of contamination stemming from historic firefighting activities at the location.
Concerns about contamination were initially raised in April after earlier water data revealed elevated levels of these chemicals 4 km downstream.
Bicester and Woodstock Member of Parliament Calum Miller stated he would be
"pressing" national and local agencies to "take their responsibilities seriously to protect the health of people living in this area."
Understanding the Contaminants: PFAS and Their Risks
The primary concern is contamination by polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of over 10,000 chemicals commonly known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence and resistance to degradation over thousands of years.
Dr David Megson, an environmental forensics expert at Manchester Metropolitan University, explained that PFAS are
"much more mobile" than traditional forever chemicals and can "easily get into shallow groundwater and into local rivers and ditches."
Among the substances detected by both the EA and independent tests is PFOS, a chemical banned in the UK because of its potential carcinogenic effects and its widespread use in firefighting foams.
The independent test recorded PFOS levels at 27,000 ng/l, which is forty times higher than the levels measured by the Environment Agency further downstream. This figure is also 43,000 times greater than the environmental quality standards (EQS) of 0.65 ng/l.
The stream where testing occurred is one of several that flow from an aquifer beneath the air base. However, the exact source of the contamination remains unidentified. Thames Water has assured local residents that the drinking water supply in the area remains safe.
Responses from Site Owner and Local Residents
The site owner, Dorchester Living, stated that
"extensive environmental investigations and remediation had already been carried out in consultation with the EA."Paul Silver, CEO of Dorchester Living, added that
"further targeted investigation is appropriate in specific areas."
Local resident Leigh Radwell, who has lived near the base in Heyford Park for over ten years, expressed concern about potential environmental contamination affecting her property.
"If you're getting readings in the thousands further on down this stream that's off the Richter scale... I am very concerned for the people that are close and the people that have got it running, like me, 16-17ft from their front door."
Ms. Radwell has a large garden adjacent to the stream where she cultivates various fruits and vegetables, which she shares with friends and family.
"If the produce that I've been growing is contaminated in some way, how's it going to affect somebody's health? How is it going to affect my health?"
Calls for Comprehensive Testing and Action
MP Calum Miller emphasized the need for more extensive monitoring, stating that
"a couple of sporadic tests on one water stream give us a bit of information and give us a reason to act rapidly. They don't give us a full picture."
He added,
"What we need is for the environment agency, local authorities to come together and put in place some regular testing that will allow us to establish the scale of the problem and then to think about what can be done."
Environment Agency's Position and Ongoing Monitoring
An Environment Agency spokesperson confirmed that surface water at Upper Heyford is tested as part of routine surveillance monitoring to better understand PFAS concentrations across England.
They noted that
"Given Upper Heyford's former use as a military airfield, there is a risk that the site could be contaminated with PFAS in firefighting foams."
The spokesperson further stated that the EA
"will work alongside developers and local planning authorities as part of any redevelopment proposals to ensure that investigations are carried out along with any necessary remediation."
