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UK's Worst Chemical Contamination Found at RAF Base
29 Oct
Summary
- RAF Upper Heyford has worst UK PFAS contamination ever found.
- Forever chemicals detected exceed levels in Yorkshire's Bentham.
- Contamination threatens 9,000 homes planned for the former base.
A former Royal Air Force base, RAF Upper Heyford, has been identified as the site of the most severe chemical contamination in the United Kingdom. Testing for polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals, revealed "unacceptable" levels, surpassing those previously recorded in Bentham, Yorkshire.
The contamination is considered a significant ongoing source, particularly from a former firefighting training area. Reports indicate that ground and surface water across the site show widespread PFAS contamination, with all samples exceeding environmental standards. This raises concerns for residents, especially those near existing and approved developments, including a primary school where groundwater also exceeded safe levels.
While soil samples from residential areas have been deemed "safe for use" by the developer, Dorchester Living, the overall contamination levels are a major concern. The developer has submitted a strategy for further investigation and remediation through the planning process, acknowledging their responsibilities as a landowner. A working group, including the developer and the Environment Agency, has been established to address the issue.
