Third Thornton site near ICI Hillhouse found contaminated with PFOA

The Environment Agency has confirmed a third site in Thornton is contaminated by the man-made chemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA)

The area of concern is Hillylaid Pool – an effluent pit in the vicinity of the historic ICI Hillhouse site.

The EA which is leading the investigation into contaminated land, currently occupied by AGC Chemicals Europe, says ‘sampling concluded that there was a presence of historical PFAS’ at the Hillylaid Pools.

A spokesperson for the EA said: “We are leading the investigation into contaminated land surrounding the AGC Chemicals Europe facility in Thornton on behalf of Wyre Council.

“As part of this investigation surface water locations surrounding the site, including Hillylaid Pools have been sampled on several occasions and the sampling concluded that there was a presence of historical PFAS and other industrial type containments.

Two allotments have already closed due to ground contamination of PFOA – the latest at Sandringham Avenue – and campaigners have also raised concerns about the lagoon.

“Work is underway to understand the nature and extent of this contamination and the potential risks it may pose.

“We will continue to monitor the area for potential impacts on the wider environment and take appropriate regulatory action where necessary.”

Wyre Council launched a multi-agency investigation in 2024 to consider potential historic contamination from the former ICI site.

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.

Campaigner Paul Marks says the lagoon was tested for PFAS a number of years ago.

He said: “Thirteen different types of PFAS were found, with a cumulative concentration of 21,539 ng/L.

“This is highly significant and is sufficient to poison birds and other wildlife. Over the past decades, how many birds and other animals have drunk from the pit? How many later developed diseases associated with PFAS contamination?”

“After further research and another conversation with a local resident, it appears the lagoon is almost certainly leaching into the groundwater and surrounding soil. There are also leaking pipes and drains contaminated with PFOA.

“It really is shocking. It is an environmental disaster.”

AGC is undertaking voluntary environmental investigations at Hillylaid Pools and other locations under the oversight of the EA. The company (AGC) is currently in a 45 day consultation phase with 200 jobs hanging in the balance.