Forever Chemicals Removed from Former Oxfordshire Fuel Depot Site

Barrels containing firefighting foam with PFAS, a group of chemicals known as "forever chemicals," have been removed from the former Islip Fuel Depot in Oxfordshire, according to developer Newcore. The site, previously an RAF and Esso fuel storage facility, has outline planning permission for residential development.

Concerns were raised after approximately 40 barrels of firefighting foam liquid, which contains PFAS, were discovered at the site, believed to have been present for decades. The depot historically supplied fuel to the nearby RAF Upper Heyford. Images show the barrels were manufactured by Angus Fire Armour, a company that previously settled a legal case with residents in Yorkshire over alleged PFAS exposure near its manufacturing plant.

Hugo Llewelyn, CEO of Newcore, stated that the company was made aware of the barrels in recent weeks and had them removed professionally. He indicated that the containers were sealed and had not been deployed, and that successive surveys had confirmed no pathway for pollution. Llewelyn also suggested that testing conducted by campaigners was questionable, asserting that the presence of PFAS in a secured area designed for firefighting foam was not surprising.

Newcore stated that a Phase 1 assessment conducted last year had identified the potential for contamination. The specification for a subsequent Phase 2 investigation was designed to address this risk, and any identified contamination would be cleaned up immediately. The Environment Agency's Chemical Compliance team had contacted the site owners to ensure the drums were managed properly.

Newcore plans to redevelop the site to include 50% affordable housing.