Chemical contamination at a former Royal Air Force (RAF) base in the United Kingdom, earmarked for significant housing development, has been identified as the worst in the country, according to a recent report. Testing conducted at RAF Upper Heyford, on behalf of developer Dorchester Living, found "unacceptable" levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as forever chemicals.
PFAS are a group of thousands of man-made chemicals, some of which are linked to cancer, and are termed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. The investigation's findings were submitted to Cherwell District Council as part of a planning application. The report's author noted that the levels detected were higher than those found in Bentham, Yorkshire, previously identified as having the highest PFAS concentration in the UK.
The Environment Agency has indicated that military sites and airports are recognized hotspots for PFAS contamination, largely due to their extensive use in firefighting foams for decades. Historical training exercises at RAF Upper Heyford, which involved firefighters practicing extinguishing simulated aircraft fires over fuel-laden "ponds," are believed to be a primary source of the contamination.
One report focused on the training area identified it as "the most significant ongoing source of PFAS contamination identified." Another investigation into the site's ground and surface water indicated "widespread" contamination, with all tested samples exceeding established environmental standards. Independent testing by the Gallos Brook Environmental Group further revealed elevated PFAS levels in over a dozen streams originating from beneath the base.
These findings have heightened concerns among residents about existing and planned developments near the site, including a primary school. Reports concerning groundwater and surface water at the school site indicated that PFAS levels surpassed safe limits set by environmental quality standards.
Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, emphasized the need for a comprehensive understanding of the contamination levels in the area, particularly to ensure the safety of the primary school environment for children. Some residents living near the base have expressed a desire for blood testing to assess potential exposure. Leigh Radwell, a local resident, voiced her concerns for her health and the impact on her ability to grow produce and keep animals, stating, "My little countryside haven and my dream of growing my own veg and having chickens and supporting wildlife is ruined."
Helen Christie, representing the Gallos Brook Environmental Group, stated that the results validate the campaigners' long-held concerns about site contamination but argued that the testing conducted thus far has been insufficient. She stressed that the current duty of care should prioritize the approximately 1,300 houses already built and the surrounding communities. Paul Silver, chief executive of Dorchester Living, however, stated that separate soil samples from residential areas indicated the land was "safe for use."