'We can't wait 7 years' - Thornton contaminated site campaigner demands Wyre Council action
“From the Thornton-Cleveleys residents’ perspective, that would be totally unacceptable.”
A campaigner is urging Wyre Council to determine two allotments in Thornton as contaminated land rather than waiting for a wider investigation to be completed.
The Environment Agency has already assessed the allotments - on Occupation Road and Sandringham Avenue - and concluded that they meet the statutory criteria for determination as contaminated land.
The closures followed concerns over PFOA contamination in soil and produce grown on the site at Occupation Road.
Now, local campaigner Paul Marks is campaigning to move the process on, urging authorities to identify the parties responsible for the contamination before it’s too late.
He said: “The question is why formal determination has not yet been made, given that the EA has already reached its site-specific conclusion, and whether delaying that step could postpone establishing responsibility and securing remediation.
“Very soon, AGC will publicly state that it’s closing down the Thornton plant. If Wyre Council formally determines the allotments, it can then begin identifying the responsible parties for the contamination.”
Brofiscin Quarry
Paul used a case study in Wales as a comparison. Brofiscin Quarry was formally determined as contaminated land in March 2005 by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and subsequently designated a ‘Special Site’ under Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
The quarry had received industrial wastes from the mid-1960s into the early 1970s, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). However, seven years passed between designation and completion of the remediation.
Mr Marks fears that if something isn’t done soon in Thornton, a similar timeline may follow.
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He said: “From the Thornton-Cleveleys residents’ perspective, that would be totally unacceptable. ICI and AGC has contaminated their land; there is no dispute that the allotments have met the EA’s criteria for determination under Part 2A.
“So why can’t Wyre formally designate the allotments now, rapidly identify the parties responsible, and begin the remediation process without further delay?
“If the investigation concludes contamination has occurred, Wyre Council has the power to officially classify the land as contaminated. The authority, along with the Environment Agency, would then ensure the land is remediated to an acceptable standard by the responsible party.”
AGC which operates from the former ICI Hillhouse site, announced a 45 day consultation period in July after revealing proposals to cease production. Almost 200 jobs are hanging in the balance.
A spokesperson for AGC said: “There is no change at present – we remain in consultation with employees and their representatives.”
Wyre Council has been approached for comment.