Investigation Calls Renewed Over Chemical Contamination at Former RAF Base
There are renewed calls for investigations into contamination by persistent chemicals at the former RAF Upper Heyford air base, now proposed for residential development, following the release of historical Ministry of Defence (MOD) documents.
The documents, reviewed by the BBC, include assessments describing 'firefighting chemicals' being washed down drains at the site.
These substances are suspected to be the source of pollution in nearby waterways by persistent compounds known as forever chemicals or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Campaigners and local Member of Parliament Calum Miller emphasize the urgent need for testing of both residents and the surrounding environment to assess the extent of contamination and its potential impact on the community.
The documents date back to 1997, when the MOD was preparing to sell the site after four decades of use by the United States Air Force. The MOD states it holds no jurisdiction over sites no longer owned or maintained by them, but any claims from current owners will be addressed individually.
Several land and groundwater assessments from that period reference the fire training area, where firefighters practiced extinguishing an aircraft set ablaze above a fuel 'pond'.
Potential contaminants identified from the 'fire practice pond' include petrol, oil, lubricants, solvents, and firefighting chemicals, which were reportedly "drained into storm water drainage."
The Environment Agency (EA) notes that military sites and airports are known hotspots for PFAS, which were widely used in firefighting foams for many years.
Environmental forensics and PFAS expert Dr David Megson stated:
"This does seem like another concerning case where these chemicals were widely used and have escaped into the environment. It's only decades afterwards that we are beginning to understand what harm may have been caused."
Testing for PFAS
To date, six streams have been tested by both residents and the Environment Agency, all showing elevated levels of PFOS, a chemical component of firefighting foams. PFOS is considered carcinogenic to humans and has been banned in England and Wales.
One test revealed PFOS concentrations at 27,823 ng/l. For comparison, the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) for PFOS in inland surface water is 0.65 ng/l.
An environmental risk assessment from 1997 noted regarding potential contaminants:
"Should impaction of the groundmass and groundwater have occurred... human health could be adversely affected by dermatological contact, inhalation and ingestion of both soils and groundwater."
The assessment further stated:
"Grazing animals, currently on-site and situated in the surrounding farmland may also be potential receptors, impacted directly from ingestion of impacted soils and/or spring waters."
There is no evidence within the documents of any PFAS testing or remedial actions conducted on-site prior to 1997.
The current site owners, Dorchester Living, who have submitted plans to build 9,000 homes on the former base, have acknowledged that no prior PFAS testing had been undertaken.
Community Concerns and Next Steps
Last month, Heyford Park resident Leigh Radwell expressed to the BBC her desire for water and soil testing amid fears that her vegetables might be contaminated.
She, along with two other residents, has indicated willingness to participate in blood testing for PFAS if such testing becomes available.
Calum Miller, MP for Bicester and Woodstock, who received the documents from Defence Minister Luke Pollard, stated that the details within the documents heighten the urgency for testing.
"I'm going to be meeting very shortly with the relevant minister at DEFRA who's responsible for forever chemicals. I'm looking forward to that meeting, which will also be attended by officials from the Health Department. Local residents are understandably very anxious. They've gone from a few months ago, really not knowing very much about this issue, to suddenly being aware that there is potentially something very serious on their doorstep. What they are looking for is answers to the many questions they have."
Charlie Henry from Gallos Brook Community Group stated they have been testing waterways to demonstrate the presence of high PFAS levels in many streams surrounding the base.
He added:
"There's 14 streams that run off this base into different villages. We're calling on the Environment Agency and Cherwell District Council to test them because children play in them, dogs swim in them... it's really serious."
The Environment Agency has indicated it will investigate pollution reports but noted that responsibility for contaminated land lies with the local authority.
Residents have confirmed they have reported the issue to the Environment Agency.
A spokesperson for Cherwell District Council stated it is not aware of any evidence suggesting an immediate health risk to residents.
