Leigh Day continues to investigate issues surrounding the alleged contamination of allotment plots situated near AGC Chemicals plant in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire.

What are PFAS?

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are coined ‘forever chemicals’ due to the thousands of years they take to break down in the environment. PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are types of PFAS. In 2023, PFOA was classified as a carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization.

The Environment Agency Investigation in Thorton-Cleveleys

The Environment Agency investigation in Thorton-Cleveleys has so far been split into two phases.

Phase 1

The first phase focused on sampling land parcels within a 5km radius of the AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd facility, with the majority of samples taken within a 500m distance. The inspection was undertaken between September and October 2024 and initially focussed on easily accessible public land: parks, school playing fields and allotments.  This preliminary testing confirmed the presence of PFOA in shallow soils around the facility, with all 22 sampled land parcels reporting detectable PFOA concentrations.

Additionally, soil sampling at allotments close to the AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd facility, found an average PFOA concentration of 5.92µg/kg and maximum PFOA concentration of 20.2µg/kg. Greatly exceeding the precautionary screening value of 1.4µg/kg. PFOA levels were also found in most vegetables tested from the allotments, with beetroot, kale, chard, and cabbage showing the highest concentrations. Allotments holders, and local people more broadly, have been advised to wash and peel vegetables from their allotments and gardens  before consuming them.

Phase 2

The second phase of the investigation was undertaken between December 2024 and March 2025 and focussed primarily on residential gardens within the zone of greatest anticipated chemical deposition. Additionally, more intensive sampling of allotment soils, combined with produce testing, was conducted to try and understand the health risks to those growing and consuming vegetables. The full report has not yet been made available but a published summary states that 99% of the soil samples showed elevated PFOA with a maximum value of 144µg/kg (average 4.18µg/kg), compared to a screening threshold of 7.6ug/kg for gardens where vegetables are grown. The summary states that “The[se] results paint a picture of sporadic contamination, indicating zones of ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ risk”.

Additional sampling is now planned for late Summer/Autumn 2025 to try and clarify the level of risk to those living in the area.

How are we involved?

Leigh Day is concerned by the findings of Environment Agency investigation. The results so far appear to show significant and sporadic contamination of the local area by PFOA, a classified carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization.

Leigh Day’s team in Leeds has also been instructed to investigate a case against Angus Fire Limited as a result of alleged PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, pollution in Bentham, North Yorkshire.

What can I do?

If you consider you may have been affected by the operations of AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd or by PFAS contamination, and wish to contact the Leigh Day Team please feel free to do so using the following email address pfasenquiries@leighday.co.uk

Wyre Council are also offering a Community Drop-in Session at Thornton-Cleveleys Football Club on Wednesday 23rd July from 4pm-7pm for local residents seeking further information