Regulators Overlook Toxic Emissions from Lancashire Chemical Plant

Regulators monitoring chemical emissions near a plant in Lancashire have not tested for a specific toxic substance produced by the facility, raising alarms among environmental experts. Although evidence suggests that this compound, known as EEA-NH4, may be released in significant quantities and could pose reproductive health risks, regulatory agencies have overlooked it.

Pfas, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” are a group of manmade compounds used extensively in various products, including non-stick cookware and firefighting foams. These substances do not degrade easily, leading to their accumulation in the environment, wildlife, and human bodies. Some Pfas have been linked to serious health issues, including cancers and hormone disruption.

AGC Chemicals, located in Lancashire, has come under scrutiny following reports indicating the discharge of high levels of a banned carcinogenic Pfas, specifically PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), into the River Wyre. Residents in the vicinity have been advised against consuming produce from their gardens due to the detection of PFOA in vegetables. AGC has acknowledged the presence of various Pfas but maintains that no definitive conclusions have emerged from ongoing investigations.

Concerns Over EEA-NH4 Emissions

The Environment Agency has been collecting samples of soil and water around AGC’s site and has confirmed the presence of several Pfas, including PFOA. Notably, it has not included EEA-NH4 in its testing, despite estimates suggesting that approximately 800 kg of this substance is released into the River Wyre annually. EEA-NH4 has been classified as “reprotoxic category 2,” indicating potential harm to reproductive health.

Dr. David Megson, a forensic scientist specializing in Pfas analysis, commented on the situation, stating, “Our results showed that in addition to PFOA, the soil surrounding the site consistently contains EEA-NH4 and hydrogen-substituted carboxylic acids (H-PFCAs). Less is known about them, but studies are showing that they have a similar toxicity.” He emphasized the need for comprehensive human health risk assessments that include these overlooked chemicals.

The Environment Agency explained that its current testing protocols are limited to Pfas substances for which established analytical standards exist. As EEA-NH4 does not yet have such a standard, it remains untested. Nonetheless, experts like Dr. Megson argue that this limitation underscores a critical flaw in the existing testing framework.

Professor Hans Peter Arp, from the Norwegian Institute of Science and Technology, noted, “This is not just a UK problem but a global one. We need stronger monitoring of total Pfas, not just known substances like EEA-NH4, but residuals too. Citizens need to know how much Pfas is being released so polluters can be held accountable.”

AGC Chemicals Responds

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd stated that the company prioritizes environmental standards and community commitments. They highlighted that the ongoing investigation is focused primarily on PFOA emissions, while the company has also initiated a third-party assessment of its land, covering both current and legacy chemicals. This assessment is currently undergoing intrusive investigations of soil and water, with results expected to be shared with relevant authorities in early 2024.

The spokesperson reiterated that the use of EEA-NH4 is authorized under the site’s environmental permit, which is subject to REACH registration, a regulatory process in the EU. They also emphasized that independent monitoring over the past four decades has indicated that the company’s effluent has not significantly affected protected areas in the Wyre estuary.

The Environment Agency confirmed that it is collaborating with AGC’s Thornton-Cleveleys site to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. At the request of Wyre Council, the agency is also investigating the site and surrounding areas for historical contamination unrelated to current operations. Importantly, they stated that there is currently no strong evidence to suggest widespread EEA-NH4 contamination in the land surrounding the facility.

As the investigation continues, the focus on both public health risks and environmental compliance remains critical, particularly in light of the emerging data on the potential dangers posed by these overlooked chemicals.