Alarm is growing in Lancashire as a chemical factory at the centre of environmental contamination claims announces plans to close. AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd's decision to shut its Thornton-Cleveleys plant has sent shockwaves through the local community, where over 90 residents are considering taking legal action against the company.
The proposed closure will put the jobs of 190 employees and 18 agency staff at risk, sparking fears for the future of a long-standing employer in the area. The decision to cease operations is currently under consultation, with AGC Chemicals Europe citing significant financial and operational challenges as the primary reason for the move.
As the factory prepares to close its doors, concerns are being raised about the impact on local residents, who have been advised to wash and peel homegrown food and avoid consuming locally produced eggs due to widespread soil contamination. Investigations by the Environment Agency and the local council have revealed that between 1950s and 2012, the facility emitted an estimated 49 tonnes of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) – a 'forever chemical' linked to kidney cancer.
A recent government-commissioned study identified higher-than-expected rates of kidney cancer in the area, although it found no direct evidence of a cancer cluster or environmental association. However, experts have called for further investigation, including blood testing, to better understand the risks posed by PFOA contamination.
Law firm Leigh Day is currently investigating potential claims on behalf of local residents, including one case where pet duck eggs were found to be heavily contaminated with PFOA. AGC Chemicals Europe has stated that it takes its responsibilities to protect employees, the local community, and the environment seriously, but critics argue that this latest development raises serious questions about the company's commitment to environmental safety.