The revelation that 'forever chemicals' were washed down drains at a former RAF base is causing concern for residents in Oxfordshire. Newly released Ministry of Defence documents from 1997 have exposed the routine disposal of firefighting chemicals, which environmental experts believe are responsible for pollution detected in local waterways.
The documents detail assessments made by the MoD when it was preparing to sell the RAF Upper Heyford air base after four decades of use by the United States Air Force. The fire training area is a specific point of concern, where firefighters practised extinguishing aircraft fires over a 'pond' of fuel. Potential contaminants listed included petrol, oil, lubricants, solvents, and 'firefighting chemicals', which were drained into storm water drainage.
According to NHS guidelines, exposure to PFOS - a type of PFAS found in firefighting foams and widely used in the past - is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. The Environment Agency has already tested six streams surrounding the former base, with all showing elevated levels of PFOS. Dr David Megson, an environmental forensics expert, describes this situation as 'another concerning case' where these chemicals have escaped into the environment.
Local MP Calum Miller is pressing for urgent action and has received support from residents like Leigh Radwell, who want water and soil testing to assess potential contamination. Campaigners are actively testing waterways to demonstrate the presence of high levels of PFAS and secure official action.
The MoD no longer holds jurisdiction over sites it no longer owns or maintains. However, any claims regarding contamination from current owners will be addressed on a site-by-site basis. Historical environmental risk assessments warned that pollution could have 'adversely affected human health' through contact with soils and groundwater, as well as posing risks to grazing animals in surrounding farmland.
Campaigners are urging for further support from local authorities, including the Environment Agency, and for residents to be offered blood testing if needed. The affected community will continue to push for official action to address the contamination concerns.