Information for residents
What is PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of man‑made chemicals used in a wide range of industrial processes and consumer products. They are sometimes known as “forever chemicals”. This includes chemicals that were historically used in fire‑fighting foams, including at airfields and military sites.
How does this relate to Heyford Park?
As part of the Environment Agency’s national PFAS research and monitoring programme, the Environment Agency carries out targeted sampling of groundwater and surface water across England to build a national understanding of PFAS in the environment.
One of these locations is around 5 km from Upper Heyford. The Environment Agency and local organisations have identified PFAS in local watercourses near Heyford Park. Sampling has found varying concentrations, which may reflect factors such as distance from potential sources and dilution within the water environment.
The former RAF Upper Heyford airbase is known to have used fire-fighting foams in the past.
Is there a risk to health?
At present, there is no evidence to suggest an immediate risk to the health of residents.
Following recent discussions involving the council, the Environment Agency and other partners, Thames Water has advised that:
The drinking water supply serving the Heyford area complies with Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) PFAS guidelines. Routine monitoring at the relevant Water Treatment Works (WTWs) has not identified any PFAS concentrations of significant concern, according to the DWI guidelines (no tier 3 results). Based on current evidence, the risk of contamination to drinking water supplies from the nearby airfield is considered to be low. This is because relevant water abstraction points that supply the area are either located a considerable distance from the airfield or positioned upstream of it which means it's unlikely that contamination can interact with the abstraction source.
Who is responsible for investigating water pollution and drinking water safety?
- The Environment Agency may take samples from rivers and streams when responding to a pollution incident, where appropriate. Where development is proposed, even where the Environment Agency is not a statutory consultee, it works with local planning authorities to help ensure that land and any impacted groundwater are cleaned up to a standard which is suitable for the site's proposed use, both now and in the future. More information on the Environment Agency's role.
- Drinking water standards are set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI).
- Drinking water at Upper Heyford is supplied by Thames Water via the mains network, not from private water supplies
Have measures to address contaminated land already been taken
when granting planning applications at Heyford Park?
Yes. Where development has already taken place at Heyford Park, land contamination was assessed and remediated where necessary, in line with the legislation and guidance that applied at the time those developments were approved.
What about new or future development at Heyford Park?
For any new planning applications, the council will:
- Assess each application on its own merits
- Require appropriate land contamination investigations, where relevant
- Ensure that testing, remediation and verification are carried out in line with current national guidance
- Take a precautionary and evidence‑led approach, particularly for sensitive uses such as housing
If additional investigation or mitigation is required because of PFAS or other contaminants, this will be secured through the planning process.
Where development is proposed on land affected by contamination or land stability issues, responsibility for securing a safe development rests with the developer and/or landowner.
What is the national position on PFAS?
PFAS are recognised as an emerging national issue.
The Government has published a Policy Paper PFAS Plan: building a safer future together setting out its approach to managing PFAS and is working towards further national guidance on legacy contamination.
What is the council doing?
Cherwell District Council will continue to:
- Work with expert regulators such as the Environment Agency
- Follow national planning and environmental guidance
- Take a proportionate, precautionary and evidence‑led approach
- Ensure land is safe for its intended use through the planning process
If you have a specific concern about this issue that hasn’t been answered, please use our dedicated email address: pfas@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.