12-May-2006
- Today the Environment Agency released its latest
update on the potential environmental impact of
the Buncefield incident, which is published regularly
on its website.
This update reflects the latest analysis of Perfluorooctane
Sulphonate (PFOS) in groundwater, the most recent
which was received today.
Of the 9 monitoring site results received this
week, analysis of PFOS showed:
6 samples below the limit of
detection - 0.1 micrograms per litre
2 samples of 0.13 micrograms per litre and 0.20
micrograms per litre - which are below the limit
of 3 micrograms per litre for drinking water set
by the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)
1 of 4.58 micrograms per litre. Another sample
of 5.9 micrograms per litre, however further analysis
at the same site showed a reading of 0.20 micrograms
per litre
"Following an incident like Buncefield, where
680,000 litres of fire-fighting foam - some of
which contained PFOS - was released to control
the blaze and protect the community, we would
expect to see elevated levels of PFOS in the environment,"
said Robert Runcie, Regional Director of the Thames
Region of the Environment Agency.
"However, these results are variable and
inconsistent and therefore may be unreliable.
We are investigating further.
"I stress that these are not samples of drinking
water and these results do not mean there is PFOS
above the DWI limit in the public water supply
or in people's taps. We have immediately passed
this information onto Three Valleys Water Company
and DWI for their information and action,"
Mr Runcie said.
The Environment Agency does not monitor drinking
water or set limits for PFOS in drinking water,
this is for the water company and Drinking Water
Inspectorate, respectively, to do.
"The Environment Agency is undertaking ongoing
monitoring to establish the extent and impact
of groundwater contamination and also groundwater
flow. We are arranging for new boreholes to be
installed to provide further information,"
Mr Runcie said.
PFOS and other contaminants associated with fire-fighting
foams have not been routinely monitored in the
environment before. We are now commencing a broader
study to see whether any background levels might
exist elsewhere in England and Wales.
PFOS are a family of chemicals that are generally
used in products designed to repel dirt, grease
and water - including carpet treatments, sprays
for leather and clothing, paints and cleaning
products.
