Environmental protection call over cancer chemicals

People living in parts of Lancashire where there are concerns over possible health impacts from nearby industrial estates should be given special environmental protection, a councillor has said.

There are investigations into so‑called carcinogenic "forever chemicals" in Thornton and Fleetwood.

The chemicals, known as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are used in many every day products because they are oil resistant and waterproof, but can have long-standing negative effects on the environment.

Local councillor Victoria Wells said residents already faced higher rates of respiratory illness than the national average and has urged Wyre Council to bring in extra monitoring and health checks.

Investigations are currently under way by the Environment Agency and Wyre Council into the extent and effects of pollution by the chemicals.

Additionally, there is the sewage treatment plant run by United Utilities at Fleetwood, two gas peaking plants (fast-starting power stations) on the Hillhouse site and Thornton Waste Treatment Plant in the area, run by Lancashire Renewables.

Another concern is the proposal for a new waste incinerator which was approved at Lancashire County Council last year, in close proximity to residential housing.

Wells has called for Wyre Council to formally adopt a Health Vulnerability Zone (HVZ) framework within its Local Plan to cover the area, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

She said the accumulation of so many industrial activities that carried potential environmental impact, as a whole, makes the area a special case.

Health Vulnerable Zones are geographical areas with high pollution risks (like industrial zones) which would require extra attention for air quality and other types of monitoring.

Wells said: "There needs to be recognition that there is an industrial corridor in the area which has the potential to impact on the environment and people's health.

"It has already been established that the number of people in the area with respiratory health issues is bigger than the UK average.

"If there are factors which could exacerbate that, then I think it is essential that the establishment of a Health Vulnerable Zone for this area is factored into Wyre's new Local Plan."

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