Three UK military bases are under investigation over fears they may be leaking toxic 'forever chemicals' into drinking water sources and environmentally sensitive areas. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) will examine RAF Marham in Norfolk, RM Chivenor in Devon, and AAC Middle Wallop in Hampshire after concerns they may be leaching PFAS chemicals into their surroundings.
The sites were identified using a new PFAS risk screening tool developed by the Environment Agency (EA). RAF Marham and AAC Middle Wallop lie within drinking water safeguard zones, while RM Chivenor borders protected shellfish waters, a special area of conservation, and the River Taw, an important salmon river.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals used in firefighting foams and consumer products. They are known as forever chemicals because they do not break down easily and have been linked to cancers, immune system disruption, and reproductive disorders. Military bases have used PFAS-laden firefighting foams for decades.
Professor Hans Peter Arp from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology said contamination at UK military sites would not be surprising, warning that PFAS pollution will continue for 'decades to centuries' unless immediate clean-up actions are taken. The Environmental Audit Committee has launched a formal inquiry into PFAS contamination and regulation across the UK.
Professor Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth said it is 'very worrying' to hear PFAS is being detected close to drinking water sources, adding that the cost of cleaning up these pollutants could run into the billions and should be footed by the chemical industry. A spokesperson for Water UK called for PFAS to be banned and a national plan for removal, paid for by manufacturers.
Professor Crispin Halsall from Lancaster University urged the MoD to 'come clean and set up monitoring'. The UK's monitoring of PFAS is trailing behind the US, where contamination on military sites has prompted billions of dollars in federal spending on testing and clean-up operations.
