NORA has been concerned that there have not been updates on the PFAS emergency at Heyford Park, where tests in local streams and downstream watercourses nearby have shown extreme concentrations (43,000 times higher than environmental standards) of PFAS characteristic of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used historically at military airfields.

Local distractions, such as the dispute between Dorchester Living and David Wilson Homes regarding the connection between sewers, have resulted in massive road closures and traffic disruption on Camp Road in Heyford Park, near Bicester – handy for those who might be hopeful that the PFAS emergency will go away!

So, what is the update?

We asked CDC for an update because, having talked to locals who have been campaigning for more testing and answers to their concerns, we found there had been little progress.

We will not allow CDC, OCC and the Environment Agency to hide behind one another, with no action.

CDC sent this update:

• For development that has already taken place at Heyford Park (Upper Heyford), land contamination at Heyford Park was assessed and remediated where appropriate, in line with the legislation and guidance in place at the time of the development. 
• Where permission has been granted, we are requiring that in respect of contaminated land, PFAS testing is included in any contaminated land discharge of condition application. 
• Moving forward, each planning application will be assessed on its own merits and if required a phased approach to land contamination in line with national guidance will be carried out, including chemical testing of the soils, remediation and verification of the remediation as part of that process.
• At this time, the land has not been declared as contaminated land in line with national guidance.  Where the landowner is willing to remediate land, the Statutory guidance for the Environmental Protection Act 1990: Part 2A which deals with Contaminated land states “Enforcing authorities should seek to use Part 2A only where no appropriate alternative solution exists”. In respect of this issue the land contamination will be addressed when land is developed (or redeveloped) under the planning system.
• Representatives from Cherwell District Council, the Environment Agency, Dorchester Living along with Calum Miller recently met to discuss the PFAS findings in the Heyford Park area. The purpose of the meeting was to share information, improve understanding of the available evidence, understand how co-ordinate, and agree how investigations should be taken forward. 
• The organisations involved have committed to continuing to work together and will provide updates as further information becomes available and this will be found on our website at:  https://www.cherwell.gov.uk/info/115/planning-process/1395/pfas-and-land-contamination-at-heyford-park-%E2%80%93-information-for-residents
• We are ensuring that the source of the contamination is found and that appropriate remediation is carried out to ensure that the land is safe for it intended use and that this information is provided prior to determination of any relevant Heyford Park planning applications
• Pollution in Controlled Waters is dealt with the Environment Agency who are also Statutory Consultees on planning applications such as the ones at Upper Heyford. They have produced their own page regarding the matter here:  https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/ea-role-with-pfas 
• Drinking Water Standards are set by the DWI and further information can be found here: https://www.dwi.gov.uk/pfas-and-forever-chemicals/ Drinking Water at Upper Heyford is supplied by Thames Water through pipes and not from any private or local supplies and is required to comply with standards set by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. 
• PFAS are an emerging issue nationally and the Government has set out a Policy Paper regarding the matter, and we await the issue of national guidance on  managing legacy PFAS contamination – more information can be found here:  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pfas-plan/pfas-plan-building-a-safer-future-together
• Cherwell District Council will continue to take an evidence-led and precautionary approach to the issues within the Planning and Environmental Legislation and Guidance as laid down by the Government and will work alongside partners.

NORA will continue to hold CDC accountable to continue testing and to communicate with you, the people who are most affected by this.