Angus Fire - Bentham - Lancashire
Angus Fire - Bentham
- understand the potential impact, review compliance with the Environmental Permit and the site’s activities,
- consider any remediation requirements
- consider if any appropriate regulatory and enforcement steps are needed to protect people and the environment
What is this site?
Angus Fire design and manufacture of various fire protection products, including Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) at their site in High Bentham, North Yorkshire.
There has been significant national media interest concerning the Angus Fire site, and the use of PFAS Chemicals in historical manufacturing processes. We acknowledge this has caused residents of Bentham and surrounding areas to be concerned.
Read the Drinking Water Inspectorate's guidance on PFAS and 'forever' chemicals.
We can assure residents that we are undertaking an investigation into possible permit breaches and the potential impacts are still being understood. As a result of collecting information, we need to better understand what the potential impacts might be and if they point to more significant breaches of the permit.
It is the production of AFFF that required the use of PFAS. Angus Fire, due to its historic use of PFAS, is a source of PFAS into the environment. We have gathered evidence which shows PFAS within the groundwater below the site and the ground on the site. The Environment Agency are taking steps to:
What activities are covered by the environmental permit?
Environmental Permits
We issue environmental permits to businesses like Angus Fire. These permits set out the legal rules the company must follow, including what activities they can carry out, how they should operate, and what limits apply to any releases into the air, water, or land.
Angus Fire Limited in Bentham holds an environmental permit issued by the Environment Agency - EPR/XP3832NV. This permit is a legal document that sets out the rules and conditions the company must follow to ensure its operations protect local people and the environment.
What activities are permitted?
The current permit specifically covers a particular type of chemical manufacturing activity. This is described as: "Any activity for the manufacture of a chemical which may result in the release of ammonia into the air, other than an activity in which ammonia is only used as a refrigerant." This means the permit regulates the processes involved in this specific chemical production and any associated airborne emissions, such as ammonia.
Does it cover PFAS?
It's important to understand that the existing permit does not currently include specific limits or conditions for the release of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). While Angus Fire has historically manufactured products containing PFAS and has known contamination on its site, the original permit did not include specific limits for 'Forever Chemicals'.
The presence of PFAS on the site is a legacy of past operations. Rainwater falling on the site can pick up these chemicals, leading to contaminated water. However, the current permit's focus is on the general chemical manufacturing activity mentioned above, and any associated emissions from that process.
Angus Fire is currently seeking to vary their permit to specifically address and treat PFAS-contaminated rainwater; we are currently assessing this request to vary the permit. More details about this and how to take part in the public consultation can be found here:
Press release - Consultation opens on Angus Fire permit application
How do we regulate this site and check for compliance?
The Environment Agency's Role at the Angus Fire Site
| The Environment Agency has a vital role in overseeing the Angus Fire site in Bentham. Our job is to make sure that the site's operations do not harm the environment. Setting Standards and Limits Through the permitting process, we establish specific limits on any pollutants that can be released from a site. For the current permit application, this involves assessing and proposing limits for PFAS in any treated water that might be discharged. These limits are based on environmental laws, the best available techniques, and an assessment of any potential impact on the environment. Monitoring and Checking Compliance It is our responsibility to monitor sites like Angus Fire to ensure they are keeping to the conditions of their environmental permit. This involves visiting the site, carrying out checks, reviewing data the company provides, and investigating any incidents that occur. We check that the company is operating within the set limits and that their environmental management systems are effective. Taking Enforcement Action If a company fails to meet its permit conditions, we have various powers to take action. This can include issuing notices that require specific actions, or, in serious cases, suspending or withdrawing permits. We can also pursue criminal prosecutions for significant or repeated breaches which can lead to financial penalties through the Court system. Our aim is to ensure those who pollute are held accountable and that environmental damage is prevented or put right. | 
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Responding to Incidents
We respond to environmental incidents, such as pollution events, and investigate their cause and impact. We also work to address existing contamination,, ensuring that companies put in place proper measures to clean up and manage these issues over time. We are actively involved in understanding the extent of the PFAS contamination and ensuring measures are in place to contain it.
Addressing PFAS Contamination at Angus Fire in Bentham
Angus Fire, a long-standing manufacturer of fire protection products in Bentham, is currently working to address the legacy of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) contamination at its site. While the company no longer manufactures PFAS-containing firefighting foams, historical operations have led to significant levels of these "forever chemicals" accumulating on the property.
The Environment Agency is the key regulatory body overseeing this process. We are currently conducting a detailed and thorough assessment of Angus Fire's permit variation application. Our primary goal is to ensure that the proposed treatment methods, which include a Surface Active Foam Fractionation (SAFF) system and potentially Powdered Activated Carbon (PAC), effectively reduce PFAS levels to meet strict environmental standards. The permit variation application will be only be approved if we are satisfied that the plans adequately protect people and the environment.
Ongoing Oversight and Enforcement
Beyond the current permit variation, the Environment Agency continues to regulate Angus Fire's operations closely. This includes investigating the full extent of any potential contamination, ensuring compliance with existing permit conditions, and considering potential enforcement actions if any breaches are identified.
The EA is also collaborating with North Yorkshire Council and other partners including the UK Health and Security Agency to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing the risks associated with PFAS contamination from the site.