Illegal waste site near Kidlington
Illegal waste site near Kidlington
- Analysing the waste to identify the right places that can process it
- Working with partners to identify responsible contractors to remove it
- Working with legal professionals to ensure we follow correct legislation
- Assessing logistics of the site to build a site compound so waste can be accessed and removed.
Background
The Environment Agency is investigating an illegal waste site near the A34 in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. We share the public's disgust at the large-scale illegal waste that has been dumped on the site.
Who we are working with
We're working closely with our partners to tackle this incident head-on. Multi-agency coordination is essential in situations like this, and the Environment Agency is overseeing the joint response. We have been working together on the response and on 19 November we convened a multi-agency meeting which included Oxfordshire County Council, Cherwell District Council, Thames Valley Police, Fire and Rescue service and National Highways to ensure a unified approach to protecting the local environment and addressing community concerns. This partnership ensures every agency brings its full capabilities to bear on the problem.
What we are doing now
New information and advice from the Fire and Rescue Services has indicated the increased possibility of a fire on site. As such, an exceptional decision has been made to progress works to entirely clear the site of waste.
This will not be a quick process as we have to ensure this vast amount of waste is handled correctly, moved to the right facilities and is done so without causing further damage to the environment.
Environment Agency's response
In response to evidence from the public, our officers and partner organisations attended the site on 2 July. At this point we confirmed it as a high-risk illegal waste site requiring urgent action.
We immediately began work to prevent further activity on site
We issued a ‘cease and desist’ letter to the landowner on 31st July
When further dumping occurred, we secured a court order to close the site to prevent more waste from being illegally tipped. This was issued by the court on 23 October.
Following that order, we closed access to the site and there has been no further dumping on the site.
Unfortunately, the majority of the waste was tipped before we became aware. Once we were notified, we acted swiftly.
Water quality monitoring of the River Cherwell
We have been carrying out water quality sampling of the River Cherwell to check for potential impacts of run-off or leaching from the waste. The latest data can be found here. Having sampled both upstream and downstream of the site, we have currently found no indication of pollution entering the River Cherwell because of the waste.
We will continue to monitor for signs of pollution from the site and will update the information on this site as and when it becomes available. Subject to weather conditions and in response to any emerging evidence we are proposing to undertake weekly monitoring.
Footpath closure
In the interests of public safety, Oxfordshire County Council have temporarily closed Footpath 9 [237/9] from the Bicester Road, Gosford, to the East side of the A34, due to the illegal waste deposit. A Temporary Traffic Regulation Order is being made to implement the temporary closure and will operate from 9 December for an estimated duration of 6 months. The estimated duration is for the maximum duration of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order on a footpath, which is 6 months. There is no available diversion route, but emergency services will still be able to access the footpath if required.
![Map showing the location of footpath 9 [237/9] from the Bicester Road, Gosford, to the East side onf the A34](https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/ehq-production-europe/013837e741c340b2be43934f7b521b9bec51caf1/original/1764088119/df03ff4420e2686756ebc459473481ec_Footpath%20closure%2019112025.png?1764088119)
Managing fire risk
We are working in partnership with the Oxfordshire Fire and rescue service (FRS) to manage and understand fire risk.
This includes the FRS carrying out drone surveys for surface temperature and the EA carrying out sub-surface temperature monitoring each week.
New information and advice from the Fire and Rescue Services has indicated the increased possibility of a fire on site. This could have widespread impacts on the community, including closing the A34 major highway, raising air quality issues from the smoke, and interrupting electrical supplies.
The scale of this fire risk sets this case apart from other illegal waste dumps in England and presents an overriding public imperative. As such, an exceptional decision has been made to progress works to entirely clear the site of waste. Preparatory works for clearance will begin imminently.
We are working at pace, with partners and technical experts, to develop a robust waste clearance and disposal plan. Whilst the criminals had no regard for the law, the environment, or people in dumping this waste – we do. Removal of the waste needs to be done correctly, safely, and legally. To help develop this plan we are;
We will continue to closely monitor the site whilst this preparatory work takes place (responding if there are any changes). Once a plan and timeframe are confirmed we will update communities and partners.
How the waste will be cleared up
The Environment Agency is not legally responsible for clearing illegal waste, and is not funded to do so. While the organisation continues to support the principle that the criminals responsible should cover the costs of clearance, it retains the power to take action in wholly exceptional circumstances.
Advice from the Fire and Rescue Services has indicated the increased possibility of a fire on site. This could have widespread impacts on the community, including closing the A34 major highway, raising air quality issues from the smoke, and interrupting electrical supplies. The scale of this fire risk sets this case apart from other illegal waste dumps in England and presents an overriding public imperative. As such, preparatory works for clearance will begin imminently.
This will not be a quick process as we have to ensure this vast amount of waste is handled correctly, moved to the right facilities and is done so without causing further damage to the environment. Further details on the timeframe for clearance will be set out shortly.
Further information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/clearance-work-to-begin-at-kidlington-waste-dump
Myth busting
There have been some false reports in the media and online about some of our response. We’d like to set the record straight on this:
"All EA did was put a sign on the gate. It has been too slow to find the culprits." Not true. When the site was reported to the Environment Agency, we launched a criminal investigation to find those responsible, closed the site to prevent further dumping and continue to monitor the area for environmental harm.
"Dumping continued after we closed the site on 23 October." Not true. We have no evidence of more waste dumped at the site since 1 October.
“EA is too busy to deal with this among all its other work." Not true. We have the resources, expertise and determination to deal with this situation effectively. We have stopped activity at 743 illegal waste sites in the past year.
Some common questions we have been asked:
Why are you not calling this fly tipping?
It is clear from the waste on site that is has been through a mechanical treatment process and is not waste dumped by opportunists. The way in which it has been dumped suggests it is organised criminality and will be investigated as such by our National Environmental Crime Unit.
Why did you only start investigating when the media got involved?
This is not true. We started our investigation in July before news of the site reached the media in October.
Why can’t you fine those you believe to be involved immediately?
Civil sanctions are generally not appropriate where the offending is deliberate. Due to the nature of how the waste has been deposited it appears to have been a deliberate act and we are therefore pursuing a criminal investigation.
Investigations potentially involving a network of offenders can be complex and take time. We have specialist resources assigned to the investigation, both from the EA and partner organisations. We must follow all lines of enquiry to present a strong case to court, who make decisions based on the evidence, to get the best outcome for the taxpayer.
Why didn’t you act sooner?
We were on site within days of the site being reported and immediately confirmed it as a high-risk illegal waste site and went on to take urgent action. While we act immediately, we also rely on information from the public to alert us to illegal waste sites and the quicker we are made aware the quicker we can act.
How you can help us
We understand people are concerned about the impacts of this high-risk illegal waste site and are keen to help in any way they can. We share these concerns and are horrified how these criminals have impacted the local environment.
It is essential that people do not attend the site, as you will be in breach of the restriction order and will be placing yourself and our investigations at risk. Our specialist officers are carrying out an extensive sampling process to establish what substances are present, and as a restricted site, nobody can enter the land without our permission for at least 6 months.
Information from members of the public is critical. Please call our free 24 hour incident hotline on 0800 807060 if you have any information related to this incident. You can also report information to Crimestoppers on their website.
Our wider work against waste crime
Waste crime undermines legitimate businesses and costs England's economy around £1 billion a year. We're determined to turn the tide.
In 2024/5, the Environment Agency successfully stopped activity at 743 illegal waste sites, of which 143 were high risk. Our enforcement officers also prevented nearly 34,000 tonnes of waste from being illegally exported.
We've also established an Economic Crime Unit within our National Environmental Crime Unit to target the money and assets of waste criminals.
In 2024/25, we supported 21 ongoing money laundering investigations, secured 5 account freezing orders and 1 cash detention (£17.9k forfeited, £2.9 million frozen), and finalised 13 confiscation orders totalling £1.55 million.
We will continue working tirelessly with compliant businesses, operators and partners to protect our environment and communities from waste crime.
Water sampling results
- "The following compounds were identified using the NLS Screening database in combination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of >80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the NLS Screening database in combination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of <80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of >80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of <80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the NLS Screening database in combination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of >80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the NLS Screening database in combination with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of <80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of >80%"
- "The following compounds were identified using the National Institute of Standards and Technology Library (NIST) and have a Spectral Fit of <80%"
Water Quality Monitoring
Water quality monitoring of the River Cherwell
We have been carrying out water quality sampling of the River Cherwell to check for potential impacts of run-off or leaching from the waste. This is additional to the routine sampling the Environment Agency carries out on the River Cherwell.
Our analysis has been reviewed by specialists in toxicology. Whilst the analysis for the first set of samples obtained has detected many substances, to date we have found no indication of pollution entering the River Cherwell as a result of the waste.
We know that there are many potential sources of substances found in water courses, including run off from roads, agriculture, the water industry, other industries and naturally occurring substances. We know that like many of our rivers the River Cherwell has its challenges with the water body classified as having a Poor Ecological Status Information is available here: https://environment.data.gov.uk/catchment-planning/WaterBody/GB106039029800
Water quality samples includes an assessment using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) screening technique: Water quality monitoring data GC-MS and LC-MS semi-quantitative screen.
There are 2 substances identified as being of risk to the environment following a comparison of high or moderate toxicity chemicals to available Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) and Predicted No-Effect Concentration (PNEC). The 2 substances identified as of risk are Triphenyl phosphate and Flufenacet and are endocrine disruptors. However, these are present in both the upstream and downstream samples at similar levels.
The conclusion of the assessment is that there is no evidence that leaching from the waste pile at Kidlington is having an impact on water quality.
We will continue to monitor and we will make sample results available as and when the analysis is complete.
Analytical results from samples taken 4 December 2025
Samples were taken from the following locations:
Sample | Location (NGR) |
U/S Tributary 1 (Sample 1) | SP 50747 14126 |
U/S Tributary 2 (Sample 2) | SP 50764 13829 |
Ingress (Sample 3) | SP 50791 13850 |
Waste (Sample 4) | SP 50781 14094 |
D/S River Cherwell 1 (Sample 3) | SP 50916 13798 |
D/S River Cherwell 2 (Sample 4) | SP 50943 13253 |
U/S = Upstream of the waste
D/S = Downstream of the waste
Waste = Sample taken from run-off/standing groundwater that has collated around the waste site boundary
NGR = National Grid Reference
Determinand / Compound Name | U/S 1 (Sample 1) | U/S 2 (Sample 2) | Ingress (Sample 3) | Waste (Sample 4) | D/S 1 (Sample 5) | D/S 2 (Sample 6) | Unit |
Ammonia un-ionised as N | <0.00014 | <0.00035 | <0.00035 | 0.00548 | <0.00035 | <0.00037 | mg/l |
Ammoniacal Nitrogen as N | <0.03 | <0.03 | <0.03 | 0.78 | <0.03 | <0.03 | mg/l |
BOD : 5 Day ATU | <3 |
|
|
| <3 |
| mg/l |
Chemical Oxygen Demand :- {COD} | 21 | 17 | 16 | 25 | 18 | 14 | mg/l |
Chloride | 80 | 30 | 30 | 54 | 30 | 30 | mg/l |
Conductivity at 25 C | 806 | 570 | 571 | 870 | 566 | 563 | uS/cm |
Nitrite as N | 0.026 | 0.009 | 0.0083 | 0.29 | 0.0087 | 0.0091 | mg/l |
Nitrogen, Total Oxidised as N | 0.71 | 7.6 | 7.5 | 3.3 | 7.6 | 7.6 | mg/l |
Orthophosphate, reactive as P | 0.094 | 0.11 | 0.11 | <0.01 | 0.11 | 0.11 | mg/l |
Oxygen, Dissolved, % Saturation | 52.5 | 87.6 | 87.6 | 79.1 | 87.4 | 88.3 | % |
pH | 7.48 | 7.88 | 7.88 | 7.71 | 7.89 | 7.91 | PHUNITS |
Salinity : In Situ | 0.4 | 0.28 | 0.28 | 0.43 | 0.28 | 0.27 | ppt |
Solids, Suspended at 105 C | <6 | 30 | 31 | 8.3 | 27 | 28 | mg/l |
Temperature of Water | 7.4 | 7.7 | 7.5 | 6 | 7.4 | 7.4 | CEL |
Visible oil or grease, significant trace: Present/Not found (1/0) | Not found | Not found | Not found | Not found | Not found | Not found | N/A |
Aluminium | 0.091 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 0.081 | 1.1 | 1.1 | mg/l |
Barium | 0.022 | 0.015 | 0.016 | 0.029 | 0.014 | 0.014 | mg/l |
Calcium | 120 | 87 | 87 | 160 | 88 | 85 | mg/l |
Iron | 0.18 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 0.14 | 1.8 | 1.9 | mg/l |
Magnesium | 5.4 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.9 | 5.5 | 5.4 | mg/l |
Manganese | 0.11 | 0.043 | 0.038 | 0.1 | 0.032 | 0.035 | mg/l |
Potassium | 3.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 1.4 | 4.3 | 4.1 | mg/l |
Sodium | 38 | 19 | 19 | 36 | 19 | 18 | mg/l |
Strontium | 0.42 | 0.2 | 0.23 | 0.51 | 0.23 | 0.23 | mg/l |
Zinc |
| 0.015 | 0.013 | 0.0053 | 0.01 | 0.01 | mg/l |
1,2:5,6-Di-O-isopropylidene-a-d-ribohexafurnos-3-ulose |
|
|
|
| 0.01 |
| ug/l |
1,3-Benzenediol, monobenzoate | 0.01 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
1,3-Dimethyl-5-pylazolyl-2,4-dichlorobenzoate | 0.027 | 0.02 | 0.02 |
| 0.023 |
| ug/l |
1-Butanol, 2,3-dimethyl- | 0.023 |
| 0.12 | 0.032 | 0.087 | 0.142 | ug/l |
1-Dodecanamine, N,N-dimethyl- | 0.024 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
1-Hexene, 4,5-dimethyl- |
| 0.042 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
1H-Pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-amine | 0.011 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
1-Pentanone, 1-(4-methylphenyl)- |
|
| 0.012 | 0.022 |
|
| ug/l |
2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol | 0.011 | 0.065 | 0.099 | 0.097 | 0.082 | 0.081 | ug/l |
2,4-Azetidinedione, 3,3-diethyl-1-methyl- |
|
|
|
| 0.012 |
| ug/l |
2-Butanol, 2,3-dimethyl- |
|
|
| 0.049 |
|
| ug/l |
2-Cyanoethyl acrylate |
|
|
| 0.037 |
|
| ug/l |
2-Ethylhexanoic acid |
|
|
|
| 0.026 |
| ug/l |
2-Propanol, 1-chloro-, phosphate (3:1) | 0.055 |
| 0.067 | 5.6 | 0.084 | 0.055 | ug/l |
2-Propenoic acid, 2-methyl-, (tetrahydro-2-furanyl)methyl ester |
| 0.027 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
2-Thiobarbituric acid, tris(tert-butyldimethylsilyl) deriv. |
|
| 0.012 |
|
|
| ug/l |
3-Buten-2-one, 3-methyl- |
|
| 0.021 |
|
| 0.081 | ug/l |
3-Hexanol, 5-methyl- | 0.037 |
|
|
| 0.023 |
| ug/l |
3H-pyrazol-3-one, 2,4-dihydro-2-phenyl-5-(phenylamino)- | 0.048 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
3-Penten-2-one |
|
|
|
| 0.017 | 0.049 | ug/l |
acenaphthene |
|
|
|
| 0.002 |
| ug/l |
Anthracene |
|
|
|
| 0.003 |
| ug/l |
Atrazine |
|
|
| 0.138 |
|
| ug/l |
Atrazine desethyl |
|
|
| 0.094 |
|
| ug/l |
Benz[a]anthracene |
|
|
|
| 0.01 |
| ug/l |
Benzaldehyde, 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxy-2-nitro- |
|
|
| 0.02 |
|
| ug/l |
Benzene, 1-ethyl-2,4-dimethyl- | 0.013 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Benzenesulfonamide, 4-methyl- |
|
|
| 0.372 |
|
| ug/l |
Benzenesulfonamide, N-butyl |
|
|
| 0.612 |
|
| ug/l |
Benzo[a]pyrene |
|
|
|
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
Bis(1-chloro-2-propyl)(3-chloro-1-propyl)phosphate |
|
|
| 0.978 |
|
| ug/l |
Bis(2-methoxyethoxy)methane |
|
|
| 0.098 |
|
| ug/l |
Bis(3-chloro-1-propyl)(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate |
|
|
| 0.064 |
|
| ug/l |
Butane, 2-chloro-2-methyl- |
| 0.097 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Butane, 2-methoxy-2-methyl- | 0.014 |
| 0.012 |
| 0.012 |
| ug/l |
Caffeine | 0.006 | 0.048 | 0.065 | 0.614 | 0.051 | 0.041 | ug/l |
Chrysene |
|
| 0.007 |
| 0.011 |
| ug/l |
Coumarin |
|
|
| 0.024 |
|
| ug/l |
Cyclopenta(cd)pyrene, 3,4-dihydro- |
|
|
|
| 0.01 |
| ug/l |
Diphenyl sulfone |
| 0.005 |
| 0.195 | 0.006 |
| ug/l |
Ethanol, 2-(trimethylsilyl)- | 0.011 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Ethanone, 1-[4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl]- |
|
|
| 0.032 |
|
| ug/l |
Ethanone, 2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenyl- |
|
|
| 0.089 |
|
| ug/l |
Flufenacet |
|
| 0.015 |
| 0.014 |
| ug/l |
Fluoranthene | 0.004 | 0.006 | 0.017 | 0.003 | 0.027 | 0.025 | ug/l |
Furan, 2-methoxy- |
|
| 0.012 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester | 0.018 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Hexane, 3,3-dimethyl- |
| 0.019 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Isonicotinic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester |
| 0.028 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Methyl Isobutyl Ketone | 0.012 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Methyl stearate | 0.01 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
N,N,N',N'-Tetraacetylethylenediamine |
|
|
|
| 0.043 |
| ug/l |
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide |
|
| 0.012 |
|
|
| ug/l |
n-Decanoic acid |
| 0.017 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
n-Hexadecanoic acid |
| 0.031 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Nitrous acid, cyclohexyl ester |
|
|
|
| 0.01 |
| ug/l |
Nonanal | 0.015 |
| 0.016 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Octadecanoic acid | 0.219 | 0.023 | 0.176 | 0.089 | 0.112 | 0.031 | ug/l |
Pentanal, 2-methyl- | 0.028 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Pentanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-, 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl esters | 0.024 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, phosphite (3:1) |
| 0.053 |
|
| 0.513 |
| ug/l |
Phthalimide | 0.012 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Propane, 1,1-dimethoxy- |
|
| 0.012 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Propanoic acid | 0.013 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Propyzamide |
| 0.026 | 0.042 |
| 0.043 | 0.037 | ug/l |
Pyrene |
| 0.004 | 0.013 |
| 0.017 | 0.017 | ug/l |
Pyridine, 2,3,6-trimethyl- | 0.01 |
|
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Sulfur (S8) |
|
| 0.006 |
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
trans-3-Penten-2-ol |
|
| 0.11 |
| 0.079 | 0.118 | ug/l |
Tri-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate |
|
|
| 1.1 |
|
| ug/l |
Tri-allate |
| 0.011 | 0.012 |
| 0.014 | 0.014 | ug/l |
Tricyclo[2.2.1.0(2,6)]heptane, 1,3,3-trimethyl |
| 0.101 |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Triethyl Citrate |
|
| 0.285 |
| 0.241 |
| ug/l |
Triethyl phosphate |
|
|
| 0.041 |
|
| ug/l |
Triphenylphosphine oxide |
|
|
| 0.077 |
|
| ug/l |
Tris-(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate |
|
|
| 0.149 |
|
| ug/l |
*This data includes that obtained by using the GC-MS analytical technique: further guidance on this is available here: Water quality monitoring data GC-MS and LC-MS semi-quantitative screen
Disclaimer for GCMS Results: All results are an approximate concentration. Where accreditation is claimed this is only for the identification of the substance and not the quantified amount.
The compounds identified in the GCMS results fit into one of four criteria, which can be pulled from the original dataset on MIDAS if required:
Use limitation statement
There are no public access constraints to this data. Use of this data is subject to the licence identified.
Licence
Attribution statement
© Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2025. All rights reserved.
Analytical results from samples taken 28 November 2025
Samples were taken from the following locations:
Sample | Location (NGR) |
U/S Tributary 1 (Sample 1) | SP 50747 14126 |
U/S Tributary 2 (Sample 2) | SP 50764 13829 |
D/S River Cherwell 1 (Sample 3) | SP 50916 13798 |
D/S River Cherwell 2 (Sample 4) | SP 50943 13253 |
U/S = Upstream of the waste
D/S = Downstream of the waste
NGR = National Grid Reference
Determinand / Compound Name | U/S 1 (Sample 1) | U/S 2 (Sample 2) | D/S 1 (Sample 3) | D/S 2 (Sample 4) | Unit |
Ammonia un-ionised as N | 0.00015 | <0.00038 | <0.0004 | <0.0004 | mg/l |
Ammoniacal Nitrogen as N | 0.032 | <0.03 | <0.03 | <0.03 | mg/l |
BOD : 5 Day ATU | <3 | <3 | <3 | <3 | mg/l |
Chemical Oxygen Demand :- {COD} | 32 | 11 | 10 | 10 | mg/l |
Chloride | 47 | 35 | 35 | 34 | mg/l |
Conductivity at 25 C | 647 | 659 | 654 | 654 | uS/cm |
Nitrite as N | <0.004 | 0.0087 | 0.0079 | 0.0077 | mg/l |
Nitrogen, Total Oxidised as N | 0.22 | 6.9 | 7 | 6.9 | mg/l |
Orthophosphate, reactive as P | 0.081 | 0.11 | 0.1 | 0.1 | mg/l |
Oxygen, Dissolved, % Saturation | 53.1 | 90 | 90.2 | 89.2 | % |
pH | 7.47 | 7.92 | 7.92 | 7.95 | PHUNITS |
Salinity : In Situ | 0.32 | 0.32 | 0.32 | 0.32 | ppt |
Solids, Suspended at 105 C | <6 | 12 | 11 | 12 | mg/l |
Temperature of Water | 8.4 | 7.5 | 8.1 | 7.4 | CEL |
Visible oil or grease, significant trace: Present/Not found (1/0) | Not found | Not found | Not found | Not found | N/A |
Aluminium | 0.031 | 0.22 | 0.31 | 0.27 | mg/l |
Barium | 0.016 | 0.012 | 0.013 | 0.013 | mg/l |
Calcium | 100 | 99 | 100 | 100 | mg/l |
Iron | 0.086 | 0.48 | 0.67 | 0.59 | mg/l |
Magnesium | 4.6 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.9 | mg/l |
Manganese | 0.08 | 0.015 | 0.022 | 0.019 | mg/l |
Potassium | 2.8 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | mg/l |
Sodium | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | mg/l |
Strontium | 0.34 | 0.25 | 0.26 | 0.26 | mg/l |
Zinc |
|
| 0.005 | 0.0051 | mg/l |
1(3H)-Isobenzofuranone, 3,3-dimethyl- | 0.011 | 0.015 |
| 0.011 | ug/l |
1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid | 0.014 |
|
|
| ug/l |
1,2-Bis(3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexenylidene)hydrazine |
| 0.012 |
| 0.011 | ug/l |
1,3-Dimethyl-5-pylazolyl-2,4-dichlorobenzoate | 0.016 | 0.018 | 0.016 | 0.028 | ug/l |
1-Decanamine, N-decyl-N-methyl- | 0.018 |
|
|
| ug/l |
1-Dodecanamine, N,N-dimethyl- | 0.705 | 0.024 |
|
| ug/l |
1-Hexene, 4,5-dimethyl- |
| 0.031 |
|
| ug/l |
1-Pentanol, 4-methyl-2-propyl- |
|
| 0.034 | 0.036 | ug/l |
1-Pentene, 2,4,4-trimethyl- | 0.011 |
|
|
| ug/l |
1-Tetradecanamine, N,N-dimethyl- | 0.142 |
|
|
| ug/l |
2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate |
|
|
| 0.013 | ug/l |
2,2-Dimethylpropionic acid, 4-methylpentyl ester |
| 0.016 |
|
| ug/l |
2,3,4,5-Tetrafluorobenzyl alcohol, 2-methylpropyl ether |
|
|
| 0.009 | ug/l |
2,3-Dihydro-2-methyl-5-ethylfuran | 0.02 |
|
|
| ug/l |
2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol |
| 0.067 | 0.082 | 0.077 | ug/l |
2,4-Dichlorobenzamide |
|
|
| 0.044 | ug/l |
2-Chloroethyl benzoate |
|
|
| 0.021 | ug/l |
2-Ethyl-1-butanol, trifluoroacetate |
|
| 0.012 | 0.013 | ug/l |
2-Fluoro-6-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, 4-nitrophenyl ester |
|
|
| 0.324 | ug/l |
2-Propanol, 1-chloro-, phosphate (3:1) | 0.043 | 0.06 | 0.083 | 0.087 | ug/l |
3,7-Dimethyl-1-phenylsulfonyl-2,6-octadiene |
|
|
| 0.011 | ug/l |
3-Buten-2-one, 3-methyl- |
|
|
| 0.009 | ug/l |
3-Penten-2-one |
| 0.009 |
|
| ug/l |
4-fluorophenyl 4-(4-pentylcyclohexyl)benzoate |
| 0.009 |
|
| ug/l |
4-Methyl-3-heptanol, trifluoroacetate | 0.03 |
|
|
| ug/l |
5-(4-Hexyloxybenzoyloxy)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)pyrimidine |
| 0.022 |
|
| ug/l |
Benzoic acid, (4-benzoyloxy-2-chlorophenyl) ester |
|
|
| 0.01 | ug/l |
Butane, 2-chloro-2-methyl- |
| 0.12 | 0.109 | 0.095 | ug/l |
Butane, 2-methoxy-2-methyl- | 0.011 | 0.011 | 0.014 | 0.011 | ug/l |
Butanoic acid, 2-pentenyl ester, (Z)- |
|
| 0.009 |
| ug/l |
Caffeine | 0.009 | 0.075 | 0.099 | 0.075 | ug/l |
Carbamazepine |
| 0.022 | 0.029 | 0.028 | ug/l |
Coumarin |
|
|
| 0.003 | ug/l |
Crotamiton |
| 0.023 |
|
| ug/l |
Cyclohexane, (1,1-dimethylethyl)- | 0.012 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Cyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl- |
|
| 0.015 | 0.009 | ug/l |
Diethylcyanamide | 0.011 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Diphenyl sulfone |
| 0.007 | 0.008 | 0.007 | ug/l |
Dodecylmethylbenzylamine | 0.079 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Ethanedioic acid, dibutyl ester |
|
| 0.01 |
| ug/l |
Ethanol, 2-(trimethylsilyl)- |
|
| 0.011 |
| ug/l |
Ethanone, 1,1'-(1,4-phenylene)bis- |
|
| 0.013 |
| ug/l |
Ethanone, 1-[4-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)phenyl]- |
| 0.012 | 0.015 |
| ug/l |
Flufenacet |
| 0.018 | 0.023 |
| ug/l |
Fluoranthene | 0.004 | 0.003 | 0.003 | 0.003 | ug/l |
Furan, 2-methoxy- |
|
|
| 0.008 | ug/l |
Furan, 2-methoxy-ug/l |
| 0.01 |
|
| ug/l |
Isopropyl palmitate |
|
|
| 0.813 | ug/l |
Metacetamol |
| 0.01 | 0.012 | 0.011 | ug/l |
Methyl stearate |
|
| 0.015 | 0.013 | ug/l |
Methyl stearate 0.018 Nonanal | 0.014 |
|
|
| ug/l |
N,N,N',N'-Tetraacetylethylenediamine |
| 0.056 | 0.066 | 0.047 | ug/l |
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide |
| 0.015 | 0.017 | 0.016 | ug/l |
Neopentane |
|
|
| 0.009 | ug/l |
n-Hexadecanoic acid | 0.354 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Nonanal |
| 0.014 | 0.018 | 0.015 | ug/l |
Octadecanoic acid | 0.365 | 0.242 | 0.262 | 0.265 | ug/l |
Pentanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-, 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl esters | 0.025 | 0.024 | 0.031 | 0.019 | ug/l |
Pentanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-, p-t-butylphenyl ester |
|
|
| 0.013 | ug/l |
Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, phosphite (3:1) | 0.262 | 0.725 | 1.3 | 0.837 | ug/l |
Propanoic acid | 0.014 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Propyzamide |
| 0.041 | 0.046 | 0.046 | ug/l |
Pyrene |
|
| 0.003 | 0.002 | ug/l |
Pyridine, 2,3,6-trimethyl- |
|
| 0.011 |
| ug/l |
Succinic acid, di(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl) ester |
|
| 0.48 |
| ug/l |
Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester |
| 0.046 |
|
| ug/l |
TATP |
|
| 0.012 |
| ug/l |
Tetradecanoic acid, 10,13-dimethyl-, methyl ester | 0.016 |
|
| 0.015 | ug/l |
Thiophene, 2,5-di(benzoylthio)- |
| 0.009 |
|
| ug/l |
Tri-allate |
| 0.008 | 0.006 | 0.012 | ug/l |
Triethyl Citrate |
| 0.208 | 0.325 | 0.366 | ug/l |
Trifluoroacetic acid, 2-tetrahydrofurylmethyl ester | 0.012 | 0.018 |
| 0.008 | ug/l |
*This data includes that obtained by using the GC-MS analytical technique: further guidance on this is available here: Water quality monitoring data GC-MS and LC-MS semi-quantitative screen
Disclaimer for GCMS Results: All results are an approximate concentration. Where accreditation is claimed this is only for the identification of the substance and not the quantified amount.
The compounds identified in the GCMS results fit into one of four criteria, which can be pulled from the original dataset on MIDAS if required:
Use limitation statement
There are no public access constraints to this data. Use of this data is subject to the licence identified.
Licence
Attribution statement
© Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2025. All rights reserved.
Analytical results from samples taken 17 November 2025
Determinand / Compound Name | Upstream 1 (Sample 1) | Upstream 2 (Sample 2) | Downstream 1 (Sample 3) | Downstream 2 (Sample 4) | Unit |
(Propan-2-yloxy)carbohydrazide |
|
|
| 0.01 | ug/l |
.alpha.-Hydroxyisobutyric acid, acetate |
|
|
| 0.01 | ug/l |
.alpha.-Phellandrene | 0.01 | 0.013 | 0.012 |
| ug/l |
.beta.-Ocimene |
| 0.012 |
|
| ug/l |
1-(2,4-Dihydroxyphenyl)-2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethanone |
|
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
1,2-Bis(3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexenylidene)hydrazine | 0.014 |
|
|
| ug/l |
1,3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester |
| 0.038 |
|
| ug/l |
1,3-Benzenediol, monobenzoate |
|
| 0.009 |
| ug/l |
1,3-Dimethyl-5-pylazolyl-2,4-dichlorobenzoate | 0.029 | 0.022 |
|
| ug/l |
1,3-Dioxolane-2-methanol |
|
| 0.009 |
| ug/l |
1-[(1-Propoxypropan-2-yl)oxy]propan-2-yl acetate |
|
|
| 0.011 | ug/l |
1-Butanol, 2,3-dimethyl- |
| 0.102 | 0.117 | 0.132 | ug/l |
1-Butene, 2,3-dimethyl- | 0.025 | 0.02 |
| 0.019 | ug/l |
1-Hexene, 4,5-dimethyl- | 0.146 |
|
|
| ug/l |
1-Pentene, 2,4,4-trimethyl- |
|
| 0.007 | 0.008 | ug/l |
2(3H)-Benzothiazolone |
| 1.2 | 1 | 0.723 | ug/l |
2(5H)-Furanone, 5-(acetyloxy)- |
| 0.015 |
|
| ug/l |
2,4,6-Tris(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-methylcyclohexa-2,5-dien-1-one |
| 0.026 |
|
| ug/l |
2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl-5-decyne-4,7-diol |
|
| 0.149 | 0.124 | ug/l |
2,4-Diamino-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine |
|
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
2,4-Pentanedione, 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro- | 0.24 |
|
|
| ug/l |
2,5-Dimethyl-2-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)tetrahydrofuran |
| 0.018 | 0.016 | 0.015 | ug/l |
2-Acetyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine |
|
|
| 0.009 | ug/l |
2-Aminothiazole-5-carbonitrile |
|
|
| 0.008 | ug/l |
2-Benzyloxy-4,5-methylenedioxybenzyl alcohol |
| 0.01 |
|
| ug/l |
2-Chloroethyl benzoate |
|
| 0.012 | 0.013 | ug/l |
2-Ethylhexanal ethylene glycol acetal |
|
| 0.009 |
| ug/l |
2-Methoxy-1,3-dioxolane | 0.019 |
|
|
| ug/l |
2-Oxobicyclo(3.2.2)nona-3,6-dien-1-yl benzoate | 0.018 |
|
|
| ug/l |
2-Propanol, 1-(2-methoxy-1-methylethoxy)- |
|
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
3,4-Dihydroxyphenylglycol, 4TMS derivative |
|
|
| 0.013 | ug/l |
3,4-Dimethyl-2-(3-methyl-butyryl)-benzoic acid, methyl ester |
| 0.347 |
|
| ug/l |
3,5-Diamino-1,2,4-triazole |
| 0.017 |
|
| ug/l |
3-Carene |
|
|
| 0.015 | ug/l |
3-Ethoxy-3-methyl-1-butene |
|
| 0.009 |
| ug/l |
3-Methyl-2-pyrrolidinone |
|
|
| 1 | ug/l |
3-Methylnon-1-yn-3-ol | 0.226 |
|
|
| ug/l |
3-Penten-2-one |
|
| 0.022 |
| ug/l |
4,6-Octadiyn-3-one, 2-methyl- |
| 0.022 |
| 0.023 | ug/l |
4-fluorophenyl 4-(4-pentylcyclohexyl)benzoate | 0.016 |
|
|
| ug/l |
4-Hydroxy-2-methylacetophenone |
| 0.008 | 0.008 |
| ug/l |
4-Methyl-1,6-heptadien-4-ol |
|
|
| 0.016 | ug/l |
4-Methyl-6-hepten-4-olide |
|
| 0.023 |
| ug/l |
5-Methoxy-2,3-dimethylindole | 0.139 |
|
|
| ug/l |
6,6-Dimethylheptane-2,4-dione, enol form |
| 0.007 | 0.008 |
| ug/l |
6-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, 2,3-dichlorophenyl |
|
| 0.245 |
| ug/l |
6-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, 2,3-dichlorophenyl ester (see 6-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, 2,3-dichlorophenyl) |
|
| 0.245 |
| ug/l |
6-Fluoro-2-trifluoromethylbenzoic acid, 2-formyl-4,6-dichlorophenyl ester |
| 0.032 |
|
| ug/l |
7-Oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-2-[(2-methylphenyl)methoxy]-, (1R,2S,4S)-rel- | 0.086 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Acetic acid, (acetyloxy)- | 0.01 |
| 0.016 |
| ug/l |
Acetone |
|
|
| 0.008 | ug/l |
Acetylacetone |
|
|
| 0.007 | ug/l |
Adipic acid, di(but-2-en-1-yl) |
|
| 0.008 |
| ug/l |
Adipic acid, di(but-2-en-1-yl) ester |
|
|
| 0.008 | ug/l |
Allylhydrazone acetaldehyde |
|
| 0.007 |
| ug/l |
Benzene, 1,3-dimethyl- 0.011ug/l CAS IN TARGET [108-38-3 rt=4.5793] |
|
|
|
| ug/l |
Benzenesulfoilide |
|
|
| 0.011 | ug/l |
Benzenesulfonamide, N-butyl | 0.51 | 0.474 | 0.634 | 0.501 | ug/l |
Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene, 2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)- | 0.012 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene, 4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)- | 0.011 | 0.012 |
| 0.026 | ug/l |
bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) | 10 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Bromoform |
|
| 0.007 |
| ug/l |
Caffeine | 0.295 | 0.019 | 0.271 | 0.263 | ug/l |
Caprolactam |
| 0.301 | 0.343 | 0.336 | ug/l |
Carbamazepine |
|
| 0.041 | 0.032 | ug/l |
Cyclobutanone, 2,3-dimethyl-, cis- |
|
|
| 0.007 | ug/l |
Cyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl- | 0.008 |
| 0.007 | 0.016 | ug/l |
Decane, 3,8-dimethyl- |
| 0.054 | 0.023 |
| ug/l |
Decane, 6-ethyl-2-methyl- |
| 0.017 |
| 0.025 | ug/l |
Diethylpropion | 0.01 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Diphenyl sulfone | 0.013 | 0.02 | 0.017 | 0.013 | ug/l |
Dipropyl isopropylphosphonate |
| 0.012 |
|
| ug/l |
Docosane, 1-iodo- |
|
|
| 0.072 | ug/l |
Dodecane, 1-iodo- | 0.512 | 0.027 |
|
| ug/l |
Eicosane |
|
| 0.127 |
| ug/l |
Ethanone, 1-(3-thienyl)- |
|
|
| 0.017 | ug/l |
Ethanone, 1-(9-anthracenyl)- |
| 0.026 |
|
| ug/l |
Ethanone, 2-(formyloxy)-1-phenyl- |
|
| 0.01 |
| ug/l |
Ethofumesate | 0.028 |
| 0.032 | 0.027 | ug/l |
Flufenacet | 0.078 |
| 0.079 | 0.064 | ug/l |
Fluoranthene | 0.006 |
| 0.004 | 0.004 | ug/l |
Formic acid, 4,4-dimethylpent-2-yl ester |
|
| 0.013 |
| ug/l |
Fumaric acid, hexyl 3-nitrophenyl ester |
| 0.015 |
|
| ug/l |
Furan, 2,2'-[1,2-ethanediylbis(oxy)]bis[tetrahydro-5-(2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl)-5-methyl- |
|
|
| 0.018 | ug/l |
Gabapentin |
|
| 0.004 |
| ug/l |
Geosmin |
| 0.019 | 0.008 |
| ug/l |
Hentriacontane |
| 0.415 | 0.303 |
| ug/l |
Hexacosane |
|
|
| 0.302 | ug/l |
Hexane, 3,3-dimethyl- |
|
| 0.018 |
| ug/l |
Hexanoic acid, anhydride |
|
|
| 0.013 | ug/l |
Metaldehyde | 0.023 | 0.024 | 0.021 | 0.025 | ug/l |
Metribuzin |
|
|
| 0.005 | ug/l |
N,N,N',N'-Tetraacetylethylenediamine | 0.194 |
| 0.223 | 0.206 | ug/l |
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamidex (DEET) | 0.017 |
| 0.022 | 0.019 | ug/l |
N,N-Diethyl-N'-formyl-N'-methoxyurea | 0.01 |
| 0.016 | 0.022 | ug/l |
Nonane, 5-methyl-5-propyl- | 0.105 |
|
|
| ug/l |
O,N-Dibenzoyl-6-hexenelactim |
|
|
| 0.014 | ug/l |
Octacosane |
| 0.52 | 0.419 | 0.181 | ug/l |
Pentacosane | 0.815 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 0.205 | ug/l |
Pentane, 3-ethyl-3-methyl- |
| 0.011 |
|
| ug/l |
Pentanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-, 2,4-di-t-butylphenyl esters | 0.052 |
| 0.043 |
| ug/l |
Phenol, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, phosphite (3:1) |
|
|
| 0.879 | ug/l |
Phenyl 4-pyridyl ketone |
| 0.007 |
| 0.008 | ug/l |
Phosphoric acid, 2-chloroethenyl dimethyl |
|
|
| 0.014 | ug/l |
Phosphoric acid, 2-chloroethenyl dimethyl ester | 0.018 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Phthalic anhydride |
|
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
Propane, 1,1-dimethoxy-2-methyl- |
|
| 0.006 |
| ug/l |
Propyzamide | 0.02 |
| 0.024 | 0.02 | ug/l |
Prosulfocarb | 0.033 | 0.008 | 0.029 | 0.024 | ug/l |
Pyrene |
|
| 0.003 | 0.004 | ug/l |
Pyridine, 2,3,6-trimethyl- |
|
| 0.044 |
| ug/l |
Squalane |
| 53 | 36 | 19 | ug/l |
Succinic acid, di(4-trifluoromethoxybenzyl) ester |
| 0.402 |
| 0.255 | ug/l |
Sulfone, 2-hydroxybutyl t-butyl |
|
|
| 0.007 | ug/l |
Sulfur (S8) | 0.005 |
|
| 0.004 | ug/l |
Sulfurous acid, 2-ethylhexyl hexyl ester |
| 0.029 |
|
| ug/l |
Sulfurous acid, isobutyl pentyl ester | 0.029 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Terpineol |
| 0.005 |
|
| ug/l |
Tetracosane | 3.3 | 0.209 | 0.155 | 0.457 | ug/l |
Tetradecanoic acid, 10,13-dimethyl-, methyl ester | 0.049 | 0.02 |
|
| ug/l |
threo-2,5-Dimethyl-2-(2-methyl-2-tetrahydrofuryl)tetrahydrofuran |
| 0.031 |
| 0.03 | ug/l |
trans-3-Penten-2-ol | 0.128 | 0.089 | 0.102 | 0.118 | ug/l |
Tri-(2-chloroethyl) phosphate | 0.058 | 0.056 | 0.093 | 0.073 | ug/l |
Triacontane | 2 | 0.173 | 0.113 | 0.053 | ug/l |
Triacontane, 1-iodo- |
|
|
| 0.108 | ug/l |
Tri-allate | 0.021 | 0.003 | 0.019 | 0.019 | ug/l |
Tributyl acetylcitrate | 0.306 | 0.025 | 0.04 | 0.023 | ug/l |
Triethyl Citrate | 1.1 |
| 1.3 | 1.2 | ug/l |
Triphenyl phosphate | 2.7 |
| 2.1 |
| ug/l |
Undecane, 2,4-dimethyl- |
| 0.007 |
|
| ug/l |
Undecane, 2,9-dimethyl- | 0.286 |
|
|
| ug/l |
Undecane, 4,7-dimethyl- |
|
| 0.014 |
| ug/l |
Aluminium |
|
|
| 910 | ug/l |
Ammonia un-ionised as N | 0.0003 | <0.00017 | <0.00027 | <0.00033 | mg/l |
Ammoniacal Nitrogen as N | 0.033 | <0.03 | <0.03 | <0.03 | mg/l |
BOD : 5 Day ATU | <3 | <3 | <3 | <3 | mg/l |
Cadmium | <0.1 | <0.1 | <0.1 | <0.1 | ug/l |
Chemical Oxygen Demand :- {COD} | 25 | 43 | 26 | 24 | mg/l |
Chloride | 29 | 41 | 29 | 28 | mg/l |
Chromium | 3.4 | 0.66 | 2.1 | 2.8 | ug/l |
Conductivity at 25 C | 524 | 599 | 523 | 521 | uS/cm |
Copper | 3.3 | 7.2 | 3.1 | 3 | ug/l |
Lead | 2.3 | <2 | <2 | <2 | ug/l |
Nickel | 3.4 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 2.9 | ug/l |
Nitrite as N | 0.026 | 0.019 | 0.029 | 0.025 | mg/l |
Nitrogen, Total Oxidised as N | 6.4 | 0.6 | 6.3 | 6.3 | mg/l |
Orthophosphate, reactive as P | 0.22 | 0.15 | 0.18 | 0.18 | mg/l |
Oxygen, Dissolved, % Saturation | 85.9 | 47.1 | 79.9 | 86.5 | % |
pH | 7.7 | 7.49 | 7.71 | 7.8 | PHUNITS |
Salinity: In Situ | 0.25 | 0.29 | 0.25 | 0.25 | ppt |
Solids, Suspended at 105 C | 42 | 6 | 32 | 42 | mg/l |
Temperature of Water | 9.9 | 9.5 | 9.4 | 9.5 | CEL |
Visible oil or grease, significant trace: Present/Not found (1/0) | Not found | Not found | Not found | Not found | N/A |
Zinc | 13 | 8.6 | 12 | 11 | ug/l |