AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. undertakes site investigation to understand the impact of historical chemical use
The health and safety of our employees, their families, the local community and the environment are critical priorities for AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. (AGCCE).
AGCCE has been operating a fluoropolymer manufacturing facility, which was acquired from ICI, within the Hillhouse Technology Enterprise Zone at Thornton Cleveleys since 1999. Fluoropolymer manufacturing at Hillhouse dates back to the 1950s and with ICI Hillhouse and the Burn Naze Chemical Works, the area has served as a major chemical manufacturing site since the 1890s.
AGCCE has been working closely with the Multi-Agency Investigation Team to support the ongoing investigation into the potential release of the chemical Perfluorooctanoic Acid – or PFOA – from the former ICI site, part of which is now operated by AGCCE. More on this can be found on the Wyre Council website.
While a long period has passed since PFOA was voluntarily phased out as a polymerisation aid from our operations, AGCCE is, in addition to providing support to the multi-agency investigation, delivering on a voluntary commitment made to conduct an intrusive investigation within the boundaries of land owned by AGCCE (“on-site”) which is now underway, to sample and test soil, groundwater and surface water.
Our assessment differs from the multi-agency investigation in that as well as testing for the presence of PFOA and other substances that fall within the group of chemicals known as PFAS, the scope of the on-site investigation has been extended to test for other substances, including a range of chemicals used historically which are unrelated to fluoropolymer manufacture that may be present from historical activity within or adjacent to AGCCE boundaries.
Examples of these substances include chlorinated solvents and heavy metals, notably mercury from historical chlorine manufacturing activities. Historical records show that that in the 1940s the Ministry of Supply were actively involved in chemical production at the Hillhouse site and ICI Hillhouse had a chlorine-production facility until 1992.
How the investigation is being conducted
The investigation of land is a complex process – to undertake a thorough assessment AGCCE has commissioned a specialist third party to conduct the voluntary on-site investigation. The investigation follows government guidelines for assessing contamination risks and the details of each stage are agreed with Wyre Council and the Environment Agency.
AGCCE is at Land Contamination Risk Management (LCRM): Stage 1 risk assessment, which involves:
- A preliminary (desktop) risk assessment. This has been completed.
- A Conceptual Site Model (CSM). An initial model has been developed.
- An intrusive site investigation. The intrusive investigation is progressing and includes sampling and an assessment of soil, groundwater and surface water associated with land owned and occupied by AGCCE.
The intrusive site investigation is being undertaken using a staged approach assessing and adapting as we collect new data. The site investigation will inform the completion of generic and, where relevant, detailed quantitative risk assessments.
The first of several stages (Stage 1) of the on-site investigation has been completed and we are discussing the findings with the Multi-Agency Investigation Team.
To ensure continued progress of the onsite investigation, in June 2026, we commenced Stage 2 of the onsite investigation with further sampling of soils, groundwater and surface water. We are committed to sharing the findings with the Environment Agency to support the ongoing multi-agency investigation.
Current chemicals manufacturing
AGC Chemicals Europe, Ltd. (AGCCE) is a world-leading manufacturer of fluoropolymers, which are used in critical industries such as aerospace, renewable and alternative energies, electronics, the medical field and many others. More details of these critical uses can be found Applications – AGC Chemicals Europe.
AGCCE continues to take significant steps to enhance safety and risk management in its operations. This process did not begin with the multi-agency investigation. As science and technology has developed, we have, and continue to, constantly improve our manufacturing processes in line with our sustainability goals. More information on can be found here Responsible Operations – AGC Chemicals Europe