RAF Marham under investigation over fears toxic ‘forever chemicals’ could be leaching into drinking water sources
RAF Marham is under investigation over fears toxic “forever chemicals” could be leaching into drinking water sources and vulnerable nature sites.
The base is among three locations in the country which will face a Ministry of Defence (MOD) probe, looking into whether synthetic PFAS chemicals are leaking into the environment from the facility.
The base was identified as a high-risk pollution threat following a screening exercise by the Environment Agency (EA).
It is in close proximity to drinking water safeguard zones and several protected nature reserves.
PFAS are a group of synthetic chemicals known as forever chemicals because they do not break down easily. They have been linked to serious health conditions and major environmental harm.
Some PFAS have now been banned by the Government due to the risk of harm.
However, other PFAS are still legal within certain limits and can be found in non-stick pans, food packaging, carpets and furniture.
PFAS have also been found in abundance in some firefighting foams, which have been used extensively at military bases for decades – including at RAF Marham.
It is inevitable that these chemicals remain in the environment, as it can take tens of thousands of years for them to degrade.
The Government began prohibiting certain forever chemicals being used in firefighting foam more than a decade ago.
In 2019, more types of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam began to be phased out.
A full ban on extinguishers containing the substances is expected to begin in 2026 with a phase-out period lasting until 2030.
The Government is also currently exploring further restrictions on forever chemicals.
Terry Jermy, the MP for South West Norfolk, said: “This is a historic issue that clearly needs an immediate and thorough inquiry.
“If nothing is done to tackle forever chemicals, generations of communities’ health, environment and economy will suffer as a result.
“This is a matter that should be taken with the utmost concern and severity and I fully expect the Government to take action.”
Pallavi Devulapalli, a borough councillor for Marham, has called for more investment to “clean up the environment around bases” and for PFAS chemicals to be replaced with safer materials.
She said: “Unfortunately, these chemicals linger for a long time and can cause permanent damage to health, resulting in a cost borne by individuals as well as society and taxpayers.”
FOREVER CHEMICALS
The amount of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals – known as PFAS – in our environment is becoming a growing concern.
Sources of forever chemical pollution can come from a wide range of sources, including highways, landfills, airports and manufacturing.
They have been linked to serious health problems, including cancers and reproductive issues, and they can build up in the body over time.
On the small island of Jersey, situated in the English Channel close to France and the UK, some residents have even been recommended bloodletting treatment to help remove PFAS chemicals from their bodies after the substances were found at high levels in water sources.
A recent investigation by Watershed and the Guardian revealed high levels of PFAS had been detected in raw, untreated drinking water sources near several RAF bases.
This included at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk.
WATER ASSURANCES
Former RAF firefighters serving at UK bases said they have been diagnosed with health conditions they believe are linked to PFAS chemicals.
Others said firefighting foam was used widely, without any attempt to contain it in the environment.
However, a Government spokeswoman insists there is no evidence that the drinking water in our taps contains unsafe levels of PFAS.
The official added that “MOD investigations remain ongoing” and the Government is working with the EA to assess its sites.
They said: “Our rapid review of the environmental improvement plan will look at the risks posed by PFAS and how best to tackle them to deliver our legally binding targets to save nature.”
An EA spokesman said: “The global science on PFAS is evolving rapidly and we are undertaking a multi-year programme to better understand sources of PFAS pollution in England.”
Experts have warned the UK is lagging behind other nations in clearing up forever chemicals.
The US has already spent billions of dollars on testing and clean-up operations at military sites.
Patrick Byrne, professor of water science at Liverpool John Moores University, warned that only a handful of PFAS compounds are being monitored.
“We’re at the tip of the iceberg,” he told the Guardian.
“There are so many others we don’t yet fully understand or detect.”
Anglian Water is responsible for detecting PFAS in drinking water and it uses various methods to remove the chemicals to ensure its supplies are safe.
A spokeswoman said: “To date, we have had no breaches under the Drinking Water Inspectorate standards for PFAS in drinking water.”
The firm has echoed calls from Water UK, an association representing water companies, for the Government to take action to stop PFAS being used in manufacturing processes.
“Currently, there is no ban or restriction,” the spokeswoman said, adding: “It cannot be eradicated by water treatment.”
