Buncefield - latest news
Background
When the Buncefield fuel depot near Hemel Hempstead exploded on 11 December 2005, the Environment Agency was among the first on the scene and we joined an expert team to advise on appropriate environmental protection during the course of the incident. Since the incident, we have continued to advise in our regulatory role of environmental protector.
Latest news - 11 December 2007
This update is part of a series covering our ongoing work on the Buncefield Incident.
Monitoring results
- The results of our ongoing monitoring show that the groundwater under and up to 2km to the North, East and South East of the site was contaminated with hydrocarbons and fire-fighting foams from the incident. As time has elapsed, the extent of the contamination now appears to be confined to within the immediate vicinity of the depot. However, we continue to monitor the area to detect any future movements of pollution.
- We have now taken over 1,200 water and soil samples in the area and will continue to sample on a regular basis. We continue to share our results with interested parties. We are still detecting PFOS and fuel-related pollutants (including hydrocarbons and metals, including zinc) in the original and new monitoring boreholes. None of these boreholes are used for drinking water supplies.
- An additional on-site monitoring borehole was installed by the oil companies during November 2007 to help improve the understanding of the extent of the contamination.
Stored firewaters
- 22 million litres of contaminated firewater that had been stored at Thames Water’s Maple Cross and Blackbirds Sewage Treatment Works has now been treated and disposed of safely.
- Disposal of the remaining firewater, stored elsewhere, is being disposed of by high temperature incineration and is expected to be completely cleared in the new year.
Site update
- We are continuing our work with the oil companies to ensure they clean the site in a way that minimises any impact to the environment.
- Our detailed investigation continues into the causes of the incident and the potential effects on the environment.
- The oil companies have demolished and removed the damaged fuel tanks and are now removing other above-ground structures, solid wastes, and the remaining damaged pipework.
- We regularly visit the site to take samples and monitor remediation work.
Forward Look
Updates will continue to be provided as and when new information becomes available.
