Toxic chemicals found 'leaking' at military bases
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FEARS about the levels of pollution in soil and ground water near military bases throughout Britain have been raised by an Army survey and the confidential results of inspections at RAF bases. Both revealed widespread contamination, writes Jason Bennetto.
The findings will add to pressure for the withdrawal of Crown immunity, which protects the Ministry of Defence from environmental legislation. The MoD can only be prosecuted under European Community law and by private action.
In a year-long survey of bases in the UK, the Falkland Islands and Germany, a Royal Engineers team discovered that many storage facilities for highly toxic solvents and petroleum products were dangerously outdated. Airfields are particularly contaminated, says the report. The team leader has warned camp commandants could be prosecuted if serious pollution occurs.
Results of previously unpublished details of inspections made by the Government's Property Service Agency at RAF bases in 1990 and obtained by Friends of the Earth, show cancer-causing chemicals - up to 10 times the World Health Organisation's safety limit - in the ground water at several bases.
Levels of trichloroethene, a solvent which can cause cancer, were above the WHO 'action level' of 30 parts per billion at RAF Honington, RAF Mildenhall RAF Woodbridge, all in Suffolk, and RAF Sculthorpe, Norfolk.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments