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Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances: Contamination

Asked by Chris HinchliffLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 24 February 2026UIN 112428

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential costs to the Treasury of remediating high-risk PFAS contamination sites where the polluter pays principle cannot be applied in full.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The Environment Agency has undertaken preliminary appraisal of potential PFAS remediation costs. A 2023 report indicates remediation could be significant at some legacy sites, though actual costs would depend on site specific factors. The polluter pays principle remains the primary mechanism to limit public expenditure. Actions in the PFAS Plan will improve understanding of contamination and future cost estimates.

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