PEMBROKE POWER STATION has released a statement saying that the high volumes of sea foam, currently being seen on some Pembrokeshire beaches, is harmless.
The statement was released in response to questions to operator RWE Generation UK from The Herald.
Photographs have been posted on social media by concerned locals, with some people calling the foam ‘disgusting’.
A photograph taken on Wednesday morning (Jan 6) by Kaye Davies shows Hazlebeach completely covered by the foam.
RWE Generation told The Herald: “At certain times of the year there is a noticeable ‘sea foam’ discharged from the cooling water system at Pembroke Power Station. Due to the current turbulent weather, including high winds and heavy rain the station is experiencing high volumes of ‘sea foam’.
“RWE are nearing the completion of a project to reduce the formation and release of foam from the station.
“This work is well underway with mechanical installation complete and commissioning which has been delayed because of bad weather due in the next few weeks. The project involves managing water levels in the cooling water system through the use of four large penstock valves similar to sluice gates.
“The ‘sea foam’ currently coming from the Pembroke Power Station cooling water outfall is the same as the sea and beach foam which occurs naturally from time to time. Even though it appears brown in colour we would like to reassure people that it is harmless and is not caused by any form of pollution.
“It is created by the agitation of seawater particularly when it contains higher concentrations of dissolved organic matter such as rotten leaves. This can create foam when combined with turbulent conditions that trap air, such as when seawater passes over a weir, the foam is not caused by chemicals or any other pollution.”
Paul Gibson, Industry Regulation Team Leader for South West Wales, Natural Resources Wales said told The Herald: “We are investigating reports of large amounts of sea foam on Hazel Beach in Pembrokeshire.
“This could be due to the operations of the power station and we are working with RWE Generation UK plc (RWE) to ensure the amount of foam generated is minimised.
“The foam produced is the same as that which occurs naturally and the unseasonably warm and stormy weather conditions over the Christmas and New Year may also have contributed to its generation.
“The sea foam has no environmental impact, although we understand it can cause concern.”
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