DEAD fish have been found downstream of a leak in pipeline that has released thousands of litres of kerosene into Nantycaws Brook and Nant Pibwr.
The spillage was discovered on Tuesday morning (Oct 4) and emergency services were called to the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed that the damaged pipe is on the eastbound part of the currently closed A48.
A spokesperson from Dyfed- Powys Police said: “Some kerosene escaped from the pipe, but it has now been secured and there is no danger to the public.
“People nearby may smell the escaped vapour. As a precaution, residents living in a 300 metre radius of the incident have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.”
The pipeline is owned and operated by oil giant Valero and is used to transport kerosene from its refinery at West Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire.
A spokesman for Valero confirmed: “A breach of the underground Mainline Pipeline was detected near Nantycaws, close to where work is currently being carried out on the pipeline, with the loss of some kerosene.
“The pipeline was immediately shut down and the section isolated.
“A pollution control team remains on-site and is investigating the leak and its potential impact on the local environment, and remedial action is being taken.
“However, at this stage, we cannot confirm the cause or volume involved.
“Some product has been detected in the Pibwr, which has been isolated with booms and is being recovered.
“Local residents may be able to smell kerosene vapour in the area near where the pipeline work is being carried out, and are being advised to keep windows shut, but while it could be inconvenient, it will cause no danger.
“The recovery work may take some time and we would like to apologise to all local residents for the inconvenience this may cause.”
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is investigating the spill and has confirmed that the agency was called to the site on Tuesday.
A statement from NRW read: “Our officers are continuing to work closely with Carmarthenshire County Council, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Public Health Wales, the Police and Fire and Rescue Service and other partner agencies to monitor the local streams and rivers.
“Dead fish have been seen but we are advising members of the public not to remove them from the river.
“NRW officers are monitoring the local streams and rivers, and working closely with partner agencies at the site.
“It is not currently known how much oil has entered the river and surrounding area.
“Local people may notice a smell of oil in the area.”
Aneurin Cox, South Wales Operational Resources Manager at Natural Resources Wales, said: “Natural Resources Wales is working with partner agencies to assess and minimise the risk to public health and the environment.
“Our rivers provide a home to rich, diverse and valuable species of plants and animals so it’s important to deal with pollution as quickly as possible.
“We are doing all we can to stop the pollution and reduce its impact on fish and other wildlife which depend on the river.”
Huw Brunt, Consultant in Environmental Health Protection for Public Health Wales, said: “It is unlikely that anyone exposed to fuel oil for a short period of time will have any long term health effects. However, as a precaution, we would advise the public to avoid contact with oils or contaminated material.
“If anyone gets oil on their skin, they should remove clothing and wash using soap and water and if they feel unwell, should seek medical attention.
“We would also advise that all pets are kept out of water where oil is visible.
“Anyone noticing kerosene odours arising from within their property should ventilate the area and contact the authorities.”
Jonathan Edwards MP said: “Whilst we have unconfirmed reports of the quantity of oil which has escaped, I understand this is a high-pressure line which suggests significant quantities of this highly volatile liquid has by now leaked out.
“This is an extremely serious incident which requires immediate remedial action.
“Public health is the number one priority and a first course of action must be to stop any further leaks to minimise the contamination to land, wildlife and the watercourse.
“I am calling on the Welsh Government to ensure all necessary resources are provided to relevant agencies in order to resolve this incident.”
Assembly Member Adam Price added: “There is no doubt that this is a major incident and requires the escalation to the highest course of action available.
“I am urging the Welsh Government to commit every possible resource to the operation and I am seeking a statement from the Cabinet Secretary for this assurance.
“We expect a full a thorough investigation of this incident, but the first priority must be the safety of local residents and stopping any further contamination of the area.”
Add Comment