NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is continuing to co-ordinate the response and investigation into an oil spill in a Carmarthenshire stream.
The investigation is assessing the impact of the spill and to establish the exact amount of oil that leaked from a pipeline into the Nant Pibwr, Nantycaws, a tributary of the Afon Tywi.
Work is ongoing with a number of public agencies to minimise the impact on people and the environment from the spill. Specialist contractors are on site working to contain and remove the oil.
NRW is continuing to work closely with the company who are responsible for the work being carried out to fix the pipeline. It is estimated that between 70,000 and 100,000 litres of oil could have leaked and work is ongoing to establish a more exact figure.
A number of dead fish have been reported and NRW staff are regularly monitoring the river. Welsh Water has confirmed that there is no impact on local drinking water supplies.
Officers are continuing to work closely with Carmarthenshire County Council, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, Public Health Wales, Dyfed Powys Police and other partner agencies to monitor the local streams and rivers.
The agencies are advising people to:
- Keep pets and livestock away from the water where oil is visible
- Avoid contact with oil or contaminated material
- Not to remove dead fish from the area as it is an important part of the investigation
Aneurin Cox, South Wales Operational Resources Manager, Natural Resources Wales said: “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 continuing to investigate this incident and monitor the impact on the environment.
“If anyone sees dead fish or any wildlife in distress, or has any information about the incident please report this our incident hotline on 0300 065 3000.”
A monitoring station has also been established near Bro Myrddin School as a precautionary measure as part of the work to investigate the impact. There is no evidence of any impact in this area.
Local people may notice a smell of fuel oil in the area, 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 fuel oil on their skin, they should remove clothing and wash using soap and water and if they feel unwell, should seek medical attention.”
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