Lesley Griffiths AM, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Further to my statement of 10 January, I wish to provide Members with an update on the oil spill pollution incident in Milford Haven. Further to the initial report of pollution, the multi-agency response team has focused on minimising the impact of the oil on the wildlife and local environment. Following an inspection of the relevant fuel pipelines and additional assessments, it is now understood no more than 500 litres of oil was released in the 3rd January incident, significantly less compared to the initial volume assessment of between 7,000 to 10,000 litres.
The clean-up operation is expected to be scaled down this week, subject to inspections, booms installed on the days following the incident to contain the oil spill in Milford Haven waterway, will be removed this week.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Valero and multi agency partners have continued to work together to survey the affected areas since the incident and are satisfied they have contained as much oil as possible.
The investigation into how this incident happened is ongoing, in order to consider what further action is required to prevent this happening again. NRW will not allow Valero to reopen the pipelines until it is satisfied they can operate without causing further damage to the local environment.
A programme of monitoring and surveying will continue over the coming weeks and if people become aware of any pollution they should contact the NRW incident hotline on 03000 65 3000.