Lesley Griffiths has thanked the multi-agencies responsible for the clean up operation of Holyhead Marina.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The clean-up operation, which is being undertaken by a number of agencies, got underway immediately after the Marina was badly damaged in last month’s extreme weather and by Storm Emma.
Significant progress has already been made with an estimated 30.9 tonnes (916.5m3) of polystyrene recovered. An estimated 2752 litres of oil has also been recovered to date.
The Salvage operation to recover the vessels affected by the storms is also progressing well with 28 vessels recovered from shore and sea bed. With fair weather and steady progress, it is hoped this area of work will be completed within four weeks.
Outside Holyhead Harbour Authority area, more than four tonnes of polystyrene has so far been collected from Anglesey beaches since the incident.
A Control and Co-ordination Group was established to co-ordinate and help with the clean up operation and the salvage recovery. Responsibility for the clean up operation include:
- clean up operation within the Port Authority boundaries - Stena Port
- wider clean-up operation outside Port Authority - Isle of Anglesey County Council and Local Authorities further afield.
- vessel salvage operation at Holyhead Marina - Holyhead Marina/Stena Port
- advice on waste management plans – Natural Resources Wales
- technical assistance - Marine and Coastguard Agency.
Welsh Government officials provide advice on fisheries related matters related to the incident through the control and coordination group.
The Cabinet Secretary visited the Marina days after the disaster to see the damage first hand and has been receiving daily updates on the progress being made with the clean up.
Cabinet Secretary said:
“There is no doubt that the damage to Holyhead Marina has been disastrous for all the businesses and individuals affected. There has also been a significant environmental impact with debris and polystyrene entering the water.
“From day one, agencies have been working tirelessly on the clean up operation and I want to thank them for their hard work and efforts. I saw first-hand the damage when I visited the Marina a few days after the storm and I have since been having daily updates from all the agencies involved.
“I have been clear that I am happy to give consideration to possible financial support for public infrastructure repair and environmental damage clean up and my officials are in contact with the Isle of Anglesey County Council on this.
“Thanks to the hard work of all agencies involved, significant progress has been made with the clean up operation with a great deal of polystyrene and oil recovered. This work will continue and I hope this provides some reassurance to the community that every effort is being made to restore the Marina and its local environment.”