News

Valero Oil Refinery came close to ‘catastrophic incident’

Published

8 years ago

April 14, 2018

EXCLUSIVE REPORT

A POTENTIALLY ‘catastrophic incident’ took place at Valero’s Pembroke Oil Refinery last year involving leaking gas and an ignition source, the Pembrokeshire Herald can reveal.

This newspaper has been contacted by a number of workers at the site who have told us that it is only ’pure luck’ which prevented leaking gases from being blown into an ignition source, believed to be a furnace, which could have led to another lethal incident at the plant.

Valero have confirmed that they are working with statutory authorities who are investigating the event, which occurred on November 30 last year. It involved the Alkylate Iso-Stripper, which creates Alkylate – a premium component of petrol that has exceptional anti-knock properties and is clean burning. The Iso-Stripper is a high risk area of refining, and uses either sulphuric acid or hydrofluoric acid as a catalyst for its chemical reactions.

The oil refinery’s management told The Herald that it is working with ‘continued co-operation’ with regulators, and highlighted in a statement that ‘no personnel were injured’ and that ‘there was no impact on the community’.
Valero, which says it is one of the leading employers in south Wales, added that they are unable to comment further during the period of investigation.

HSE INVESTIGATES

A Health & Safety Executive spokesperson told The Herald in a prepared statement: “We are aware of an incident at the Valero Energy Limited Pembroke Refinery in November 2017 which was reported to the Health and Safety Executive under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).
“We can confirm that the incident took place on the Alkylate Iso-Stripper, and is being investigated.
“No enforcement action has been taken, though the investigation remains ongoing.”

PUSHING THE PLANT HARDER

Our sources working at the refinery told The Pembrokeshire Herald, on condition of anonymity, that the incident last year was due to the refinery being pushed harder than before. This, combined with the ageing infrastructure at the site, lead to the close call.
He told us: “They have increased output which puts more strain on the equipment.”
Another employee at the site, who also did not wish to be named, confirmed this. He said that since the refinery was bought from Chevron, it is being stretched and running 20-30% harder than before.
This, combined with a lack of maintenance, is making it an ‘accident waiting to happen’, he added.

RECENT LEAK OF GAS

Valero confirmed that last month’s activation of emergency sirens was in response to another leak of gas at the plant. But it is not currently known from which part of the refinery.
Readers contacted The Pembrokeshire Herald by telephone and social media on the morning of March 29 concerned after hearing a warning sound, which started at exactly 8.01am.
On contacting the refinery the Herald was initially told by a security worker: “We have no information at the moment, we are not sure if it’s a test or not.”
Looking to clarify his answer, our reporter asked: “So you are not sure if it’s a test or a real emergency?”
The Herald was told: “That’s right”
It is understood that there was confusion due to previous false alarms.
Later this newspaper received a statement from Valero spokesperson and Refinery Public Affairs Manager, Stephen Thornton, who said: “At 8:00 am on 29th March 2018, the alarm sounded on site due to identification of a minor gas leak.
“Operations responded promptly to isolate and de-pressure the line to stop the leak.”

SAFETY A ‘GUIDING PRINCIPLE’

In a statement prepared by Valero for The Pembrokeshire Herald, the company said: “Safety is the guiding principle for all that we do at Pembroke Refinery, and Valero takes strong exception to any suggestions otherwise. As one of Europe’s largest and most complex refineries, our highly skilled workforce at Pembroke Refinery operates according to comprehensive and rigorous management systems and standards of safety.

“Valero does not comment on operational activities at Pembroke Refinery, however all our activities are conducted within approved regulatory permit limits. All refinery work is undertaken according to stringent regulatory, industry and company standards that ensure the continued effective integrity of the plant, regardless of working capacity. Our advanced and sophisticated operational, inspection and maintenance procedures at the refinery are underpinned by a safety culture fostered across all our personnel, focused on recognising and eliminating hazards before they occur.
“In addition to our own focus on safety, Valero also actively works alongside public bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, emergency services, the local authority and other agencies to manage risk. This includes Valero’s continued cooperation with regulators regarding an ongoing investigation into an event that occurred in November 2017. No personnel were injured during this incident and there were no impacts on the community, however we are unable to comment further during this investigation.
“Anyone making enquiries regarding Valero’s operations, including our site alarm system, should ask to speak to a member of Valero’s Policy, Government & Public Affairs Department.
“All calls received at the refinery are dealt with by our dedicated security team who follow protocol of not confirming refinery operational details, but will pass your details on if requested.”

Akylation unit: The location in the refinery where ‘dangerous incident’ occurred

OIL REFINING – A HAZARDOUS ENTERPRISE

Refinery fire: 2011 accident tragically claimed four lives

It is not the first time that Valero have had the safety of their workplace questioned, nor the first time an incident has affected the Pembroke refinery.
Valero were fined £400,000 at Swansea Crown Court after an incident involving a walkway collapsing and an employee left hanging from ropes at their refinery in Pembroke. It was found that Valero, the American oil company which purchased the Pembroke site in a £447m deal in March 2011, failed to follow procedure and carry out a comprehensive risk assessment on the access tower of which the gangway collapsed seriously injuring a worker.
It was said in court that the maintenance contractor of Valero had their suggestions ignored over the potential risks of the access tower, as they raised the point that there was a ‘potential fatal accident waiting to happen.’ Valero were also seen to give inadequate training and instructions to employees, regarding the safe operation of the tower and gangway.
The incident took place on March 5 2012, as David Thomas, an operator at the refinery, was making his way towards an unloading oil tanker via the gangway of the access tower. The walkway suddenly collapsed and he was dropped 3.5 metres. Mr Thomas, 55, was left swinging from wire rope that had wrapped round his legs, but, as a keen rock climber, was able to distribute the weight from his legs by gripping a cross beam. Despite this, he suffered a dislocated knee as well as lacerations and fractures. Mr Thomas was released from hospital after 17 days, but soon developed arthritis, and ultimately didn’t return to work.
It was deemed that three other related incidents at the refinery previous to the gangway accident, in August 2010, February 2011 and September 2011, were poorly investigated and that a proper checklist assessment was not carried out.
At the time of the infamous explosion in June 2011, which resulted in four fatalities, the refinery was still operated by Chevron, yet the deal to sell the refinery to Valero had already been organised. In November 2015, the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately decided against pressing charges of corporate manslaughter.

News

Sport Pembrokeshire Awards finalists announced

Published

1 hour ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FINALISTS for this year’s Sport Pembrokeshire Awards have been revealed, with 39 individuals and clubs shortlisted for honours at the annual celebration of local sporting achievement.

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “A big thank you to everyone who sent in nominations. The judging panel had an extremely tough task narrowing down such a strong field of candidates.

“Pembrokeshire continues to punch above its weight when it comes to sporting prowess, and I’m sure the awards will once again showcase both on-field success and the incredible efforts of the volunteers and coaches who make it all possible.”

The winners will be unveiled at a gala ceremony at Folly Farm on November 28, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire.

The event is sponsored by Valero, Folly Farm, and Pure West Radio, and will also see the presentation of three special accolades — the School Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, and Chairman’s Special Achievement Award.

The awards recognise those who have excelled in sport over the past year or dedicated their time to coaching, organising, and supporting grassroots sport across the county.

Finalists (in alphabetical order)

Girls U16

Mary Falconer (Climbing)
Cerys Griffiths (Swimming)
Ava Tyrie (MMA)

Boys U16

Conor Cremona (Weightlifting)
Elijah Jones (Surfing)
Ned Rees-Wigmore (Hockey)

Club of the Year

Carew Sports Club
Chaos Netball Club
Milford Haven Hockey Club

Junior Disability Award

Jake Evans (Llangwm RFC)
Jack Gray (Fishguard Thunderbolts)
Ella Meacham (Windswept Watersports)

Young Volunteer of the Year

Enfys Battelley-de Torres (Camrose AFC)
Alannah Field (Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club)
Alannah Heasman (Haverfordwest High School / Pembrokeshire College)

Junior Team

BJJ Pembrokeshire Junior MMA Team
HHVCS Year 7 Girls Rugby
Merlins Bridge FC Under-14s

Unsung Hero

Sarah Bagley (Windswept Watersports)
Geoff Daye (Lamphey Cricket Club)
Jenny Lewis (Clarbeston Road AFC)

Senior Team

East Williamston Short Mat Bowls Club
Fishguard & Goodwick Ladies Hockey Club
Pembrokeshire Hockey Club – Ladies 1s

Male Achievement

Llew Bevan (Darts)
Liam Bradley (Triathlon)
Reuben Lerwill (Gymnastics)

Female Achievement

Sanna Duthie (Running)
Ria Jones (Judo)
Amelia Nuttall (Sailing)

Disability Sport Award

Rachel Bailey (Boccia)
Evelyn Thomas (Weightlifting)
Hannah Webster (CrossFit)

Club Organiser

Huw Jones (Haverfordwest Golf Club)
Leanne Jones (Camrose AFC)
Silfan Rhys-Jones (Fishguard Table Tennis Club)

Coach of the Year

Jamie Barrellie (Tenby Sharks Girls Rugby)
Rob Codd (Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club)
James North (Kilgetty AFC)

News

Inquest opens into Begelly woman’s motorhome death

Published

2 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Police and HSE continue joint investigation

POLICE have confirmed that enquiries are continuing into the death of a woman who was fatally injured while helping to move a motorhome outside her home in Begelly last month.

Carolyn Joyce Codd, aged 79, of Church Close, Begelly, died on October 28 after she was crushed by a motorhome on the driveway of her home.

Emergency services were called to the scene, but Mrs Codd was pronounced dead shortly after 2:00pm.

The case came before Pembrokeshire Coroner Gareth Lewis on Thursday (Nov 13) for the formal opening of an inquest, held via Teams.
The hearing was adjourned while police and the Health and Safety Executive continue a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The coroner ordered that witness statements and a full post-mortem report be submitted by February 12, when the case will be reviewed again.

Mr Lewis extended his condolences to Mrs Codd’s family and friends at the brief hearing.

Crime

Cross-border tool thieves jailed after van raids in rural Wales

Published

3 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Court Reporter

Pair from Worcestershire targeted tradesmen across Carmarthenshire and beyond

TWO men who travelled from Worcestershire to raid work vans west Wales have been sentenced after stealing thousands of pounds worth of tools from local tradesmen.

Aston Amos, aged 35, and 27-year-old Robbie Bate, both from Bewdley, made late-night trips through Powys and Carmarthenshire during July, breaking into vehicles in Builth Wells, Brecon and Newcastle Emlyn. Tools worth around £13,000 were taken over two separate nights of offending.

Dyfed-Powys Police launched an investigation following multiple reports of vans being forced open. Officers reviewing CCTV footage identified a black Audi A4 travelling repeatedly between Wales and the West Midlands.

Enquiries later revealed the car had been linked to a booking at a hotel in St Clears, and that both men’s phones had travelled the same route. Amos, who was already subject to a court-imposed GPS ankle tag, was found to have been at the scene of the thefts when the offences took place.

When police searched the Woodman Caravan Park near Bewdley on 9 August, they discovered the Audi and a cache of stolen tools. Both men were arrested soon after.

At Swansea Crown Court, the pair admitted five counts of theft. Amos has 15 previous convictions for 24 offences, including vehicle theft and handling stolen goods. Bate has eight previous convictions for mainly motoring offences.

Judge condemns ‘cruel’ crimes

Judge Geraint Walters said the men had deliberately targeted tradespeople who depended on their tools for their livelihoods. He described the thefts as “organised and deliberate”, adding that taking away a worker’s tools was “one of the cruellest things imaginable”.

Defence lawyers said Amos had been battling drug and alcohol problems and was now sober in custody. Bate, who helps to care for his three-year-old son, expressed remorse and said he wanted to start a gardening business.

Amos was jailed for nine months, to run consecutively to an existing sentence for wounding. Bate received a nine-month suspended sentence, 160 hours of unpaid work, a 12-week curfew, and must complete rehabilitation sessions.

The judge warned Bate that if he breached the order, “you’ll be coming back to Swansea — and you won’t be going home.”