AERIAL photos have been released by the Port Authority of what Valero Oil Refinery is saying is a 2,200 gallon leak of heavy fuel oil into Milford Haven.

The Port said: “Aerial photographs used to inform the ongoing oil pollution response, showing a light sheen that is dispersing through natural processes as confirmed by this morning’s MCA aircraft surveillance
Members of the public have been commenting on the social media about the incident.

Danielle Hall commented: “Why has this leak happened? Are the pipes not maintained properly.
What will the effects be on the environment, wildlife, the beaches keeping blue flag status? The tourist industry? The fines Valero have paid in the past are so small compared to their profits. How can this be justified? The impact on local communities is not considered either.”

MCA spotter plane: Used to survey pollution from air (Pic: File)

Andy Drumm asked on The Port of Milford Haven’s Facebook page: “The saltmarshes are not the only sensitive environment. What about aquatic ecosystems? Who will assess the damage? Who will pay to compensate the negative impact and the cost of the clean up? And who will be held accountable for this disaster?”
The Port responded: “As indicated by Natural Resource Wales in the above, a full investigation is underway and the findings of this will be shared once concluded.

A Port press release states: “A multi-agency response is continuing at the Port of Milford Haven following an oil pollution incident at the Valero Pembroke Refinery.
Valero have today estimated that up to 7.5-10m³ of heavy fuel oil had leaked overnight on 2/3rd January from a pipe connecting the jetty to the refinery but that by first light the leak had been contained.

“As soon as the incident was reported, just after midnight, we instigated our well-rehearsed oil pollution plan in which we (Milford Haven Port Authority) have delegated command for the on-water clean-up of oil. Multiple agencies including Natural Resources Wales, Pembrokeshire County Council, Maritime Coastguard Agency and Valero have been working with us since early hours on 3rd January to survey, clean-up and put in place measures to protect the environment and wildlife.

Milford Haven: Oil clearly visible in the water (Pic: MHPA)

“The MCA are supporting the incident response through the loan of equipment to supplement our own assets. The MCA are using their contracted surveillance and verification aircraft and the images provided by this equipment have assisted the teams to locate any surface oil, its direction of travel and dispersal. The Port’s pollution vessel ‘Sea Sweep’ has patrolled and collected some surface oil; however most of the oil has naturally dispersed and the MCA report from this morning’s flight has confirmed this.
Mid and West Wales Fire Service has also assisted with the loan of drone equipment.

“Booming is in place at Sandy Haven and teams are deploying booms around the Gann estuary near Dale, today.

“Currently there have been sightings of oil on shore at Dale and Musselwick Bay. A clean-up operation is underway and agencies will continue to monitor the surrounding shoreline over the coming days.”

Andrea Winterton, Operations Manager from Natural Resources Wales said: “Our priority continues to be to reduce the impact of the oil on the local environment. We have officers positioned in key locations across the Milford Haven Waterway surveying for signs of pollution washing onshore.

“The booms installed yesterday and this morning will remain in place until we are confident that the risk to wildlife and the sensitive saltmarshes has passed.

“A full investigation is underway into how the oil entered the estuary and the findings of this will be shared once concluded.”

Members of the public are asked to be aware, avoid any beached oil if they discover it (particularly if they have dogs) and contact the Natural Resources Wales incident hotline on 03000 653000 if they become aware of any pollution on shore or see any birds they believe may be showing signs of oil.

Sandy Haven: Work men arrived to deploy boom across creek on Thursday