Business
Welsh Waters in call for improvement following increase in pollution incidents
NATURAL RESOURCES WALES (NRW) is calling for Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water to “step up and take action” after its annual environmental performance reports for water companies highlighted an increase in pollution incidents.
NRW also found a decrease in compliance with environmental permits for sewage discharges.
The deterioration in performance by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has led to the company being downgraded from four-star – industry leading – company status last year to three-star (good company) under 2021 Environmental Performance Assessment metrics (EPA).
The report reveals that 83 sewage-related pollution incidents were caused by Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water assets last year, compared to 77 the previous year.
Two of these pollution incidents were categorised as having a serious (High) environmental impact.
There was also one serious (High) incident from a water supply asset.
It also shows that numeric compliance against permitted discharges dropped from 99.7% to 98.3% and self-reporting of incidents dropped from 80% to 76%.
Expectations for improvements are outlined in the reports, including targets to reduce the number of pollution incidents year on year, aiming towards zero.
The report said the although the total sewage pollution incidents metric remained green, in 2021 “there has been an increase of six incidents -from 77 in 2020 to 83 in 2021. ”
“It is disappointing Dŵr Cymru have not sustained their improvement in this metric from last year”
The NRW performance report states: “The overall performance for water supply incidents is unacceptable.”
“We are calling for urgent action from Dŵr Cymru after 2021 saw the sixth consecutive year where the number of incidents from water supply assets increased.”
“We welcome the inclusion of serious incidents from water supply assets in the serious pollution incidents EPA metric from 2021 to bring more focus on this area of performance.”
Ceri Davies, NRW’s Executive Director for Evidence, Policy and Permitting said:
“Water companies have a responsibility to the environment, as well as their customers, and they must take these incidents – and the impact they have on our water quality – seriously.”
“Over many years water companies in Wales have invested significantly and improved their environmental performance so we are challenging their recent performance and asking them to set the standard for the water sector by attaining industry leading status, whilst also showing leadership in responding to the biodiversity and climate crises.”
“The decline in environmental performance is disappointing and we expect them to respond positively with renewed effort, and to drive forward improvements.”
“Earlier this week, we published our storm overflow roadmap, in collaboration with the water sector and Welsh Government, which outlines an action plan of commitments from all those involved to reduce the impact of storm overflows on our rivers in Wales.”
“This sits amongst a number of initiatives across other sectors including rural land use and industry, to tackle the numerous threats facing our rivers.”
“Improving water quality for the long term requires a collective effort from all involved, working together to identify catchment-scale solutions to contribute to healthy rivers.”
Welsh Water has not commented as yet on the report.
Interconnector brings power boost and green energy potential to Wales and Ireland
A MAJOR new electricity interconnector linking Pembrokeshire and Ireland has gone live, with power now flowing between the two countries for the first time via the Greenlink project.
The 504-megawatt (MW) Greenlink Interconnector connects National Grid’s 400kV substation at Pembroke with EirGrid’s Great Island substation in County Wexford. The link spans 200km, including 160km of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable laid beneath the Irish Sea.
The interconnector is expected to improve energy security, increase grid resilience, and support the growth of renewable energy by allowing surplus electricity to be shared between Wales and Ireland.
Greenlink is one of the first privately funded energy infrastructure projects of its kind in Europe. It is owned by Greenlink Interconnector Limited and operated by EirGrid.
At the Welsh end of the link, National Grid carried out a series of upgrades to its Pembroke substation, including the installation of a new gas-insulated switchgear bay inside the existing air-insulated facility. The hybrid solution was designed to be space- and cost-efficient, and it uses a greener insulating gas instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), in line with National Grid’s target to halve SF6 emissions by 2030.
James O’Reilly, CEO of Greenlink Interconnector Limited, described the go-live as a “significant milestone.”
He said: “This is one of the first privately developed and funded energy projects between the UK and Ireland. By enabling the transfer of green energy across borders, Greenlink strengthens energy security, enhances sustainability, and fosters greater connectivity with the wider European market.”
John Twomey, Director of Customer Connections at National Grid, said connecting Greenlink to the network at Pembroke allows both countries to “benefit from that boost in capacity and resilience.”
He said: “As demands on our electricity grids evolve, interconnectors provide immense value by strengthening the security of electricity supplies and improving our collective ability to exploit renewable power produced across borders.”
The converter stations at each end of the interconnector transform electricity between direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) for use on the respective national grids.
Michael Kelly, interim Chief Operations and Asset Management Officer at EirGrid, said the project was “a vital step forward in strengthening our shared commitment to energy resilience and security.”
He added: “EirGrid is leading the transition to a low carbon future by making Ireland’s grid renewable ready. This latest connection was made possible through collaboration with our UK colleagues and the Greenlink team.”
The interconnector is now fully operational, with electricity flowing across the Irish Sea in both directions.
PEMBROKESHIRE’S popular Business Bootcamp is set to return to offer a boost to local start-ups this summer.
Following the success of last year’s event and positive feedback from participants, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Support Team will host a two-day Business Start-Up Bootcamp in June.
Entrepreneurs at prestart, start-up or established business stages are encouraged to register for this free workshop offering an insight into business essentials.
Experts will cover key topics including idea generation, branding, marketing, finance, and pitching.
There will also be an opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, find out more about what support is available and explore potential business connections.
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Business Development Officer for Entrepreneurship Industries Alex Evans said: “Due to popular demand and positive feedback from the previous Bootcamp we ran, we were happy to run another Bootcamp to supply the growing demand of business support in the County of Pembrokeshire.
“With a specialist organisation running the Bootcamp and guest speakers attending, this is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to either kick start their business ideas or boost their business growth.”
The Bootcamp, funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, will take place on June 3rd and 10th 9am to 3pm at the Bridge Innovation Centre, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UN. Places are limited and booking is essential.
To find out more please contact Alex on Alex.Evans@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or 07584642534.
Ends
A LEADING west Wales businesswoman is preparing for an epic 414-mile cycling journey from Fishguard to London to raise funds for children and families living in poverty.
Amy Seppman, Marketing Director at JCP Solicitors and President of Swansea Bay Business Club, will set off on Thursday (April 17) on a six-day bikepacking challenge alongside her friend and fellow fundraiser, Hollie Labunsky.
The pair will complete the journey entirely unsupported, carrying all their gear as they follow the scenic but demanding National Cycle Route 4 through the Welsh countryside and into the heart of London.
The challenge forms part of Amy’s efforts to raise £40,000 for Swansea-based charity Faith in Families, which supports vulnerable children and families across the region. With more than £38,500 already raised, Amy hopes the ride will push her over the fundraising finish line – with time to spare for further events later this year.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Amy said: “Faith in Families is an incredible local charity doing vital work in our communities. As part of my presidency at Swansea Bay Business Club, we’ve been raising funds through various events – but this one might be the toughest yet.
“We’ll be cycling for six days straight, tackling hills, country lanes, and city streets – all with our backpacks strapped to our bikes. It’s going to be gruelling, but it’s nothing compared to the daily challenges many families in our area face.
“Whether you can donate, cheer us on, or share our story – it all makes a difference.”
Amy will be joined by Hollie Labunsky, a teacher of Economics, Criminology and Business at Treorchy Comprehensive School, who shares both her passion for cycling and her commitment to the cause.
The pair’s route is as follows:
- Day 1: Fishguard to St Clears – 66 miles
- Day 2: St Clears to Llanelli – 53 miles
- Day 3: Llanelli to Caerphilly – 63 miles
- Day 4: Caerphilly to Bath – 75 miles
- Day 5: Bath to Windsor – 107 miles
- Day 6: Windsor to Greenwich – 50 miles, finishing with a ride through Central London
Cherrie Bija, CEO of Faith in Families, described the cyclists as “absolute superheroes.”
She said: “Amy and Hollie are absolute superheroes. Their journey isn’t just about miles – it’s about impact. Every pedal they push brings us closer to helping more children in crisis, more families in need, and more communities in recovery.”
Faith in Families delivers critical support to families affected by poverty, trauma and crisis. Through initiatives such as Community Cwtches, one-to-one therapy, family support, and Wales’ first Multibank – Cwtch Mawr – the charity provides essentials including clothing, hygiene products, school uniforms and warm bedding to those most in need.
To support Amy and Hollie’s Easter ride and help Faith in Families continue its vital work, donations can be made at: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/Fish-Don
West Wales sewage crisis: New calls for accountability amid environmental concerns
THE SEWAGE pollution crisis engulfing West Wales continues to deepen, with new data and growing public pressure exposing serious environmental...
Charity distances itself from viral post as £4,000 theft claim goes viral
A VIRAL Facebook post accusing a man of stealing £4,000 from a veterans’ charity has been described as “unauthorised and...
Police appeal after woman seriously injured in Haverfordwest assault
POLICE in Haverfordwest are appealing for witnesses following a serious assault in the Castle Square area. A woman was taken...
NHS performance in Wales ‘a mixed bag’ as latest figures released
THE NUMBER of Welsh NHS patients waiting more than two years for treatment has fallen by 26%, according to data...
Fury as ex-MP Simon Hart handed peerage
Tell-all book and Nazi graffiti scandal reignite calls for answers FORMER South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart is facing mounting criticism...
Two Pembrokeshire vape shops face court closure orders
Court hearing due to take place on April 17 at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court TWO vape shops in Pembrokeshire are facing...
Landmark ruling: Supreme Court backs biological definition of woman
IN A LANDMARK judgment with far-reaching implications, the UK Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that the legal definition of a...
Driver lies injured in rain for hours at Fishguard Port after fall from lorry
VOLUNTEERS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES STEP IN AFTER SHOCKING AMBULANCE DELAY A LORRY driver who suffered serious injuries after falling from...
Festival pulls appearance by ex-MP despite acclaim for honest memoir
A PLANNED appearance by former Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards at this year’s Llandeilo Lit Fest has been...
Easter holiday help for families – Kids eat free or for a pound at these local eateries
WITH the cost of living still putting pressure on many Pembrokeshire families, it’s good to see some local businesses stepping...
-
Health4 days agoPembrokeshire ‘Pink Puffins’ race the Cleddau thanks to local vet’s vision
-
Business5 days agoMilford Haven and Pembroke Dock among top towns in Wales for sex toy sales
-
Charity1 day agoBusinessman ‘honoured’ to become Wales Air Ambulance’s first business ambassador
-
News3 days ago
Festival pulls appearance by ex-MP despite acclaim for honest memoir
-
News3 days ago
Driver lies injured in rain for hours at Fishguard Port after fall from lorry
-
Crime2 days ago
Two Pembrokeshire vape shops face court closure orders
-
News5 days agoFormer Welsh Secretary awarded peerage in Sunak’s resignation honours
-
Top News4 days agoNational cultural landmark threatened with downgrade by National Park