News
Foam pollution on River Cleddau raises concerns with locals
INCREASING volumes of foam have become highly noticeable on the River Cleddau in recent days, sparking worries about potential pollution. Mr. Bevis Musk, a concerned citizen, reached out to Ms. Clare Pillman, Chief Executive of Natural Resources Wales (NRW), and Prof. Steve Ormerod to bring their attention to the matter.
In his email dated 19th June 2023, Mr. Musk expressed his belief that the foam may have an organic origin, evident from its thick and three-dimensional appearance. The foam has a creamy white colour with a distinct brown shade, reminiscent of foams derived from algal blooms. Mr. Musk suggested that the warmer weather and rising water temperatures are likely contributing factors.
Despite the diligent efforts of NRW’s Lloyd Ayris, the definitive chemical composition and source of the anionic detergent foam remain unknown. Mr. Musk highlighted that NRW has been aware of this pollution since November 2022, leaving ample time for analysis over the past seven months. To distinguish between the new foam and the anionic detergent foam, Mr. Musk recommended determining the relative chemical constituents of both types of foam.
In a gesture of assistance, Mr. Musk volunteered to oversee the necessary analyses at no cost, provided NRW provides the required resources to support Mr. Ayris.
In addition to the foam pollution, Mr. Musk shared new evidence gathered from conversations with local anglers. They reported unusually low fish catches, and in some cases, no catches at all. While acknowledging that this evidence may be considered anecdotal, Mr. Musk emphasised that the comments were unsolicited and coincided with his own observations of a lack of wading birds feeding on exposed mud during low tides. These observations suggest a potentially significant impact on delicate marine habitats and the associated food chains.
Expressing dissatisfaction with what he perceives as NRW’s inefficient allocation of resources, Mr. Musk called upon the organisation to fulfil its duty of protecting natural resources. He specifically addressed Ms. Pillman, reminding her that he has written directly to her as the CEO, and expressed the expectation of receiving a response from her.
Photographs taken on 17th and 18th June clearly show the foam in the form of distinct “rafts,” displaying a cream and brown colouration. This differs from the previously observed sparkling white, almost two-dimensional foam.
NRW is currently conducting investigations into the foam pollution, with laboratory results from Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) analysis expected to be available next week. Additional sampling for detergent in the Havens saline environment is scheduled for August, and NRW has indicated their willingness to arrange a meeting with Mr. Musk to discuss the findings in person.
The foam pollution on the River Cleddau and its potential environmental impact continue to raise concerns, as NRW strives to identify the source and implement appropriate measures to safeguard the river’s ecosystem.
Business
Stena announces redundancy plan amid uncertainty for Pembrokeshire
FREIGHT carrier and ferry operator Stena Line, which runs services between Fishguard and Pembroke Dock, has announced plans to cut up to 80 staff members following an internal review.
Uncertainty looms over whether any of these redundancies will impact staff operating our local ferry services.
Stena CEO Paul Grant shared the news in an email to employees on Monday, citing a need to “future proof the company.” He explained that an internal assessment revealed the company’s current organisational structure as “too big and expensive” compared to its revenue.
The decision comes amid rising costs and increased competition in the freight and travel sectors.
According to Mr. Grant, “Cost pressure due to higher inflation has led to our customers having less money to spend, and with the introduction of the European Emission Trading Scheme (ETS), increasing our prices, we see a decline in volumes for both travel and freight.” Additionally, disappointing sales during the summer season and unmet market growth expectations for 2024 contributed to the restructuring.
The program, designed to strengthen Stena’s long-term business viability, includes a reduction of costs, prioritization of investments, and staff cuts that will primarily impact support functions and consultants. The workforce will be reduced by 80 positions by early 2025, along with 30 consultants also set to leave the company. Discussions with unions and work councils are expected to last several months, with all affected staff to be informed of their status by January 31, 2025.
In response to this announcement, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) has demanded a meeting with Stena Line to clarify the impact of these cuts, particularly on their members.
TSSA General Secretary Maryam Eslamdoust expressed disappointment over the handling of the announcement, stating: “Our members are shocked by this news and outraged that Stena has chosen to sidestep established industrial relations processes. Stena must meet with us urgently to clarify who is at risk and address the potential impacts on our members.”
The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at securing Stena Line’s future amid sustainability challenges. CEO Niclas Mårtensson acknowledged the difficult decision, stating, “Stena Line has been a successful company over the past few years; however, we need to ensure a lower cost base to be able to future proof the company. With 40 vessels in Europe and the Mediterranean, we have significant sustainability challenges ahead of us, and this program will enable us to make necessary investments for the future.”
The TSSA’s letter to Stena reiterates the union’s commitment to supporting affected employees and calls for an immediate discussion to clarify the situation, especially for staff at Fishguard who may be impacted.
News
UK government to appoint first Wales Crown Estate Commissioner
FOR the first time, the UK government will appoint a Crown Estate Commissioner dedicated to advising on matters in Wales, further integrating Welsh interests in board-level decisions. This move supports existing efforts to ensure that Wales benefits from the push for clean energy, following an agreement facilitated by the Welsh Secretary.
An amendment to the Crown Estate Bill, with cross-party backing from Labour, Plaid Cymru, Liberal Democrats, and crossbenchers, will be accepted at today’s Lords Report Stage (Nov 5). This change mandates the appointment of a Wales-specific Commissioner through the Public Appointments process, with input from the Welsh Government. The appointee will bear “an additional responsibility” to represent Welsh conditions and interests, amplifying Wales’s voice within the Crown Estate.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has collaborated with the Treasury, The Crown Estate, House of Lords members, and the Welsh Government to secure this legislative advancement. The Crown Estate, instrumental in drawing international investment to Wales, supports projects like Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea, which promises cleaner energy and job creation.
The introduction of a Wales-specific Commissioner strengthens The Crown Estate’s mission to serve the entire UK while averting potential market fragmentation and protecting international investor confidence critical to the net-zero transition.
In a related effort, Great British Energy, the government’s new public energy firm, recently partnered with The Crown Estate to expedite renewable energy advancements. This initiative could attract up to £60bn in private investment, boosting the UK’s journey toward energy independence.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens stated: “This is a landmark step toward ensuring that Welsh prosperity is at the heart of the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower. Our nation stands to benefit hugely from investment in floating offshore wind, and we now have the representation we need to help seize that moment. This demonstrates how Wales benefits directly from its two governments working together, and I’m grateful to Lord Livermore, The Crown Estate, and others for helping to make this happen.”
Sir Robin Budenberg CBE, Chair of The Crown Estate, said: “In seeking to increase the number of Commissioners from eight to twelve, The Crown Estate welcomes the opportunity now presented by this amendment to bring even more direct knowledge and understanding of the areas in which we operate and further strengthen our ability to deliver benefit to the whole of the UK.”
Crime
Arrests made after large-scale cannabis operation raided in Pembroke Dock
POLICE in Pembroke Dock have uncovered yet another large-scale cannabis operation, as part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal farms in the area. On Monday (Nov 4), Dyfed-Powys Police executed a search warrant at a property on Dimond Street, where officers found over 500 cannabis plants in a sophisticated cultivation setup.
Two men, aged 26 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently in police custody. The raid follows a series of similar operations in Pembrokeshire, targeting properties used for illegal drug cultivation.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
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