News

Pollution spill in Western Cleddau prompts apology from dairy company

Published

1 year ago

July 25, 2023

A DAIRY company with operations in Haverfordwest has reported itself to Natural Resources Wales and issued an apology following the release of “discoloured discharge” into the Western Cleddau river.

First Milk, the Haverfordwest-based dairy company, confirmed that the discharge occurred from its Effluent Treatment Plant in Merlins Bridge for a two-hour period on Saturday, July 22. The company attributed the incident to the unusually high levels of rainfall experienced during that time, coupled with some short-term operational challenges.

Taking swift action, First Milk assured the public that it “immediately took steps to rectify this situation” and was working closely with technical partners to mitigate the impact on the river.

The recent incident comes in the wake of another pollution event, as last month, Welsh Water officials reported a significant discharge of “dairy-type product” from the Merlin’s Bridge Wastewater Treatment Works into the Western Cleddau.

Local concern regarding pollution levels in the Western Cleddau has been raised previously, with particular focus on the site at Fortune’s Frolic, located just off Clay Lane. Simon Walters, who has been closely monitoring the water standards of the Cleddau river for several decades, expressed apprehension that without urgent intervention, the river could face what he termed “ecological extinction.”

In response to the recent event, a spokesperson from First Milk expressed their apologies and outlined the measures being taken to address the situation. They stated, “On Saturday, July 22, we had a period of around two hours when the discharge from our Haverfordwest Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) to the Western Cleddau river was discoloured. We wholeheartedly apologise for this.”

The company further reassured the public that efforts were being made to minimize the risk of such incidents occurring in the future. They mentioned around-the-clock monitoring and the recent installation of additional filtration mechanisms to bolster the capabilities of the effluent treatment plant.

Despite these precautions, the exceptional volume of rainfall on that particular Saturday, combined with temporary operational difficulties, overwhelmed the treatment plant briefly, resulting in the discolouration.

First Milk was proactive in reporting the incident to Natural Resources Wales and vowed to collaborate with experts, regulators, and the local community to devise additional measures that would contribute to the long-term improvement of the river’s environment.

As a co-operative committed to responsible practices, First Milk says that it is taking the ongoing challenges seriously and remains dedicated to reducing their impact on the local river ecosystem.

READ THIS WEEK’S PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD HERE:

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.