News

Refinery tight lipped following burn-off concerns

Published

6 years ago

November 22, 2018

VALERO has refused to explain why their flare stacks at the Pembroke Oil Refinery were worryingly large on Friday night (Nov 16).

The Pembrokeshire Herald received several messages and photographs of the unprecedented burn-off from readers and concerned locals via social media and email.

An unconfirmed source at the refinery told this newspaper that there had been a problem with the alkylation de-isobutanizer – it ‘fell over’ our source said.

Alkylation is the process of producing gasoline range material such as propylene and butylene with isobutene – in the presence of a highly acidic catalyst, either sulphuric acid or hydrofluoric acid.

When asked to confirm the emergency burn off took place, and when asked if there was a serious malfunction, Stephen Thornton, Public Affairs Manager told us: “It is company policy not to comment on operations.”

When asked if he could deny that the incident occurred he again declined to comment.

A refinery expert told us: “The towers which have a constant burning flame is called a flare stack. In very simple terms, it is just like the burner of a gas stove with a controlled burning of natural gas through its pilot burners. It is the last line of safety or defence for refineries, petrochemical and gas processing plants.”

The expert went on: “The flare system consists of the flare stack and a flare header. A very large network of pipes coming from the different processes feed into the header. Whenever there is an upset or an emergency situation, all the extremely flammable hydrocarbons need to be vented out.

“But these cannot be just put in the atmosphere like the steam from our food pressure cookers. A vapour cloud would be extremely hazardous and catastrophic. To ensure that these escaping gases get burned to Carbon dioxide and water vapour, a flame is always kept burning on the top.

“Refinery operators generally see this as a necessary evil.

“The location of a fire stack is also very important. It is located far away from the main processing complex in the downwind direction.”

In April this newspaper reported that a potentially ‘catastrophic incident’ took place at Valero’s Pembroke Oil Refinery last year involving leaking gas and an ignition source

As previously reported, we were contacted earlier this year by a number of workers at the site who 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 oil refinery’s management told us at the time 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.

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 on-going.”

Crime

Forces in Wales to have more cash to fight crime

Published

27 mins ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

WALES’ four police forces will be ‘better supported by the UK Government’, it was announced this week

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens met the chief constables of the four Welsh police forces and the four Police and Crime Commissioners for the first time together last week, days after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced more than half a billion pounds of additional UK Government funding for policing next year to support the government’s Safer Streets mission, including an increase in the core grant for police forces and extra resources for neighbourhood policing.

The reforms will restore community patrols with a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, create an enhanced role for Police and Crime Commissioners to prevent crime and crack down on anti-social behaviour. The government has also pledged to recruit 13,000 more neighbourhood police and PCSOs, delivering additional resources for Welsh forces.

On Saturday (23 November) the Welsh Secretary joined South Wales Police officers on patrol in Cardiff following the Wales v South Africa Autumn Nations Series rugby international in the city.

She saw the force’s control room in Cardiff Bay Police Station before joining officers from South Wales Police’s Neighbourhood Policing Team on patrol in the city centre as well as meeting other organisations who operate there including Cardiff Street Pastors.

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “I joined the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Cardiff on Saturday to better understand the issues they see on the front line and I have spoken to all the Welsh chief constables and PCCs and heard about the challenges they face.

“We know the public wants to see neighbourhood policing restored and for it to be properly resourced to tackle crime.

“That’s what this government will deliver and we have already announced that we will recruit 13,000 neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs to do that.

“Officers and the Welsh public can be clear that the UK Government will deliver improvements across our policing and justice system that will make a real difference.”

***Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced more than half a billion pounds of additional UK Government funding for policing next year***

Assistant Chief Constable Joanna Maal said: “We are pleased that the Secretary of State for Wales has taken up the opportunity to see first hand the scale and complexity of policing our capital city on a busy international match day.

“Cardiff plays host to major events throughout the year, including high-profile music and sporting events, and we are proud to play our part in keeping visitors safe.

“However, this has to be done in addition to the significant demands of policing the wider city and communities of South Wales.”

Detailed spending plans for police forces in Wales and England for the financial year 2025-26 will be confirmed at the upcoming police funding settlement in December.

North Wales Police is one of 11 UK forces involved in a pilot of a new training programme for neighbourhood policing officers to improve standards and consistency.

The Neighbourhood Policing Pathway will help officers build on the skills they need to tackle the issues communities face every day. When fully rolled out, the training programme will be available to police forces across the country to enrol any neighbourhood officer or PCSO on.

Charity

Streaming and betting driving greyhound racing surge in Wales, say campaigners

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ANIMAL welfare advocates have raised concerns over a sharp rise in greyhound races at Valley Stadium, Wales’ only licensed track. Greyhound Rescue Wales claims that streaming contracts are a major factor behind this increase, which has sparked renewed calls for a ban on the sport.

The Valley Stadium in Hengoed, licensed by the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in August 2022, hosted 42 races in November 2023. That number surged to 168 last month. The GBGB, however, argues this growth reflects the benefits of regulation, ensuring formal welfare measures are in place for the first time.

Welfare concerns linger

Tim Doyle, CEO of Greyhound Rescue Wales, dismissed the notion of greyhound racing as a harmless evening pastime. He said: “The main output of the Valley track, like most tracks in the UK, is to serve live streaming contracts, not to entertain crowds at the venue.”

Mr. Doyle, alongside gambling reform advocate Matt Zarb-Cousin, criticised the industry’s reliance on betting revenues, which they claim disproportionately come from individuals with gambling problems. Both campaigners also raised alarms over the welfare of racing dogs.

“It’s not regulation; it’s self-regulation,” said Mr. Doyle, pointing to GBGB data showing over 18,000 injuries and 2,000 fatalities on regulated tracks between 2018 and 2021. He also highlighted the challenges of rehoming retired greyhounds amid rising living costs and vet bills.

Calls for a phased ban

The Welsh government is expected to respond soon to a consultation exploring a phased ban on greyhound racing. This follows a petition signed by 35,000 people and a Senedd committee recommendation for gradually ending the sport in Wales. However, a counter-petition in support of greyhound racing garnered more than 10,000 signatures.

The GBGB defended its role, emphasising improved welfare standards at the Valley Stadium, including on-site veterinary care and robust rules to ensure safety and integrity. A spokesperson said: “British licensed greyhound racing contributes £166 million to the economy and remains a popular product for broadcasters worldwide.”

Industry divided

A Betting and Gaming Council spokesperson welcomed the improvements at Valley Stadium, noting: “Last year, our members voluntarily donated over £7m to the British Greyhound Racing Fund for welfare.”

The Valley Racetrack declined to comment. Meanwhile, welfare groups, including Greyhound Rescue Wales, continue to push for an end to what they describe as an “antiquated” industry, citing the harm caused to both animals and vulnerable gamblers.

The debate is likely to intensify as the Welsh government publishes its findings, potentially shaping the future of greyhound racing in Wales.

Community

Step into a magical festive adventure at Oriel y Parc

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

Tom Sinclair

FAMILIES are invited to embark on a magical journey this winter with the launch of the Winter Festive Nature Trail, opening Saturday 23 November at Oriel y Parc, National Park Discovery Centre, St Davids. Perfect for explorers of all ages, this enchanting trail combines nature, fun and festive cheer in an outdoor adventure.

Visitors will uncover seven glowing animals, each hidden within a unique habitat. Armed with a special magic torch, participants will reveal and collect glowing animals as they follow the trail. Once completed, families can return to the desk to reunite the animals with their festive homes and claim a Nature Adventurer’s treat.

This engaging event runs daily from 9.30am-3.30pm until Friday 20 December. Entry is £4 per child, making it an affordable and memorable activity for families.

Adding to the festive magic, Oriel y Parc welcomes the return of its North Pole Post Box. Children can write letters to Santa, sharing their festive wishes, and drop them into the special post box. After three days, families can return to pick up a personalised reply from Santa along with a surprise from the elves’ workshop. The Free Post Office will operate from Saturday 23 November – Thursday 19 December, spreading holiday cheer to visitors of all ages.

The festivities continue with the highly anticipated Christmas Market on Saturday 7 December from 10am to 3pm. This market is a perfect opportunity to embrace the holiday spirit while browsing an array of local craft and food stalls. Live music performances by the Solva Ukulele Pirates and the Barn Howlers will create a lively atmosphere throughout the day.

Visitors will find a wide selection of unique handmade gifts and treasures from talented local makers and producers, perfect for Christmas shopping. Seasonal food will be available from the new team at The Brunch House, offering warming and delicious dishes to enjoy during the event. With free entry and parking, the market is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season and support local artisans.

Oriel y Parc is delighted to welcome visitors to these special seasonal events, offering something for everyone to enjoy. From magical trails to festive shopping and Santa’s special deliveries, the holiday season at Oriel y Parc promises to be unforgettable.

For more details on Christmas events and The Brunch House opening hours throughout November and December, visit www.orielyparc.co.uk.