News

Call for action over ‘foam’ pollution in Milford Haven waterway

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2023

A BURTON resident is drawing attention to the pollution in the Milford Haven estuary, claiming that misinformation has been circulating regarding the pollutant responsible for the foam that has been observed in the river.

Beavis Musk says that he has been advised that certain parties with business interests around the River Cleddau and Milford Haven have been suggesting that the foam is being diluted by the volume of water in the river and the Haven.

Musk argues that the foam-causing pollutant needs to be identified and addressed to prevent further harm to the environment. He claims that agencies responsible for monitoring pollution have not been diligent enough in identifying the chemical and its source.

Musk told The Pembrokeshire Herald that the presence of the pollutant was reported to the authorities six months ago, and it is their statutory responsibility to react swiftly and diligently to control pollution incidents.

The pictures taken by Musk yesterday show the detergent foam swirling to the East of the Nato Jetty at Burton Ferry. This was about 45 minutes before low water, meaning that the detergent had taken between 6 and 12 hours to reach the area shown, on the flood and then the ebbing tide.

Musk says that the foam is persistent and stable, and that dilution is not preventing it from coating and building on the mud and beaches.

Naomi Lawrence, Head of Customer and Engagement at National Resources Wales (NRW), has responded to Musk’s claims, stating that NRW and Professor Ormerod, who was referenced in Musk’s email, were clear in all previous correspondence that no possible conclusions could be drawn as to the cause of the foam until an appropriate investigation had been concluded.

Lawrence claims that Professor Ormerod’s correspondence explicitly pointed out that the foam could be natural or caused by surfactants.

Despite initial analysis indicating that the foam was likely to be natural, subsequent analysis did find detergent present, and NRW has taken numerous additional samples to try and trace the source of the pollution. Lawrence has written to Musk to clarify this.

Musk highlighted that the alleged pollution in the Milford Haven estuary is a serious issue that requires urgent attention.

He said: “Action to be taken to prevent further harm to the ecosystem.

‘The authorities must work together to identify and address the source of the pollutant responsible for the foam in the river. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for the environment and the wildlife that rely on it.”

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

6 hours 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

13 hours 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

14 hours 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.