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UK Refinery Spills Toxic Chemicals Dozens of Times
6 Oct
Summary
- Stanlow refinery spilled toxic chemicals dozens of times in 2023-2024.
- The refinery exceeded permitted chemical release levels hundreds of times.
- Spills included cyanide and benzene into waterways harming wildlife.
EET Fuels' Stanlow refinery, a significant contributor to the UK's fuel supply, is under investigation for numerous pollution incidents occurring between 2023 and 2024. Documents obtained by investigative journalists suggest the refinery discharged toxic chemicals, including cyanide and benzene, along with oil, into local waterways and groundwater on dozens of occasions. The Environment Agency is currently investigating these alleged breaches, which reportedly saw permitted chemical release levels exceeded hundreds of times over the two-year period.
The refinery's operations, vital for producing approximately 18% of the UK's road transport fuel, are governed by an operating permit. While this permit allows for controlled discharges, it mandates efforts to limit environmental harm. However, reports indicate that EET Fuels broke its permit conditions 58 times across 2023 and 2024. The affected waterways, such as Thornton Brook and the River Gowy, flow into the River Mersey Estuary, a sensitive Site of Special Scientific Interest crucial for endangered species like dolphins and rare birds.
