Oil refinery named as likely source of sulphurous odours (From Gazette Series)

Oil refinery named as likely source of sulphurous odours

Murco oil refinery has confirmed that unusual sulphurous smells reported at the weekend are likely to have come from its site – and could happen again.

Stange smell: The cause of the problems at the site is not yet known

The Environment Agency is currently investigating the cause of widespread odours across the Milford Haven and Haverfordwest areas.

Members of the public reported the smells on Sunday and Monday.

The smell even sparked an emergency response to Withybush Hospital on Monday morning with staff and patients fearing a gas leak.

But after investigations began, a spokesman for the refinery said: “Murco Petroleum Limited (Murco) confirms that a process upset on Saturday, August 7, resulted in flaring and possible odour emissions from the site.

“We are addressing the causes of this upset and, as we start up later this week, there will be the potential for further flaring and associated odours.

“We apologise for any inconvenience that this may cause.

“Murco is working closely with the external authorities on this matter and are committed to ensuring the safety of its employees, neighbours and the local environment at all times.”

Environment Agency management team leader for Pembrokeshire, Ged Davies, added: “We are in close contact with the company concerned, as it seeks to address these problems, and officers are due to visit the site again tomorrow.

“The cause of the problems at the site is not yet known but we’re carrying out a full investigation to establish this.”

Two weeks ago similar complaints about unpleasant smells were related to the restart of Murco refinery following a fire at the facility.

Environment Agency Wales is working alongside Public Health Wales, the Health Protection Agency and Pembrokeshire County Council on the issue.