§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will consult Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution as regards pollution created by BP Chemicals at Baglen bay, Port Talbot;
(2) if he will take appropriate action to deal with pollution created by BP Chemicals at Baglen bay, Port Talbot.
§ Mr. GristI am advised by Her Majesty's inspectorate of pollution (HMIP) that the pollution referred to in these questions is primarily that associated with the flaring of light hydrocarbon material during periods of major plant commissioning or plant upset. The impact of such flaring is a high luminosity flame, and noise associated with the use of steam injection to ensure complete combustion of flared material. HMIP received complaints during the commissioning period of the BP petrochemical complex from 27 May to 10 June. It had 95 representations via BP Chemicals' complaint procedure system, and a similar number via Port Talbot borough council environmental health department. Six complaints were received directly by HMIP. We understand that most complaints were received by BP and the local authority over the critical period from 1 June to 5 June when instability in the refrigeration system resulted in flaring.
HMIP tells me that the commissioning of any major petrochemical works will inevitably result in some degree of flaring as the flare system is vital for major equipment protection and safety of personnel. HMIP assures me, however, that it is being kept fully informed of the 759W situation at BP Chemicals by communications with the company and is currently assessing the results of internal investigations into the flaring incidents and will be taking any action deemed necessary.