Refineries in pollution top ten

Both of Pembrokeshire's oil refineries are listed in a league of top ten polluters for certain chemicals from industrial sources. Based on Environment Agency data, the league has been compiled by Environmental Data Services and appears in their latest monthly report.

The Texaco Pembroke refinery is listed third and the Total Milford Haven refinery eighth for emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), with Texaco producing 4,550 tonnes and Total 2,409 tonnes in 2004. In a separate measure of benzene, one of the most harmful VOC s, Texaco retains its third place, emitting 116 tonnes, and Total slips to ninth place, emitting 39 tonnes.

According to the Environment Agency website, these chemicals can directly harm the environment and health. Many VOCs are also involved in reactions that form ground-level ozone, which can damage crops and materials as well as human health.

Benzene is known to have carcinogenic and toxic effects. In the UK, its emissions to air are predominantly derived from road transport. Emissions of all VOCs have been declining in recent years.

Friends of the Earth Cymru spokesperson, Gordon James, said:

"Many will be surprised that Pembrokeshire, which is renowned for its superb natural environment, should appear on such a list. It certainly does nothing to enhance the area's image as a tourist attraction.

These data are a reminder of the environmental and health costs of our dependence on oil and highlights the benefits of cleaner sources of energy, such as wind power, over fossil fuels."