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Dirty Fuel Destined For Wales Is Rejected in U.S.

29 Apr 1996

Plans by National Power to import and burn the controversial fuel orimulsion at Pembroke Power Station received a major setback today after news that similar plans in Florida, USA have been thrown out because of environmental concerns.

Friends of the Earth, which has been campaigning against the plans in West Wales, welcomed the decision by Florida State to reject the proposal by the Florida Power and Light Company to import and burn the fuel at Parrish power station. The decision shocked supporters of the fuel,including the Florida Environmental Protection Department and local counties.

The Florida Governor and Cabinet claimed that, despite considerable pressure to support orimulsion, they could not approve the plan because of concerns about an orimulsion spill in the bay, air pollution and increased road traffic.

Gordon James, Friends of the Earth Cymru, said;

"The US authorities have decided that the risks of orimulsion far outweigh any benefits. Authorities in Britain must not allow Wales to become the testbed for this new and controversial fuel and must ensure that similar protection is given to our treasured coastlines."

Local opposition to the orimulsion proposals for Pembroke Power Station has increased dramatically since the Sea Empress oil disaster, which has had devastating impacts on the environment and tourism and fishing industries in West Wales.

Friends of the Earth has shown that a spill involving orimulsion could be worse than the Sea Empress disaster. Orimulsion does not float on the surface, but dissolves in water, releasing a toxic chemical into the environment, endangering wildlife and fish stocks. Construction of the jetty to import the fuel would also put shipping safety at risk [1].

Pembrokeshire County Council are expected to vote on the issue in early June.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

[1] The jetty will constrict the width of the Haven, impeding navigation and increasing the risk of collision. Retired pilot boat captains have warned that the jetty would pose a hazard to shipping in the Haven.

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