Unsafe water, burning eyes and kerosene slicks: residents demand answers on River Taff leak
People near south Wales river were told to keep windows and doors shut after thousands of litres of kerosene from a GE Aerospace site got into the water Oily slicks of kerosene still appeared to be leaking into the River Taff this week, several days after a breach of thousands of litres was spotted by members of the public. The breach into the Welsh river was identified last Friday, after people…
Residents of the south Wales River Taff are demanding answers after thousands of litres of kerosene leaked from a GE Aerospace site into the water. Oily slicks still appear to be seeping into the River Taff, several days after the breach was first reported by locals. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers and the South Wales fire and rescue service were called to the scene to contain the spill, placing absorbent mats and booms to prevent further contamination.
The incident occurred last Friday when GE Aerospace employees noticed a strong chemical odor emanating from the river. Four kilometers of the waterway were affected, prompting NRW to advise nearby residents to keep their windows and doors closed. The kerosene spill has caused respiratory irritation and sinus problems for those living near the river, with Public Health Wales warning the public to avoid contact with contaminated areas.
Despite early estimates of a 25,000-litre spill, NRW has not confirmed the exact quantity that entered the river. The health body stated that prolonged exposure to kerosene vapors may cause temporary respiratory irritation. Sarah Llywelyn, a resident downstream from the GE Aerospace facility, reported the leak to NRW, describing the smell as "unbelievable" and the situation as "unsafe" due to the fast-flowing nature of the river.
NRW believes the pollution has been stopped from entering the river, but photos taken by the Guardian show kerosene still leaking into the waterway. Prof Steve Ormerod from Cardiff University's Water Research Institute warned that the incident could set back recovery efforts for clean water species such as salmon, dippers, and kingfishers. Kerosene is known to pose a threat to aquatic organisms, reduce oxygen transfer, and impair gill function in fish.
Local farmers Gerwyn and Jordan Lewis, who live directly opposite the spill site, said their animals are at risk of becoming ill or dying due to kerosene contamination. The family's winter feed stocks and tourism business, which includes campsite pitches and glamping accommodations, are also threatened by the polluted river. GE Aerospace has stated that the safety of their employees, neighbors, and the environment remains their top priority, and they are working with NRW to address the fuel spill.
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