Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 6:25 pm on 11 October 2016.
Diolch, Adam Price, for those questions. In relation to the timeline, I can inform Members that, last Tuesday—so, 4 October—the first phone call received by NRW from Valero was at 10:46 when Valero said that they were self-reporting damage to a kerosene pipeline and where the location was. The quantity of discharge at that time was unknown, and they had approved contractors being—. They were using approved contractors to investigate and process a repair and clean-up. At 11 a.m., so very quickly after, Valero called back NRW and confirmed there had been a leak, but they were unsure if any oil—. They didn't think any oil had reached a watercourse, but they had called the contractors in case. NRW officers then did visit the site on their own—. You know, they wanted to see for themselves, so they then visited the site. So, as I said, I was very content with the response and I think NRW have co-ordinated the response in a very professional way.
In relation to the questions regarding the valves, I have been told that the valves were switched off, as you say, to contain the oil that was in the pipe. You asked about compensation to the local residents, and I think this is an issue that I can't really comment on at the moment. I mentioned that Natural Resources Wales and HSE will be able to investigate the cause of the breach, once the incident is concluded. They will take the appropriate action under their powers, and I don't really think it would be right for me to comment further ahead of that work being undertaken. And I think we need to wait until all the investigations are done.
Regarding the impact of the planned A48 road closures, Members will appreciate, Presiding Officer, that this is really a matter for my colleague the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, but, obviously, he's not here today. So, I'm able to respond to certain concerns and, you know, I want Members to realise this decision was not taken lightly and to have the road both ways closed over the weekend I know will cause inconvenience, but I think, because it is a weekend, that should minimise the impact on the travelling public and allow a speedy completion of the necessary works to restore the pipeline and seal the affected section.