Investigation into source of kerosene leak spreading four kilometres into River Taff

Natural Resources Wales has been dealing with the incident since Friday and said it is a complex as it involves underground drainage systems. Credit: Natural Resources Wales

Investigations are underway to find the source of a fuel leak affecting around four kilometres of the River Taff.

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said it was trying to determine the source of the kerosene and taking action to stop it from spreading.

The organisation was aware of the incident on Friday (16 October), impacting the river at Glan Y Llyn, Taff's Well, Gwaelod-y-garth and Tongwynlais.

Members of the public in the local area are being urged to keep doors and windows shut if they can smell kerosene, and to stay away from the water.

On Sunday, NRW said fuel was leaking "from an as-yet unidentified source underground".

In an update on Monday, they warned that people may see a green tracing dye in the water, which is harmless, being using to track water flows and identify the route of the pollution.

The environmental impact is also being assessed through water sampling and a number of dead fish have been recovered form the water to be analysed.

In a statement, NRW said: "Our officers remain on site today with specialist contractors and the operator to locate and stop the source of kerosene entering the drainage system. Action taken swiftly since Friday has significantly reduced the amount of fuel reaching the river, and work continues to recover fuel from the drainage system and minimise environmental impacts. This is a complex incident involving underground drainage systems.

"We are continuing to assess impacts on wildlife and analyse samples collected from the river. While fish have sadly been recovered, this had not, as of last night, been categorised as a major fish kill event. Further assessments are continuing today.

"Our priority remains finding and stopping the source of the pollution as quickly as possible to protect the river and reduce further environmental harm."

Public Health Wales (PHW) has advised members of the local community to close windows and doors due to the strong smell of the fumes, and if they become unwell to contact the NHS on 111.

They said: "Kerosene vapours may be mildly irritating to the respiratory system. Our current assessment is that people who can smell kerosene may experience temporary irritation, particularly if they are exposed for prolonged periods."

Further advice issued by PHW said that though it is unlikely, if residents have come into skin contact with the chemical, they must "remove soiled clothing, and wash the affected area with lukewarm water and soap".

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