UK's Second Largest Oil Refinery Allegedly Breached Toxic Pollution Limits Dozens of Times

Stanlow oil refinery in Cheshire, the UK's second largest, is alleged to have spilled pollution into local rivers and the Mersey Estuary on dozens of occasions in 2023 and 2024. Documents shared exclusively with the BBC suggest that EET Fuels, the company operating the refinery, had previously pleaded guilty to environmental law breaches between 2018 and 2020.

The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed it is investigating the new allegations. EET Fuels stated it "takes its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously."

Highlights

• Stanlow refinery allegedly exceeded permitted chemical release levels hundreds of times in 2023 and 2024, leading to 58 permit breaches.
• Spills included toxic chemicals like cyanide, benzene, and heavy oils, affecting local waterways such as Thornton Brook and the River Gowy.
• The Mersey Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to endangered species including dolphins and a breeding ground for rare birds.
• An incident in September 2024, where over one tonne of oil spilled into Thornton Brook and the Mersey Estuary, was categorized as a "minor" breach.
• Regulators face criticism for allegedly downgrading pollution incidents and ignoring evidence.

Details

Reports from the Environment Agency, uncovered by environmental journalists SourceMaterial, indicate that EET Fuels exceeded permitted levels for chemical releases hundreds of times in 2023 and 2024. These breaches included sulphur dioxide at seven times permitted levels, cyanide at over eight times, and oil at more than thirteen times the allowed levels. The spills affected local waterways that connect to the Mersey Estuary.

In July 2023, an oil leak from rainwater was classified as "significant," leading to numerous complaints from locals about the smell. A year later, in September 2024, over one tonne of oil was spilled into Thornton Brook over a 36-hour period, spreading to the Mersey Estuary. This incident caused local cockle beds to be closed for five weeks, impacting the income of local fishers.

EET Fuels acquired the refinery from Shell in 2011 for £842 million. The company claims to have invested over £24 million in wastewater infrastructure and states its Environment Agency compliance rating improved from an F in 2023 to an E in 2024.

Why it matters

These allegations raise serious questions about the compliance of a major UK energy facility with environmental regulations. The impact of pollution on protected areas like the Mersey Estuary could have long-term consequences for its ecosystem and rare species. Furthermore, concerns are growing about the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in deterring and addressing such breaches. Environmental organizations emphasize that current regulations are not solving the problem at its source and that holding companies accountable is crucial.