UK Oil Refinery Breached Pollution Limits Dozens of Times, Documents Reveal

One of the United Kingdom's largest oil refineries, Stanlow, has reportedly spilled toxic pollutants into local rivers and the Mersey Estuary on dozens of occasions in 2023 and 2024, according to documents obtained by investigative journalists. The refinery, operated by EET Fuels, previously pleaded guilty to 12 environmental law breaches between 2018 and 2020.

The new documents suggest that during 2023 and 2024, the permitted levels for chemical releases were exceeded hundreds of times. The Environment Agency (EA) has confirmed it is investigating these alleged breaches, which could amount to illegal offenses. The refinery processes 10 million tonnes of crude oil annually, supplying approximately 18% of the UK's road transport fuel.

Reports indicate that spills included toxic chemicals such as cyanide and benzene, along with oil, into waterways like Thornton Brook and the River Gowy, which feed into the River Mersey Estuary. This estuary is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is a habitat for endangered species, including dolphins and rare birds.

In one incident in July 2023, rainwater carrying oil leaked from the site, contaminating groundwater and leading to numerous local complaints about odors. The EA classified this event as "significant." EET Fuels stated the oil loss was on a "low scale" and localized within the site.

Another EA report from September 12, 2024, details a spill of over a tonne of oil into Thornton Brook, which subsequently spread to the Mersey Estuary. While EET Fuels reported the incident, it took nearly two weeks to provide an estimate of the quantity spilled, violating regulations requiring such information within 24 hours. An emergency response team, including regulators and authorities, was mobilized to assess the damage. Natural England noted a potential risk to vegetation, salt marsh, and birds from the spill.

A drone survey revealed oil spread over a mile down the river, causing discoloration in reedbeds and affecting wading birds, including the red-listed Dunlin.

Local cockle beds in the estuary were closed for five weeks while water quality was tested by the Food Standards Agency. The beds were eventually cleared, but the closure caused a delay in income for local fishers. The EA later categorized this incident as a "minor" breach.

EET Fuels maintains that these incidents do not reflect the refinery's current operational status or environmental performance, highlighting investments in wastewater infrastructure and an improvement in its EA compliance rating. However, internal communications suggest that Natural England initially dropped its investigation into the 2024 spill partly because the company's permit did not set limits on oil release quantities, a stance that has drawn criticism from environmental groups.

Environmental charities have questioned the effectiveness of regulatory enforcement in deterring pollution, citing the lengthy period it took for previous breaches to reach court and the repeated alleged violations. They advocate for consistent law enforcement and stronger deterrents to prevent future incidents. The EA's criminal investigation into the September 2024 spill is ongoing, with decisions on action for 2023 offenses yet to be confirmed. EET Fuels is scheduled for sentencing next month for earlier breaches.