New developments could push Pembrokeshire to the top of a pollution table, according to a recent report. Already it is the second highest producer of carbon dioxide in Wales, so any increase in emissions could take the county above the current title-holder, Port Talbot. That was the background to a recent visit to Chevron's Pembroke Refinery by a group from 'Friends of Pembrokeshire National Park'. As an organisation committed to help protect, conserve and enhance the National Park, it was possible that members might have a problem in visiting an undertaking capable of processing over 200,000 barrels of crude oil per day. However, the complex has been on its site since 1963 and and won't vanish overnight. The question in visitors' minds was whether the economic benefits justified any damage being done to the environment and tourism. A tour of the vast complex, which sits on the edge of the Park, indicated the scale of the operation. Covering over 200 hectares with another 500 in a buffer zone outside the perimeter fence, the refinery employs more than 1,000 people and operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A vast 'farm' of storage tanks take up most of the site, which is dominated by the processing plants whose columns can be seen for miles around. The eight- berth jetty handles all the traffic offloading the crude oil and on-loading the products. Around 1,800 vessels a year are dealt with by Chevron in the Haven. During the tour and in discussion afterwards, a barrage of questions were expertly dealt with by Phil Thompson and his assistant Alison Kavanagh. Naturally many of these related to green issues when it was explained that all operations are covered by a formal, documented environmental management system. The refinery also endeavours to reduce, re-use and recycle waste. In recent years, a biodiversity action plan has also been implemented to manage the habitats in the land holdings and enhance the potential for wildlife to thrive. Graham Phillips, on behalf of the Friends, expressed appreciation for the arrangements and for the warm welcome. Members attending were impressed by the manner in which difficult questions were dealt with, for the openness displayed and for Chevron's willingness to communicate with the local community. The Friends is an independent, voluntary organisation and registered charity, whose aim is to help protect, conserve and enhance the park for all to enjoy. If you appreciate the National Park and wish to safeguard its future, why not join today? There are many benefits. Membership costs £10 p.a. and full details can be found on the website: http://www.fpnp.org.uk">www.fpnp.org.uk Or pick up a leaflet at the nearest tourist information centre.
