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Written question asked by Bob Spink (Independent (affiliation)) on Wednesday, 18 March 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 20 March 2009. It was answered by Jonathan Shaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 April 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Calor Gas: Canvey Island

Question
(3) what investigations have been conducted by the Health and Safety Executive into the spillages at the Canvey Island Calor Gas site on (a) 15 and (b) 25 October 2008; and if he will make a statement;
Answer

HSE was not notified by Calor Gas Ltd. of any spillage at its Canvey Island site on 15 October 2008.HSE understands that Calor Gas Ltd. reported to Castle Point borough council a release of a stenching agent (ethyl mercaptan) on 10 October 2008 during maintenance work at the plant. This incident was not reportable to HSE.HSE was not notified by Calor Gas Ltd. of any spillage at its Canvey Island site on 25 October 2008.Calor Gas Ltd. has reported to HSE an incident involving the release of approximately 163 tonnes of liquefied propane gas from a bursting disc fitted to pipe work at its Canvey Island site during a routine ship to shore transfer of the liquefied gas from a marine vessel to a storage tank at the site on 27 October 2008. The liquefied gas was released into a catchment area specifically designed to contain spillages of hazardous liquids.HSE is currently undertaking a detailed investigation of the incident. The investigation includes an assessment of the effectiveness of the spill and leak detection systems at the site.In March 2003 residents in the public information zone (PIZ) surrounding the Canvey Island site were provided with information about the off-site consequences of possible major accidents. This included information about how people would be warned of an incident with off-site consequences, what action they should take and how they will be kept informed in the event of an emergency at the site.Calor Gas Ltd. did not warn or provide specific information to residents within the PIZ in relation to the incident on 27 October 2008 as the release was contained within its Canvey Island site.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
491 c657-8W; 265696
Session
2008-09
Subjects
Canvey Island Calor Gas
Link
View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk