Fuel leak which killed fish in River Taff stopped
Natural Resources Wales confirms the kerosene leak affecting nearly 4km of the river has been stopped following containment efforts.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- The fuel leak into the River Taff has now been successfully stopped.
- Kerosene spread nearly 4km down the river affecting local wildlife.
- Natural Resources Wales identified the source on Friday evening.
- GE Aerospace confirmed fuel escaped during repair work nearby.
Official authorities have confirmed that the fuel leak into the River Taff, which caused environmental damage and killed fish, has now been successfully halted after emergency containment measures were deployed.
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) reported that officers identified the source of the pollution at 19:30 BST on Friday, after kerosene had spread nearly 2.5 miles, equivalent to 4 kilometers, down the river affecting multiple communities.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Areas that experienced pollution impacts along the river include:
- Nantgarw
- Treforest
- Taffs Well
- Glan Y Llyn
- Gwaelod-y-garth
- Tongwynlais
GE Aerospace previously confirmed that fuel entered the river while repair work took place at its nearby site. However, NRW stated that ongoing investigations are necessary to determine exactly how the fuel penetrated the drainage system to reach the river.
"It smelt like a petrol station, it hit you as soon as you came out."
Eurig Thomas, a resident in Nantgarw
Regarding ecological impacts, NRW noted that fewer than 10 dead fish were found, along with impacts on aquatic invertebrates. Environmental officers are currently compiling and reviewing evidence as part of the ongoing investigation, noting that underground drainage systems made tracking the source particularly challenging.
Incidents involving hazardous fuel leaks into natural water bodies require rapid coordination between environmental regulators and industrial operators. The complexity of underground municipal and industrial drainage systems often complicates pollution investigations, requiring specialized containment contractors to mitigate environmental damage and prevent recurrence.
Public Health Wales advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed, avoid any contact with the water, and call NHS 111 if they felt unwell due to the strong odors in the area.
Source: BBC Science & Environment
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