Key facts
- Thousands of liters of kerosene entered the River Taff from a GE Aerospace site.
- Four kilometers of the waterway were affected by the pollution.
- Residents reported sinus problems, headaches, and burning eyes due to kerosene vapors.
- GE Aerospace is working with Natural Resources Wales on containment and cleanup.
- The incident is a setback for the river's recovery and aquatic species.
Oily slicks of kerosene were still visible in the River Taff this week, days after thousands of liters spilled from a GE Aerospace site in Nantgarw, South Wales. The breach, identified last Friday, led to strong chemical odors and visible pollution affecting four kilometers of the waterway. Residents along the river reported sinus problems, headaches, and burning eyes, with Public Health Wales advising against contact with contaminated areas. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and the fire service deployed containment measures. GE Aerospace stated the source was isolated and cleanup is ongoing. Despite early estimates of 25,000 liters spilled, NRW has not confirmed the exact quantity. Professor Steve Ormerod of Cardiff University noted the incident could hinder the river's recovery and harm aquatic life. Farm owners near the site reported being advised the river was unsafe for their animals, impacting their livestock and tourism business.