Port Talbot summer pollution caused by steelmaking plant

Tata Steel's steelmaking plant in Port Talbot, Wales has been issued with an enforcement notice by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) due to the high levels of air pollution it has caused over the area. Local residents have launched complaints on several occasions relating to the black dust that has spread through the town and has not dissipated.

As temperatures throughout Wales increased over the summer, many residents of Port Talbot complained that the dust created by the plant had not disappeared and was instead coating their homes. in response to these complaints the NRW has issued the enforcement notice, which means that Tata Steel will have to carry out a review into how the air pollution levels could be reduced, if not stopped.

Since January (2013) the levels of fine dust particulate air pollution have exceeded the Euro limits a total of 13 times. Six of these occasions were seen throughout the months of June and July. On June 11th the first reports of dust that was far too thick to be classed as fine particulate were received. The maximum levels of PM10 pollution - particles that measure less than ten micrometres in diameter, were then exceeded on June 12th and 14th and then on July 12th, 13th, 18th and 29th.

PM10 particles have been linked to a number of different human health problems, including lung cancer and heart disease. They are able to penetrate deep into the lungs and spread through the bloodstream.

According to the NRW, the main cause of the dust is the sinter plant, which is utilised for storing raw materials. This area is also used for storing the raw materials in silos before being moved to the blast furnace. It was also discovered that the dust suppressants being used by Tata Steel at the facility are not effective at higher temperatures, resulting in higher levels of dust being released throughout warmer months. A further review must now be undertaken by Tata Steel in order to locate any other sources for the high dust levels throughout June and July.