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Stanlow oil refinery breached environmental limits multiple times, documents reveal
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Documents obtained by investigative journalists suggest that the Stanlow oil refinery in Cheshire, operated by EET Fuels, broke pollution limits on numerous occasions during 2023 and 2024. The Environment Agency confirmed it is investigating permit breaches involving toxic chemicals and oil spills affecting local waterways and the Mersey Estuary, while EET Fuels stated it takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and has invested heavily in wastewater infrastructure.
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- EET Fuels, operator of the Stanlow oil refinery, allegedly broke permit conditions 58 times across 2023 and 2024.
- Spills included toxic substances such as cyanide, benzene, sulphur dioxide, and heavy oils released into the air and local waterways connected to the Mersey Estuary.
- A September 2024 incident resulted in over a tonne of oil leaking into Thornton Brook and spreading towards the Mersey Estuary, prompting temporary closures of local cockle beds.
- The Environment Agency is conducting an ongoing criminal investigation into the September 2024 spill.
- Natural England dropped its separate investigation after assessing the environmental impact on the protected Site of Special Scientific Interest as minor.
- EET Fuels stated that historical permit exceedances do not represent its current operational status and noted investments of over £24 million in wastewater infrastructure.