BNFL fined over chemical leak at Sellafield
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.British Nuclear Fuels was fined pounds 32,500 yesterday for a chemical leak at Sellafield which killed nearly 15,000 fish. The nuclear fuel reprocessing company was also ordered to pay nearly pounds 25,000 costs after it was prosecuted by the Environment Agency.
A magistrates' court in Whitehaven, Cumbria, heard that nearly 400 gallons of caustic soda - a highly alkaline chemical - spilled from a part-opened valve one night last July. The liquid, which was not radioactive, flowed through a drain into the River Calder which runs past the Sellafield plant. The agency said BNFL staff made the incident worse when they washed down the caustic soda, causing more of it to flow into the river. The company pleaded guilty to four pollution offences, including one of failing to provide appropriate operating instructions to staff.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments