A second interim report into the Buncefield Oil terminal explosion has suggested that although the situation is still being monitored closely, there is no threat to public water supplies resulting from the impact of the escaped fuel and firewater.
The report says there were significant failures of the bunds that were intended to hold the liquids escaping from the damaged fuel tanks, but that the reasons for these failures were still being investigated. It says that the operators of the site should consider the adequacy of the existing bunds as part of their safety and environment reviews.
The report also highlights the continuing impact of the incident on the local community and businesses. “Thankfully the incident caused no serious injuries,” it said, “but this in no way lessens the difficulties for those whose lives and jobs have been so badly disrupted. One of the main difficulties is uncertainty about the future.”
Although no date has yet been given for reporting on the precise events that led to the fuel escaping and forming the flammable mixture that exploded, “the investigating team was now close to being able to answer some of the key questions.
