The ESG want to make public good news relating to the high levels of pollution in the Bay and the fight to reduce industrial emissions.

CSIC confirms that a study it had carried out on behalf of the Junta de Andalucia has validated the findings by the BBB (Bay Bucket Brigade) of extremely high levels of benzene and other gases being released into the environment by the oil refinery.

The CSIC reports that levels of benzene found in Puente Mayorga on an eight hourly average are five to six times higher than the permissible 5ug/m3 under EU law. Given the on the spot BBB sample of 110ug/m3 taken in the same zone, this validation must underline the need for urgent action to be taken.

The CSIC statement further recommends that medical in-depth studies are carried out on all residents in Puente Mayorga and that the industry responsible must be made to significantly reduce these dangerous emissions. Other pollutants were discovered in its study with recommendations for those thought responsible to adopt best practices to reduce pollution.

It was important to note that the CSIC inspection of the maintenance of the monitoring units was considered to be sub-standard and that an overview of locations and type of equipment needed to be carried out.

Overall, this statement, which will be forwarded to the European Commission, is welcomed by the BBB and ought to be welcomed by the public at large as being the first official acknowledgment that a big problem exists and has to be tackled urgently.”