There has been another incident at a Welsh beauty spot after people reported becoming unwell after inhaling a strong odour. The smell was originally noticed by walkers at Fendrod Lake in Swansea on Saturday, December 28.
After visiting the area that afternoon people described experiencing dizziness, sore throats, sharp pains. and headaches. One walker, who wished to remain anonymous, previously told WalesOnline that the odour smelt like “paint thinner”. She said the strongest smell came from near the lock bridge. For the latest Swansea news sign up to our newsletter here.
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Speaking to WalesOnline she said: “People were lightheaded, dizzy, and had sore throats. It smelt like paint thinners. It was in a specific area around the little bridge. Some people were saying they could see a slick in the water. The fire brigade were very quick to respond.”
In an update the following day, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said officers were investigating the cause of an “oily substance”. They provided reassurance that no evidence suggested harm to aquatic wildlife. In a fresh update on Wednesday, NRW told WalesOnline that a second incident had occurred at the beauty spot on Tuesday, January 7. A spokeswoman said businesses in the area had been approached to try and identify the source of the oil, while the investigation continues.
She said: “Natural Resources Wales (NRW) officers continue to investigate into the cause of pollution at Fendrod Lake, Swansea. Oil pads and booms were removed on December 30 ahead of the predicted heavy rainfall. At that time the surface water drain was running clear with no evidence of ongoing pollution.
“A second less severe incident occurred on Tuesday, 7 January, 2025, and booms were replaced around the outfall. NRW officers visited several businesses in the area to identify the source of the oil but found no evidence of an ongoing oil spill.
“They will return to the site today (January 8) to check the outfall and the booms. NRW will continue to work with Swansea Council to identify potential sources for the intermittent discharges. NRW encourages any further signs of pollution to be reported by calling our incident line on 0300 065 300 or online via our website.”