CONCERNS were raised about the communication links with an industrial giant which has a site in Barry, with some schools said to still not be included in the warning network

Dow Chemicals has officially confirmed the leak in June came from a faulty pump.

Described as something out of a disaster movie, on June 15 residents of Barry and the wider Vale heard a klaxon ringing and saw in the distance a cloud of smoke rising from the chemical plant off Cardiff Road - the incident was accompanied with warnings for residents to close their doors and windows.

The cloud was identified as consisting of HCl (hydrogen chloride) gas.

The leak which occurred at the site in JuneThe leak which occurred at the site in June (Image: Phil Baguley)

Dow representatives and local councillors held a meeting on July 17 where Dow explained that investigations into the leak are ongoing with ‘Dow experts from around the world’ involved,  as well as regulators. 

Dow said multiple actions have been taken to prevent a recurrence of the incident.

Plaid ward councillors for Dinas Powys; Anne Asbrey, Marianne Cowpe, and Chris Franks all raised concerns about the lack of effective communications with local communities at the meeting.

Councillor Franks was also concerned that some schools did not seem to be included in the warning network.

People were told to keep their windows and doors closedPeople were told to keep their windows and doors closed (Image: Sophie Denton)

At the time of the incident, many members of the public were left baffled, with one person writing on Facebook: “One is a bit miffed. I've lived in Sully 25 years. In all that time I have never had any communication about the 3pm Monday practice sirens. Now that I have heard the real thing I cannot help but wonder, what if it was really serious and what if I didn't have access to social media. I feel the lack of communication is a bit shoddy."

Dows has gone on to explain extensively what the klaxon sounds mean.

A representative for Dows added: “The industrial complex where Dow Silicones UK Limited operate has various mechanisms to alert the surrounding community in case of emergency.

“All companies on the complex have a klaxon which is activated in case of an emergency. A warning siren will sound on for three seconds and then off for three seconds.

“Upon hearing the Klaxon, residents should go indoors, close doors and windows and other outlets that draw in outside air and stay inside until the all-clear signal is given.

“The all-clear siren is a continuous siren tone lasting one minute.”

The sirens for all companies on the industrial park are tested every Monday between 3pm and 3:30pm to help ensure residents are familiar with their sounds and to ensure they function properly.

The company added that they encourage members of the community to register for our ‘Warn & Inform’ telephone system, on-line via barry-registration.sendwordnow.eu/HomePage.aspx.

Registered users will receive safety information in the event of a major emergency.

During an emergency, a message line provides recorded status updates. This line can be reached on 020 3824 1912.