By Admin. Updated 7:29 p.m., Saturday, May 17, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The state-owned St Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) has issued a statement regarding the situation in Arnos Vale, where residents have recently complained of a petrol or diesel odour emanating from the Warrawarrow River.
Since 9 May, several residents have reported to One News SVG that they have been experiencing headaches and throat irritation, which they attribute to the smell.
One News SVG subsequently contacted the Public Health Department. On Thursday, it was confirmed that an Environmental Health Officer had been present in the area and was scheduled to visit VINLEC’s power plant at Cane Hall to investigate the matter further.
In a May 17 press release, the St. Vincent Electricity Services Limited (VINLEC) said that “on Friday, 9th May 2025, a mixture of diesel residue and water seeped into the river near our fuel storage facility at Cane Hall during a tank cleaning operation”.
“This unfortunate incident occurred when personnel, while rinsing a storage tank, encountered a malfunction with a valve that is normally used to channel rainwater runoff. As a result, an amount of residual diesel and cleaning water seeping into the rainwater drainage system, and subsequently flowed into the nearby river,” the company said.
“The cleaning operation was immediately stopped, and corrective actions were taken. This included the replacement of the faulty valve, and inspections on all valves and related infrastructure on site. Additionally, the affected soil was treated with Polysorb — an absorbent material used to neutralise diesel residue,” the company added.
“We are aware of reports of fuel odours in the Arnos Vale area and are actively investigating and monitoring the situation. VINLEC deeply regrets this occurrence and understands the environmental concern it may cause. We are committed to ensuring the appropriate assessments and remediation efforts are undertaken.The health and safety of the community and our environment remain a top priority, and we will provide further updates as necessary,” the company added.
One News SVG 