SEPA is aware of this morning’s explosion and resulting fire at the above site in Irvine. The incident was in the 6-APA building.

SEPA is currently liasing with the Health & Safety Executive to ensure that a thorough investigation is carried out into the causes and consequences of the incident.

SEPA has been working closely with SmithKline Beecham over recent years to ensure an adequate system for the minimisation of contamination from such an incident was in place. This principally involves the containment of surface water including contaminated firewater. It appears, in this instance, that the measures developed have proved successful.

SEPA officers inspected the Dundonald Burn for water quality soon after the incident was reported, as well as the outfalls from the plant into the burn. There is no evidence of any pollution or contamination in the burn and no airborne smell of solvent.

SEPA will continue to monitor the local environment to ensure there are no adverse affects resulting from this morning’s incident. Officers will also ensure contaminated firewater is now disposed of appropriately.

NOTES

1. The 6-APA building is used for the production of 6-aminopenicillanic acid from penicillin G which is used in the production of antibiotics.
2. SmithKline Beecham holds several Integrated Pollution Control Authorisations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 at this site. SEPA is the regulator for these authorisations.