STARTS

Refurbishment of BPA’s buildings at Buncefield

Since the explosion and fire which destroyed much of the oil storage facilities at Buncefield, the underground pipelines carrying fuel have continued a restricted operation, bypassing the site. The buildings that house control equipment for these pipelines were damaged and have been operating with temporary repairs. BPA now wishes to make permanent repairs to the buildings.

Peter Davis, BPA’s General Manager said, "this is about assuring the ongoing safety and integrity of the pipeline system that bypass the site. The repairs to the buildings will have a positive impact on appearance and will be a good start to clearing up damage on the site."

The pipelines that pass through Buncefield are essential to Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, the Midlands as well as serving the local community.

In pursuance of these objectives, BPA has submitted planning applications to Dacorum and St Albans Councils for repairs to the Buncefield site buildings.

BPA are committed to communicating with the local community and industry about the work we carry out.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

BPA (British Pipeline Agency limited) is a local company employing over 100 staff and has been headquartered in Hemel Hempstead for over 30 years.

BPA is responsible for the management of various oil and gas pipeline and terminal facilities around the UK. Its responsibilities at Buncefield include the pipeline facilities owned by UKOP (United Kingdom Oil Pipelines Ltd.) and WLPS (West London pipeline System Ltd.) but not the HOSL or BP terminals.

BPA's current works on site are focussed on maintaining / re-configuring pipeline facilities in order to bypass their former tank site.

For clarification of any issue contained here, please contact:

John Elton, BPA Press Officer, via BPA's Hemel Hempstead office. Tel: 01442 242200