To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps the Environment Agency is taking to investigate the circumstances of the spillage at Calor Gas’s Canvey Island site on 25 October 2008. (266774)

The Environment Agency is not aware of a separate incident that occurred at the Calor Gas site at Canvey Island on 25 October.

However, an incident on 27 October 2008 involved the spillage of liquid petroleum gas following the failure of pipework. The Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are the joint competent authorities for the site. The Environment Agency and the HSE agreed that the HSE would lead the investigation with assistance from the Environment Agency if required.

As a result of the HSE led investigation, the Environment Agency has not entered into discussions with the company concerning the specific circumstances surrounding the spillage. However, the Environment Agency continues to undertake its normal regulatory activities at the site.