Power station 'infringement'

The full scale of environmental concerns in Europe about the £1bn power station in Pembrokeshire were revealed today. A leaked document from the European Commission says there has been a 'history of failures' in applying European environmental rules over the Pembroke plant.

The damming criticism could mean costly changes at the plant, although the site's owners say their operations have been thoroughly scrutinised. Our West Wales Reporter Kevin Ashford explains.

The European Commission's letter, seen by ITV Wales, criticises the UK government for failing to examine the environmental impacts of Pembroke power station. It says Milford Haven waterway has already 'suffered deterioration and significant disturbance.'

• 'Substantial impacts [of the scheme] were disregarded' by the UK government
• There has been a 'history of failures' to correctly apply European environmental rules

• Milford Haven waterway has 'suffered deterioration and significant disturbance from past activities'
• There has been a 'failure by your [UK] government to halt damaging trends'

The European Commission has confirmed it sent a letter of 'formal notice of infringement' to the UK Government five weeks ago over the environmental impact of the new Pembroke power station, which officially opened in September.