In 2005, the Buncefield oil depot was the site of Europe’s largest ever peacetime blast. Although no one was killed in the explosion, 43 were injured, and local businesses were seriously disrupted. The Maylands Partnership has voiced concerns that BP’s plans to start using Buncefield again disregard the damage previously done to the local community.
According to the BBC, the Maylands Partnership, which is involved in redeveloping the site, has claimed that BP’s plans could also affect future investment in the region. Indeed, according to the local business and council group, some of BP’s petrol and diesel storage tanks are less than 100m from a number of local business sites.
The Guardian cited Roy Bain, director of the Maylands Partnership, as saying: Our concern is that bringing petrol back may cause some businesses to leave, and may make it harder to attract new ones. BP arguably is playing fast and loose with the livelihoods of 16,500 people.
BP has reportedly responded by claiming that it recognizes local concerns, and will not use the site again until it is sure that there will be no risks involved. According to The Guardian, BP has also maintained that the petrol leaked from a storage tank that was blamed for the blast was not in its part of the storage depot.
