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Date: Mon, 03 Feb 1997 12:11:08 +0000
From: Earth First
Subject: RECLAIM THE COAST! 14TH-16TH FEB

RECLAIM THE COAST!

TARGET THE OIL INDUSTRY!

SEA EMPRESS ANNIVERSARY ACTIONS : 14TH - 16TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 14TH
Arrive from midday for workshops, briefings, affinity group training etc.

SATURDAY 15TH
Actions

SUNDAY 16TH
De-briefing and party

On 15th February 1996, whilst heading for the Texaco refinery at Milford Haven in Wales, The Sea Empress oil tanker ran aground off the Pembrokeshire coast, spilling 72,000 tonnes of crude oil.

As a result of the Sea Empress disaster thousands of sea birds and fish, dozens of seals, and countless numbers of invertebrates died horribly in the thick toxic soup that spread along the coastline and out to sea. Many of these species were on the brink of extinction.

On 14th - 16th February a series of actions will be held to mark the first anniversary of the spill, the injustice and cover up of the oil industry.

TARGET MILFORD HAVEN PORT AUTHORITY

The actions will be aimed at Milford Haven Port Authority. The Port Authority cut back safety procedures to save money, so let's hit them where it hurts. Texaco owned the oil and squeezed the tanker into the Haven at low tide to save money. Texaco didn't pay a penny towards the clean up costs and are making money by claiming insurance for the oil that they lost out at sea. Little has changed since the disaster - the same could, and given time will, happen again.

OIL EXPLORATION IN CARDIGAN BAY

The British economy depends on bleeding the Welsh coast dry. Most of the coast is nominated a 'Special Area of Conservation' (Europe's highest conservation legislation) but despite this, Texaco, Elf and Gulf all have refineries in Milford Haven. Oil and gas exploration continues up the coast in Cardigan Bay. Cardigan Bay has 40 designated SSSI's and is home to Bottlenose Dolphins. Chevron and Marathon have started the first stage of exploration - seismic testing - which involves underwater explosions which bounce sound through the sea bed to study the rock structure. By October full sized oil rigs will be in operation.

ORIMULSION - 'THE WORLDS WORST FUEL'

National Power plan to burn orimulsion at Pembrokeshire Power Station. Orimulsion is "the worlds filthiest oil". The 'fly ash' from burning is so dangerous that there isn't even an official 'safe' limit. It does not float on the water surface like oil and any spills would be catastrophic to the eco-system.

ANNIVERSARY ACTIONS

Wales has no need for the oil industry and must stop extracting fossil fuels. The only way to stop another Sea Empress disaster is to shut down Milford Haven. Direct Action against the rape of Wales' environment and people is already established with the most high profile campaign being the one in response to the devastation of opencast coal quarrying tearing across the valleys In the tradition of fighting the power a massive action is planned for the anniversary of the disaster on Saturday 15th February. A safe camping space will be set up the day before. Arrive from midday February 14th for briefing on the issues, safety at oil refineries, direct action training, affinity group formation, legal briefings etc. There will also be a creche. Details of the campsite will be available from 12th February. Call: 01749 812665. Wish list: like others especially transport. Bring very warm clothes and bedding as well as waterproofs. If you cannot make it to Wales then target your local oil industry outlet!

FOR MOVE INFORMATION CONTACT: CARDIGAN BAY EARTH FIRST!, TEMPERANCE HOUSE, TALIESIN, POWYS, MID WALES.

THIS ACTION WILL BE FOLLOWED BY 'RECLAIM THE VALLEYS III - THE SAGA CONTINUES' FROM 17TH-19TH FEBRUARY. IT WILL BE A FULL ON FIGHT FOR FOSSIL FUELS! THE OLD ENEMY WILL FIND THAT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN!



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