A group of residents say they are becoming ‘increasingly frustrated’ at the levels of noise pollution from LNG vessels docking at the Milford Haven South Hook terminal.

Members of the South Hook Noise Community Group told the Mercury they are frustrated at the number of vessels repeatedly causing noise pollution.

Two group members from Herbrandston said the Q-max vessel Shagra and the Zarga are among the worst culprits and say noise complaints have been received from as far as Hasgaurd Cross.

The group questioned why, when statutory nuisances have been recorded against vessels, steps are not being taken to serve a notice upon them.

The Mercury put this to the Pembrokeshire County Council. In a response a council spokesman said they were working closely with the operators of the South Hook terminal and suppliers Qatargas to find a solution to ‘this complex problem.’ “To this end, improvements have been made by the operators to a number of vessels to abate any noise nuisance.

“Officers from the Port Health team have taken noise readings from numerous locations.

“These locations have included and will continue to include, readings taken inside and outside people’s homes as appropriate.”

A South Hook LNG spokesman said: “Significant steps were taken during 2009/2010 by the owners/operators to address the concerns of a small number of local residents over alleged ship noise.

“These steps included upgrading 15 vessels at considerable cost to the owners.

“All vessels that berth at our terminal have always operated, and continue to operate, within a strict regulatory framework.

“We do not own or operate the vessels that visit our terminal, but as a responsible member of the community we are continuing to work closely with all interested parties, including the local Port Health Authority.”

The spokesman also confirmed that the monitoring of vessels at the terminal continues, with data assessments and noise evaluations being undertaken by independent consultants, together with joint monitoring when appropriate.