Following a fuel spill at our Wales site on Friday 16 October, our site team and specialist contractors have been carrying out containment and clean-up work on and off site, in coordination with Natural Resources Wales (NRW). Below are answers to some frequently asked questions. You also can sign up below for updates.

Last updated: 27 October 2026

“Our teams and specialist contractors continue to work with Natural Resources Wales, both on and off site, to contain and recover fuel. In coordination with NRW, containment booms and fuel-absorbent materials have been placed at several locations along the watercourse and are regularly checked, replaced, and reinforced as needed. The safety of our employees, neighbours, and environment remains our top priority, and cleanup will continue for as long as needed.” –GE Aerospace spokesperson
–GE Aerospace spokesperson

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened?
On Friday 16 October, a temporary fuel line at our Wales site separated at one of its connections, and fuel entered the site’s drainage system. When the spill was identified, the fuel pumps were switched off, valves were closed, and the fuel supply was isolated.

Was anyone hurt?
No injuries have been reported.

What caused the spill?
A temporary fuel line, installed while a permanent line was being replaced, separated at one of its connections. We are investigating what happened to help prevent it from happening again.

Is fuel still leaking?
No. When the spill was identified on Friday 16 October, the fuel pumps were switched off, valves were closed, and the fuel supply was isolated. The pumps remain switched off, so no fuel is flowing through the affected line.
 
Could the fuel storage tanks leak?
The spill came from the temporary fuel line, not from the storage tanks. Since the spill, an inspection of the tanks and the concrete base around them has found no issues.

How much fuel was spilled? I saw initial reports citing 25,000 litres.
The figure of 25,000 litres was mentioned verbally during an initial meeting with NRW on Friday 16 October. It is not the amount of fuel spilled. It was the difference between the morning and evening readings of our bulk storage tank, and that difference includes fuel that left the tank during the day but was not spilled, such as:
 
·        fuel used during engine testing that day; and
·        fuel that remained contained in the affected line and pipework.
 
It also does not account for fuel recovered on site during the initial response.
 
We are working with NRW to establish how much fuel was spilled and will share it on this page as soon as possible.

What is being done to clean it up?
The affected fuel line was isolated on Friday 16 October. Off site, containment booms and fuel-absorbent materials are in place in several locations along the affected waterway. They are checked several times a day, and fuel is being recovered. On site, part of the drainage network has been sealed under NRW supervision, fuel is being removed from the drains, and measures are in place to protect against storms. Heavy rain can move booms out of position; when this happens, our teams reposition and reinforce them.

How long will the clean up take?
Clean up will continue for as long as needed, supervised by NRW.

Has the spill affected the local environment?
Assessment of potential impacts is underway. We will take any further action needed.

Is it safe for my family and pets?
As a precaution, please avoid contact with any affected water (e.g. if you notice a fuel odour or sheen).

I’ve seen an animal that may be affected. What should I do?
Please report any sightings of possibly affected wildlife to the NRW incident hotline at 0300 065 3000 (24 hours)

I can smell fuel. Is the air safe to breathe?
As a precaution, Public Health Wales advises keeping doors and windows closed while you can smell the fuel. You can open them again once the smell has passed. If you notice a strong or lasting odour, please report it to the NRW incident hotline at 0300 065 3000. If you have health concerns, contact NHS 111 Wales.

Will there be disruption in the area?
You may see extra vehicles, equipment, and response teams around the site and along the watercourse while clean up continues. We are working to keep disruption to a minimum and appreciate your patience.

Is the facility still operating?
Yes. The site remains operational.

How will you keep the community updated?
We will update this page as more information becomes available, and you can sign up below for email updates. We also are keeping local elected officials informed.

How can I contact GE Aerospace?
You can contact us at wales.communications@geaerospace.com. For media inquiries, please contact media@geaerospace.com.

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