Chemical giant in Worthing sea-spill probe

Solvents from the Dominion Way plant spilled into the Worthing sea on November 22 and December 2, 2008.

Investigators have demanded action after they found "weaknesses" in GSK's operation.

Environment Agency spokesman Chris Salter confirmed the investigations but said he could not give details or comment further while the investigation was underway.

He expected the inquiry to conclude within two months, at which point a decision on how to proceed would be taken.

But he added: "The company has been encouraged to improve certain aspects of its operation as the investigation has identified weaknesses.

"Improvements are being made, so that's good news. Because of these improvements, it's unlikely there will be a recurrence of what happened before."

Billy Elliott, from the Worthing and District Animal Rescue Service, said any chemical spillage into the sea could cause a "catastrophic" environmental chain reaction affecting plants, fish and birds.

"Any kind of environmental spillage or damage could have catastrophic effects on the diversity of the wildlife in the area."

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