THERE is a leaking gas pipe near the River Towy, according to Wales and West Utilities.

The company has filed for an application for a high-pressure gas diversion under the River Towy, which would allow for works to be completed to repair the gas leak.

In the application for a marine licence, it provides the entry and exit points which relate to close the B&Q in Carmarthen.

Wales & West Utilities told the South Wales Guardian that the leak is minor in nature and does not pose any safety concerns and is currently being monitored as work – providing the application for the marine licence is approved – is expected to begin in September.

Steve Davies, Wales & West Utilities’ first line manager for Carmarthen, said: “We will soon be working to repair a leak on a gas pipe running beneath the River Towy. To do this we have applied for a marine licence so that we may divert the gas main.

“Barring any unforeseen circumstances, we expect to start and complete our work in September.

“The leak is minor in nature, is being regularly monitored, does not pose any safety concerns, and there has been no impact on local gas supplies.”

In the application, which states the work could cost around £200,000, the diversion will include a 6”ST gas pipe which will be around 10m below the riverbed and around 175m in length.

The drilling operation will take around two weeks, which will include mobilisation and demobilisation.

The work will take place between 8am and 4pm, with drilling taking place for around 45 minutes per hour, with ‘minimal’ noise below 80db and minimal vibration levels, with the application stating: “there would be more noise and vibration created from the main RD that runs close to the work site.”

The application highlights the emergency of the project and that there is a small window to complete the work due to the weather and ground conditions.