RWE, owners of Pembroke Power Station, has assured the public that recently installed technology will put an end to unsightly foam spilling from the station into the sea.

As the Western Telegraph reported on Monday, local conservation charity Sea Trust had expressed concerns about the foam after spotting it from their vessel during a wildlife survey.

“We were surprised to see what looked like a Niagara of polystyrene-like gunk flowing over the cliffs into the haven just behind the new power station,” said Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson.

“We also noted several sizeable chunks of it drifting along with the tide like mini icebergs and more of it along the shoreline.”

Mr Benson said that the effluent was still there that evening along with an “acrid smell”.

RWE Generation UK said that the foam was harmless; however it has commissioned a “unique and bespoke” project to deal with the problem.

The company added that the foam was the same as naturally occurring sea and beach foam, created by the agitation of seawater, and was not caused by any form of pollution or chemicals.

“Part of the process of generating electricity involves using water from the Milford Haven Waterway through the cooling water system,” said a company spokesman.

“This is the most efficient way of cooling used in the generation of electricity. At certain times of the year there is a noticeable ‘sea foam’ discharged from the cooling water system.”

The new system to reduce the formation and release of foam from the station involves managing water levels in the cooling water system through the use of four large penstock valves, similar to sluice gates.

The company says that work is well underway, with mechanical installation complete and commissioning due to be completed by the end of 2015.

“We are pleased to have started a project to mitigate the foam from the station,” said Andrew Morgan, Pembroke Power Station Manager.

“While the foam is not harmful in any way we know that it can be unsightly. Pembroke is a fantastic place and we are committed to minimising any impact on the local environment.”