Big Questions to answer on Orica toxic chemical release

Friday, 12 August 2011 15:46

Release of a toxic chemical plume by Orica at its Kooragang plant raises questions about the adequacy of the pollution licensing system, Total Environment Centre said today.

“The response by the environment and health departments indicates the release and delay in notifying the authorities is a serious matter but the pollution licence actually protects the company.  The licence allows ‘notification of environmental harm’ to occur ‘as soon as practical’ – obviously a very loose term,” said Jeff Angel Executive Director of the Centre.

“This clause is found in the pollution legislation and many other licences – so we have a systemic problem – meaning the same (or worse) delay in notification could be repeated at other sites.  What does ‘as soon as practical’ mean?  Certainly it offers a defence to a company with all sorts of excuses in mind.”

Orica waited 16 hours to notify the environment department; and the problem was further exacerbated by the information provided, influencing a lack of urgent response from the agency.

“A better system must be found, so that a more rapid and accurate notification process occurs and protection of the community and the environment ensured,” Mr Angel said.