Investigation into release at Queensland Alumina Limited’s refinery
The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is investigating the release of a plume of alkaline material this morning (Monday 25 May) from the Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) alumina refinery in Gladstone.
Acting Executive Director for Environmental Services, Lindsay Delzoppo said DERM would be issuing an Environmental Protection Order to QAL to ensure the valve that has failed is fixed quickly and will meet all necessary maintenance and integrity standards before it is brought back online.
“DERM officers have conducted preliminary on-site and off-site investigations today and specialist DERM investigators will fly into Gladstone tonight,” Mr Delzoppo said.
“They will commence investigations first thing tomorrow morning, focussing on the adequacy of QAL’s maintenance and monitoring programs.”
QAL has advised it has placed caustic collection pads in the path of the caustic plume today to monitor dispersion and deposition of the caustic material.
“QAL has also inspected vehicles, caravans and boats in the area of Barney Point to see if any have been affected by the plume,” Mr Delzoppo said.
Mr Delzoppo said the Department would investigate the incident to assess the potential environmental impacts and to determine what statutory action, if any, should be taken against the company.
A DERM investigation is also underway into a caustic release from QAL refinery earlier this year.
Mr Delzoppo said although today’s incident occurred in the same area of the plant, the earlier incident involved a burst pipe while today’s involved a valve failure.
“DERM is working with QAL to ensure the cause of January’s is addressed, and since that time QAL has replaced and upgraded the support structures that led to the failure in January,” Mr Delzoppo said.
“We have advised QAL that DERM wishes to amend the refinery’s environmental operating conditions and we will be meeting with the company shortly to discuss the proposed changes.”
Released by: Environmental Protection Agency
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