Hyde Park Tank Depot Pty Ltd has today been ordered to pay $40,000 towards a
community and environment based project after pleading guilty in Sunshine
Magistrates Court to an air pollution charge and a breach of licence charge,
brought by EPA Victoria.
Both charges are in relation to a discharge of odourous chemical vapors known
as “ethyl acrylate vapours" which occurred during the washing process of a bulk
ISO (transport) container on 7 February 2012.
Ethyl acrylate is a compound used in the production of polymers including
resins, plastics and rubber.
The chemical had escaped during the washing, in an open shed, of a bulk ISO
container that was previously used to house and transport 20,000 litres of the
liquid chemical.
At the time of the incident, Hyde Park relied on the declarations of its
customer that the bulk ISO container was empty. This wasn’t the case.
Gas discharged to atmosphere when the container hatch was open, causing
glue-like odours to pollute the atmosphere in Altona North and as far away as
Sunshine.
The offensive odour forced some residents of western Melbourne suburbs to stay
indoors or leave the area to avoid the smell. Residents also complained of
various physical symptoms as a result of being exposed to the ethyl acrylate
vapours.
Chemical experts provided reports in relation to the potentially harmful
effects of ethyl acrylate.
EPA’s Director Environmental regulation, Chris Webb said businesses shouldn’t
allow a lapse in vigilance on environmental obligations.
“Companies should continually monitor their processes and pay attention to
details and procedures,” he said.
Since the incident, Hyde Park has stopped handling and washing bulk ISO
containers containing ethyl acrylate.
No conviction was recorded, but the company is subject to a 12 month good
behaviour bond.
The company was ordered to pay $40,000 to Western Melbourne Catchments Network
Incorporated to manage and coordinate the funding of a seed production along
Kororoit Creek and the Federation Trail at Altona.
Hyde Park was also ordered to pay EPA’s costs of $13,825.30.