Mayfield-based InfraBuild Wire has been fined $45,000 for the incorrect storage of large volumes of hazardous and corrosive chemicals.
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An EPA inspection of the business identified problems with corrosion and the structural integrity of pipes, valves, tanks and bunds.
Following the inspection, InfraBuild Wire was required to complete an integrity investigation of the area. The subsequent investigation by a specialist engineer found numerous defects at the acid tank farm and effluent treatment plant.
An InfraBuild Wire spokesman told the Newcastle Herald that the company and the EPA had worked cooperatively over a long time period to ensure the on-going safe, sustainable and compliant operations at the Mayfield site.
"We completed the requested engineering study and self-reported the issues identified in the announcement. These items were rectified quickly and our design ensures all treatment operations take place in a fully secured, bunded work area, as a precaution," he said.
"We take great pride in our people and our operations, and will continue to work transparently with the EPA and others, to ensure that our ongoing obligations are met."
EPA manager of regulatory operations David Gathercole said the solutions contained at the premises were harmful to both human health and the environment.
"It is critical for companies that hold hazardous materials to maintain their premises in a proper and efficient condition to prevent environmental harm," Mr Gathercole said.
"Defects like leaking pumps and the deterioration of equipment including pipes, valves and tanks represent a potential risk and breach of licence conditions, which is unacceptable."
InfraBuild Wire were fined for three offences which included using a loose section of plastic pipe to prop-up and support a valve carrying potentially polluting hazardous and corrosive liquids; a leak of corrosive liquid from a treatment tank pump causing corrosion acceleration of the adjacent pipe support; and a severe deterioration of an isolation valve handle.
The integrity investigation report included actions and timelines for fixing each defect and InfraBuild Wire has subsequently fixed the three defects for which they were fined.
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IN THE NEWS:
Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
