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Prosecution Proceedings Commenced Over Oil Spill in Darwin

Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NTEPA)

The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) has completed a year-long investigation into a large oil spill that occurred from an industrial premises located at Pinelands.

The investigation has resulted in the company Norblast Industrial Solutions Pty Ltd, an employee and the sole company director being charged for contravening the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act 1998.

The charges include causing environmental harm, obstruction of authorised officers and operating without environmental authorisation. The charges carry heavy penalties if found guilty for both the company, the company employee and its director.

It is alleged that in February 2018, the company discharged oil from its premises into nearby bushland, contaminating a significant area of public land which required clean up and killed native birds including rainbow bee eaters.

The investigation also found that the company did not have a licence to collect, store or treat liquid wastes including waste oils.

Peter Vasel, Director of Environmental Operations said: “Our position is that this incident was totally avoidable had the company complied with accepted industry standards for the storage and handling of liquid waste.

“It is concerning that the company was operating without an environment protection licence which would have set environmental operating conditions to prevent such an incident from occurring.

“Of additional concern is the alleged obstruction of authorised officers in the course of exercising their legislative functions.

“Finally, it is also a reminder to the broader community that everyone has an obligation to comply with NT’s environmental laws and matters brought to our attention will be investigated.”

The matter is due to be heard at the Darwin Local Court on 15 April 2019.

Anyone with information about any pollution incidents is reminded to contact the NT EPA Pollution Hotline on 1800 064 567 so that they can be investigated and appropriate action taken to prevent harm on the environment.

Ends

Media Contact – Department of Environment and Natural Resources – 0437 915 366

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