The Queensland Minister for Environment Andrew Powell has demanded chemical manufacturer Orica improve its environmental track record or face serious consequences.

 

The threat comes after Mr Powell visited Gladstone earlier last week to examine the development of the area and meet with local council members.

 

“After receiving information relating to the company’s activities in Gladstone, I immediately asked for an urgent detailed briefing,” Mr Powell said. 

Orica is presently subject to Planning and Environment Court proceedings, where EHP is seeking an ‘Enforcement Order’. The company is also subject to a prosecution relating to cyanide contamination of stormwater in 2010. 

“I am deeply concerned by the long history of environmental non-compliance by Orica, and frankly disappointed by the lack of immediate action by the company to address issues at the site, particularly in light of the past poor performance of the company which dates back to 2007,” he said. 

 

Mr Powell said Environment and Heritage officers had spent considerable time onsite recently overseeing operations to ensure that ongoing management of Orica’s cyanide plant complies with approval conditions. 

“I have been informed that there is no risk to public health with issues relating to the latest breaches, however this behavior clearly constitutes a serious violation of our environmental standards,” he said. 

“I encourage Orica to continue to do its utmost to co-operate with EHP and demonstrate a commitment to ensuring the site is at an appropriate standard.