By Michael Newhouse
THE Environment Protection Authority is calling on members of the public affected by last month’s toxic gas leak in Sunshine North to come forward to help its continuing investigation into the leak.
Last week the EPA’s senior manager of rural services, John Williamson, described the leak as a “serious pollution event” and called on anyone who experienced discomfort or illness such as burning eyes, sore throat, running nose, or irritated skin to contact the EPA.
“Our inquiries are being assisted by members of the public who may have experienced a physical reaction to the gas that leaked during the incident,” Mr Williamson said.
Residents in the area were told to stay indoors and a number of people were taken to hospital or treated at the scene when sulfur dioxide escaped from chemical company Air Liquide’s Sunshine North plant, in Bunnett St, on 9 February.
The EPA said the gas spread at least four kilometres from the plant in the first hour after the leak began at 6.30am.
Air Liquide spokesman Ross McKenry said last week a handling error caused the leak. He said an employee failed to fully seal a valve when transferring the gas, which is dangerous at a high concentration.
He said the company had been in consultation with WorkCover and had since automated the sealing process to remove the possibility of human error, and the chance of another leak.
“We value safety and see safety as being extremely important to us, and we don’t take things lightly,” Mr McKenry said.
An EPA spokesperson said last week the authority would continue its investigation, and then make a decision about whether it would fine or prosecute Air Liquide over the breach.
Air Liquide could face a maximum $250,000 fine if the EPA chose to launch a prosecution against the company, the spokesperson said, or the EPA could chose to impose a fine itself.
Anyone affected by the gas leak is encouraged to call the Pollution Watch Line on 9695 2777.
