By VANESSA CHIRCOP
AN Altona North company has been ordered to pay $25,000 to a local community project after pleading guilty to a charge of air pollution at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court.
Hyde Park Tank Depot Pty Ltd, a commercial bulk container washing business, last week pleaded guilty to the charge under the Environment Protection Act 1970 (Vic), after permitting odorous ethyl acrylate gas to be discharged from its premises during the washing process of a bulk container on 13 June, 2010.
Ethyl acrylate is a compound used in the production of polymers, including resins, plastics and rubber.
The court heard the gas had escaped the carbon filter used in the company’s vapour recovery system, after the filter had become fully absorbed, causing glue-like odours to pollute the atmosphere in Altona North and as far away as Preston.
The offensive odour forced some residents in northern and western Melbourne to stay indoors – or leave the area to avoid the smell.
During the hearing brought by EPA Victoria, the court was told Hyde Park admitted in its record of interview to having unintentionally permitted ethyl acrylate vapours to be discharged into the environment.
EPA’s CEO John Merritt said businesses should be constantly vigilant as to their environmental obligations and continuously monitor their processes.
“EPA has no hesitation in bringing matters before the court when companies fail to take their environmental responsibility seriously,” he said.
“Inattention to details and procedures, in this case not even having a warning system to know when to replace a carbon filter in a timely fashion, will cost companies dearly.
“Hyde Park has more than inconvenienced the local community.
“In allowing a breakthrough of odour, the company had disrespected the community.”
Magistrate John Bentley issued the company with a good behaviour bond, without recording a conviction, and ordered the company pay $25,000 to a local community project, as well as the EPA’s costs of $11,389.90.
Hyde Park must also publish the details of their offending in four newspapers and on their website.
