NSW freight company fined for leaking sulphuric acid
NSW EPA has fined Cary's Freight Lines $10,000 for failing to safely transport dangerous goods, following an incident in September 2015.
The company was shipping partly empty drums of sulphuric acid within a container on the New England Highway when a drum was damaged and began to leak. NSW EPA was notified by a phone call from a member of the public and attended the incident. They worked with NSW Fire and Rescue and NSW Roads and Maritime Services to contain the leak inside the shipping container. There were no impacts on the surrounding environment.
An investigation by NSW EPA confirmed that Cary's Freight Lines was responsible for loading the drums, and for ensuring the dangerous materials were transported safely and securely.
AELERT member and EPA NSW manager, Adam Gilligan, said that there was a potential for serious impact due to the hazardous nature of the chemical.
“It was very in lucky in this instance that the leak was relatively minor and did not result in any health or environmental impacts"
"Failing [to secure hazardous materials] not only puts at risk drivers and people working in the transport chain but can also endanger...other road users, including emergency service officers called [to] clean-up. There is also a real risk to the environment if acid enters streams or sensitive areas, such as wetlands,” he said.
Want to know more? Read EPA NSW's official Media Release.
