Orica hit for Gladstone cyanide release

Chemical manufacturer Orica has been charged with 279 environmental offences for allegedly discharging excessive levels of cyanide into Gladstone Harbour.

Queensland Environment Minister Andrew Powell says his department has commenced prosecution action against the company for wilfully contravening development conditions during operations at its Yarwun facility, near Gladstone in central Queensland.

Mr Powell says the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection became aware of allegations in March that Orica had discharged waste water containing excessive cyanide on several occasions.

He says he met Orica’s management and ordered them to undertake an independent audit of its plant and procedures.

Prosecution action commenced in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Friday, he says.

The 279 offences relate to releasing contaminants in excess of licence limits, failing to notify the department upon becoming aware of contraventions and failing to test for contaminants prior to releasing effluent.

“Both the department and myself have taken a particular interest in any behaviour that may affect the Gladstone Harbour environment or have a detrimental effect on the Great Barrier Reef,” Mr Powell said in a statement.

“This government will work with companies which do the right thing, but it will take action against companies that abuse the privilege of operating within our state.”

Mr Powell claimed Orica was aware of the licence conditions but chose to ignore them.

Gladstone Harbour last year experienced a worrying outbreak of diseased fish and the cause is still unknown.

Orica produces ammonium nitrate and cyanide for the mining industry.

An Orica spokeswoman told AAP the company had acknowledged the charges and was still considering whether it would respond.

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