NSW:Govt delays over chemical leak: opposition

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2011
NSW:Govt delays over chemical leak: opposition

SYDNEY, Aug 12 AAP - The NSW opposition has slammed state Environment Minister Robyn
Parker for failing to alert residents about a dangerous chemical leak in Newcastle.

Plumes of hexavalent chromium - the chemical that came to public awareness through
public campaigning in the US by Erin Brockovich - wafted past 70 homes for half an hour
on Monday night from about 6.15pm (AEST).

But residents in the nearby beachside suburb of Stockton were immediately not told
about their exposure to emissions from the Orica ammonium nitrate production facility
at Kooragang Island.

"The O'Farrell government has serious questions to answer," Shadow Minister for the
Environment Luke Foley said in a release on Friday.

"Why weren't local residents informed about the release of a highly dangerous airborne
chemical when the government first knew on Tuesday morning?"

The Office of Environment and Heritage says it was not notified until 10.30am on Tuesday,
even though there was an emergency shutdown at the plant the night before.

Orica did not tell NSW Health until 11.30am on Wednesday.

By law, companies have to notify the government within 24 hours of an incident.

AAP ct/rs

KEYWORD: CHEMICAL AM UPDATE

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