- Date of offence
- Between 13 Jun 2010 and 13 Jun 2010
- Type of offence
- Pollute atmosphere and make or be reasonably expected to make the atmosphere offensive to the senses of human beings at Altona North on 13.06.10, contrary to s.41(1)(a).
- Background of offence
On 13 June 2010, Hyde Park Tank Depot Pty Ltd, a commercial bulk container washing business, polluted the atmosphere by permitting odorous ethyl acrylate gas to be discharged from its premises into the atmosphere. The discharge occurred during the washing process of a bulk container. Ethyl acrylate is a compound used in the production of polymers including resins, plastics and rubber. 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 of north and western Melbourne suburbs to stay indoors or leave the area to avoid the smell. EPA scientists provided a report in relation to the potentially harmful effects of ethyl acrylate.
- Remedial action taken by EPA
- None
- Date of court hearing
- 26 June 2012
- Date of court order
- 26 June 2012
- Court magistrate
- Mr J. Bentley
- Court location
- Sunshine
- Reasons for prosecution
- In accordance with the Compliance and Enforcement Policy, this matter involved actual environmental impact on the local community and a significant degree of culpability. EPA also took into account the potential harmful effects of ethyl acrylate,
Court orders made
Without conviction, placed on a Good Behaviour Bond for 12 months on condition it $25,000 to a community project in the Hobsons Bay Area, together with a publications order pursuant to s.67AC.
Costs: 11,389.90
Reviewed 13 March 2020
