EPA sues Nyrstar for Port Pirie acid spill
The state’s environmental watchdog is suing Nyrstar for allegedly causing “serious environmental harm” by discharging 700 litres of sulfuric acid into a creek.
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The state’s environmental watchdog is suing metals company Nyrstar for allegedly causing “serious environmental harm” at Port Pirie.
The Environment Protection Authority today said it would prosecute Nyrstar for discharging, or failing to prevent the discharge of, about 700 litres of sulfuric acid from its lead smelter site into First Creek at Port Pirie.
“Potential environmental harm was caused by polluting the environment and creating harmful conditions for fish and other plant and animal life in the creek,” a statement from the Environment Protection Authority said.
It said the acid discharge incident happened between January 31 and February 3 last year.
The matter will be heard in the Environment, Resources and Development Court.
A Nyrstar spokesman confirmed the company had been served with a summons following an EPA investigation into an acid spill.
“Following the incident Nyrstar implemented new processes and alarms,” the spokesman said.
“Nyrstar does not intend to provide ongoing commentary in relation to this matter given it involves legal proceedings.”
The EPA said the alleged offence was covered by the Environmental Protection Act.