Petrol giant BP hit with big fine for dumping fuel after accident in Largs Bay

UK petrol giant BP has agreed to pay more than $65,000 over a 2020 hose failure that caused a jet fuel spill into the Port River at Largs Bay.

BP Shipping has agreed to pay a civil penalty of more than $48,000 over a 2020 hose failure that caused a jet fuel spill at Largs Bay.

The UK company will pay a total of $65,319 for the penalty, which includes the $48,000 fine along with technical expenses, plus almost $11,000 for legal costs.

The February 2020 spill led to multiple public complaints to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about odours and health effects from the fumes.

An EPA investigation found BP shipping had not taken all reasonable steps to prevent the hose failure.

EPA chief executive Tony Circelli said the independent investigation supported the impacts reported by the 16 people who complained or made reports to the EPA.

He said the company had caused “material environmental harm” to the community.

The incident happened when the ship British Engineer was transferring Jet fuel to the Mobil onshore terminal.

A BP petrol and diesel filling station. Picture: Glyn Kirk/AFP

A pressurised liquid chemical hose failed at the ship discharge point, sending an unknown quantity of fuel onto the deck of the vessel and into the Port River.

The EPA negotiated a civil penalty as an alternative to criminal prosecution.

The penalty was reduced because of the company’s good record in South Australia.

The company later ceased the use of flexible hoses for cargo operations.