Excess nickel in creek near Clive Palmer’s Queensland Nickel refinery

ELEVATED levels of nickel have been found in sediment around Clive Palmer’s Townsville nickel refinery amid an ongoing investigation into ­excessive ammonia in the same creek.

The detection follows a series of tests that have found excessive levels of ammonia in water samples in the same creek, for which (if proved) the company could face massive fines. Picture: Zak Simmonds

ELEVATED levels of nickel have been found in sediment around Clive Palmer’s Townsville nickel refinery amid an ongoing investigation into ­excessive ammonia in the same creek.

The Courier-Mail can reveal authorities were notified on Wednesday of the elevated levels by Queensland Nickel Sales (QNS) during routine monitoring. The concerning results showed up in the sediment at Blind Creek, but not in the water.

Environment Minister Steven Miles said QNS would now be required to provide ­additional information to the regulator within 10 business days.

“The Department of ­Environment and Heritage Protection will use this information to help inform whether further actions may be required,” Dr Miles said.

It’s understood the immediate risk to the environment from the find is rated as low.

But the detection follows a series of tests that have found excessive levels of ammonia in water samples in the same creek, for which (if proved) the company could face massive fines. Samples detected high levels in Blind Creek in June and in both Blind and Alick creeks in March. Ammonia is one of the contaminants at the refinery and is contained in the its tailing dam.

Contravening the Environmental Protection Act 1994 carries a maximum fine of $2.65 million for a corporation or even larger penalties if a contravention was wilful.

Individuals can also face maximum penalties of $736,250 or five years’ imprisonment for a wilful contravention or a $530,100 fine for non-wilful contravention.

Mr Palmer continues to maintain the refinery will reopen after its closure and mass sackings earlier this year.