Diesel spill pollutes Mooloolah River at Mooloolaba on Sunshine Coast

Environmental officers are monitoring about 1500 litres of diesel that has polluted a major Sunshine Coast river.

A broken pump handle has resulted in approximately 1500 litres of diesel being released into the Mooloolah River. Picture: Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

About 1500 litres of diesel has polluted the Mooloolah River after a leaking fuel nozzle from a service station was left unattended.

A broken pump handle has resulted in approximately 1500 litres of diesel being released into the Mooloolah River at the Mooloolaba Harbour.

The Pollution Hotline received a call at 10.45am on Tuesday, April 1, reporting the spill at a refuelling station.

Department of the Environment officers investigated and were advised the spill occurred after a broken pump handle failed to shut off, resulting in diesel entering the water.

The department’s executive director Brad Wirth said the department would continue to monitor the spill to assess the environmental impacts.

Diesel spill pollutes Mooloolah River, Sunshine Coast. Picture: Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation

“Our officers quickly attended the site less than an hour after the spill was reported to us and investigated the incident,” he said.

“The diesel was already widely dispersed with the outgoing tide.

“We will continue to work with Maritime Safety Queensland and Sunshine Coast Council to ensure any potential impacts of the spill are minimised.

“If you ever find yourself in this situation where fuel is leaking, it is important to let the refuelling station know so they can activate the emergency stop.”

To report pollution incidents to the department please call the Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372 or complete an online environmental report.

Originally published as Diesel spill pollutes Mooloolah River at Mooloolaba on Sunshine Coast