BlueScope received a $15,000 fine for a spill into Port Kembla Harbour. Photo: Region Illawarra.
BlueScope Steel has been fined $15,000 after grout spilled into Port Kembla Harbour.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) fined BlueScope after the company failed to comply with its environment protection licence.
According to the EPA, 13 cubic metres of industrial grout escaped from a shipping berth during refurbishment works and entered the harbour.
The incident occurred after containment controls failed, allowing the grout mixture to discharge.
NSW EPA Executive Director Operations Jason Gordon said it was important all licensees carried out activities in a competent manner to prevent pollution incidents.
“In February 2024, BlueScope were reinforcing a shipping berth in the harbour by filling old pipes within the berth with industrial grout,” he said.
“However, the controls were inadequate for the large quantities of material required.
“As a result, 13 cubic metres of grout was released and entered Port Kembla Harbour.
“The community, industry and government have all worked hard over the last few decades in progressively improving water quality in Port Kembla Harbour. We want to keep it that way.
“We expect all pollution controls to be operating efficiently and safely. If licensees fail to do so, we will take appropriate action.”
BlueScope reported the incident to the EPA and immediately implemented measures to prevent further spillage during the remainder of the work.
While the quantity of spilled material was significant, the EPA’s investigation found the risk to the environment was low.
The EPA encourages the community to report incidents by phoning 131 555.
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