EPA fines Viva for ‘excess’ sulphur-dioxide at Corio

The EPA has fined Viva Energy Australia for excess releases of sulphur-dioxide at Corio.
The company revealed the fine today, expressing regret for its “recent environmental licence non-compliances” at its oil refinery.
The fine followed EPA warnings about sulphur-dioxide “incidents” earlier this year as well as a chemical spill into Corio Bay, Viva said.
“We acknowledge that the penalty infringement notice (PIN) and official warnings issued by the EPA on Friday 11 September are an outcome of this performance. We take these sanctions seriously.
“The PIN relates to excess sulphur-dioxide (SO2) releases above set licence limits on the 28 May 2015 (PIN). Two warnings relate to sulfur dioxide incidents on 8 February and 19 March 2015 and two warnings relate to a failure to immediately notify following the inadvertent unlicensed discharge of diisopropanolamine (DIPA) to bay on 22 and 23 August 2014
“In response to the excess sulfur dioxide (SO2) releases above set licence limits, Viva Energy has undertaken a technical review of the relevant process units, conducted equipment inspections, updated operating procedures and re-trained operational personnel. In addition to further inspections of the unit, a taskforce has been established to manage the comprehensive response to these environmental incidents.
“A third party technical service provider has also been engaged to review the relevant units and the applicable processes. Viva Energy is also committed to working with the EPA in an industrial audit later this year.”
Viva Energy said it had installed a bund to prevent further DIPA discharges.
“An alarm has also been installed (to) sound in the instance of high levels of DIPA being recorded in this area. These controls were installed at a cost of $67,000 and Viva Energy believes that these measures will prevent any DIPA from entering the roadside drains, cooling water system and subsequently entering Corio Bay.
“The EPA has inspected and endorsed these controls.”
Viva Energy said it would also donate $7381, the value of the PIN, to Greening Australia for a Geelong environmental project.
“We will continue to work with the EPA and keep the community informed on our environmental performance.
“Viva Energy is committed to continually improving the standard of its operations and to strive for Goal Zero – no harm to people or the environment.”