EPA to prosecute Kwinana fertiliser company
"From the evidence I have seen and the advice I have taken, it appears that a case exists on which prosecution should proceed," the Minister said.
Environment Minister Jim McGinty has instructed the Environmental Protection Authority to proceed with a prosecution against the Kwinana fertiliser company, CSBP and Farmers Ltd, for allegedly causing pollution.
Mr McGinty said he had made the decision to proceed with a prosecution against the company following careful consideration of a recommendation by the EPA relating to a sulphur dioxide cloud two weeks ago.
Five workers at the nearby Tiwest plant were administered oxygen and three workers from the neighbouring BP refinery were evacuated when the cloud 'escaped'.
Mr McGinty said the health and safety of the workers had played an important part in his decision to authorise the EPA and the Crown Law Department to proceed with the prosecution.
"From the evidence I have seen and the advice I have taken, it appears that a case exists on which prosecution should proceed," the Minister said.
"In recommending that the prosecution occur, the EPA said it believed sulphur dioxide levels in neighbouring industries far exceeded acceptable limits at the time of the incident."
Fines of up to $20,000 may be imposed for causing pollution under the Environmental Protection Act.
