On 29 September, approximately 10,000 litres of kerosene and bitumen spilled into Smiths Creek in Cairns QLD, near Trinity Inlet, after a release from an asphalt plant at Portsmith.
QLD’s environment regulator acknowledges that the company has self-reported this issue and is working collaboratively with QLD authorities on the clean up and response.
QLD’s environment regulator is now working closely with Government agencies and stakeholders including the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Maritime Safety QLD, QLD Health, Department of Primary Industries and the asphalt company responsible for the spill to contain and clean the area, deploying on-water booms to capture the spill. The source has been stopped, and a large portion of the product has been recovered for disposal. The spill, made up of bitumen mixed with a light kerosene solvent, has since hardened and become less mobile and toxic.
Given the spill’s proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, preventing further spread was the immediate priority. Monitoring shows no signs of contamination beyond the containment area, and local wildlife, including fish and crabs, appear unaffected.
The remaining residue along the mangroves and rock walls will be left to naturally weather, as expert advice indicates that removal could cause greater harm to the sensitive environment.
The QLD environment regulator will continue with their investigation, including water quality monitoring and sampling, and will determine what compliance action is necessary.
