Petrol station owners and operators could face fines of up to $275,000 as the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) cracks down on unsafe practices.
The EPA has been made aware of drivers allegedly unloading fuel from their tankers into underground storage tanks without sufficient capacity, estimating when they are full and as a result increasing the risk of fuel spills.
Jason Gordon, Executive Director Operations at NSW EPA, said they are cracking down on the entire industry to stamp out this irresponsible and dangerous practice.
“We’re making it absolutely clear to every transport company, driver, distributor, wholesaler, and retailer, if you’re engaging in unsafe and risky fuel transfers it must stop immediately.
“We’re rolling out a compliance campaign and we’ll take regulatory action if we find you’re breaking the law by taking this unnecessary risk.”
A person found guilty could be fined up to $55,000 and face imprisonment, while corporations could face a maximum fine of $275,000.
“In the event of an uncontrolled spill of petrol there is a serious risk to the public, the drivers unloading the tankers, employees, and the environment.
“The community expects they can fill up at the bowser safely and those living or running a business in close proximity to a service station shouldn’t be put at unnecessary risk,” said Gordon.
The EPA has notified SafeWork NSW and is notifying other inter-state regulatory authorities.
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