Real Pet Food, also recognised as Australian Pet Brands, is set to expend over $1.3 million on safety improvements and equipment upgrades. This decision comes following a directive from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) after a phosphoric acid leakage incident at the company’s Dubbo location.
A defective valve is reportedly to blame for the spillage of around 300 litres of phosphoric acid within the production tower of the facility. The acid, a chemical agent used to extend the shelf-life of pet food, spread across several levels of the building. Emergency Hazmat crews were deployed to manage the clean-up operation.
In response to the incident, the EPA accepted a legally binding Enforceable Undertaking (EU) from the company. As per this agreement, Real Pet Food is required to disburse over $1.38 million to implement preventive measures against such incidents in the future. Jason Gordon, EPA’s executive director of regulatory operations, emphasised the gravity of the incident, stating that while no environmental harm transpired, the risk potential was significant.
The impending changes, according to Gordon, will not only enhance safety for the site’s workers but also augment environmental protection by improving how chemicals are stored, monitored, and managed. The company is expected to move its acid dosing system from the top to the ground floor and automate previously manual systems, such as dosing products’ valve controls and holding tanks. Furthermore, it is required to bolster spill containment measures and enhance its training and inspection procedures.
In addition, as part of its agreement with the EPA, the company will donate $75,000 to the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre. The funds will be used to carry out repairs and improvements to the centre’s model wetland teaching space.
What are the changes that Real Pet Food needs to implement as per the agreement?
The company is required to relocate its acid dosing system from the top to the ground floor, automate manual systems, strengthen spill containment measures and improve training and inspection procedures.
What was the reason behind the phosphoric acid spill at the facility?
A faulty valve was identified as the cause of the leakage of approximately 300 litres of phosphoric acid within the facility’s production tower.
What will be the use of the $75,000 that the company will pay to the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre?
The funds will be utilised for repairs and enhancements to the centre’s model wetland teaching space.
