GrainCorp’s terminal at Port Kembla. Photo: GrainCorp

THE NSW Environment Protection Authority has fined GrainCorp Operations Limited $15,000 after a system error allegedly led to a phosphine gas emission at its Port Kembla Grain Terminal in March.

Phosphine is a toxic gas used to control pests during grain fumigation processes.

It is odourless, colourless, and highly flammable.

The error occurred after an operator connected the wrong gas sample line to the grain fumigation monitoring equipment.

As a result, both the monitoring and control system failed, allowing the emission of the gas at levels above the licence limit.

NSW EPA acting executive director operations Adam Gilligan said it was disappointing GrainCorp failed to operate control systems to properly manage this potentially harmful gas.

“Phosphine gas is dangerous and must be managed carefully,” Mr Gilligan said.

It is critical that systems are in place to properly control emissions and protect the community and the environment.”

“We expect all control systems to be operating efficiently and safely.

“If licensees fail to do so, we will take appropriate action.”

Following the incident, GrainCorp conducted an investigation including air modelling.

Their modelling indicated there were no actual environmental or public health risks.

GrainCorp notified the EPA immediately upon becoming aware of the incident and is implementing a range of corrective actions and additional engineering controls to prevent future similar incidents.

GrainCorp response

GrainCorp has confirmed a system error was responsible for a phosphine discharge at levels above licensed limits at its Port Kembla terminal in March.

“We take our environmental obligations extremely seriously and notified the EPA immediately upon becoming aware of the incident,” GrainCorp said.

GrainCorp said it has worked closely with the EPA to complete a thorough assessment of the situation, and has since implemented a range of corrective actions and enhanced system controls to prevent any future occurrences.

“We remain committed to ensuring the safety of the community, environment, and our workers, by working closely with regulatory authorities to ensure safe and efficient operations.”

Source: NSW EPA, GrainCorp