MAYFIELD'S Koppers plant has been slapped with two fines over alleged pollution incidents late last year.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority investigated after a tank became pressurised in July last year and released noxious, odorous gases. That prompted a complaint from a nearby neighbour.
The environmental watchdog ordered the company to halt the activities that led to the incident, with subsequent inquiries finding no sensors were in place to detect leaks from the tank that had overheated.
Two months later in a separate incident, a spill occurred as products were moved between two tanks.
The EPA found a lack of adequate staff involved in the operation had contributed to the spill.
The company has been fined $15,000 for each incident, the EPA announced.
The $30,000 in fines are officially for "allegedly failing to operate its plant and equipment on the site in a proper and efficient manner and for the alleged offence of failing to operate their facility in a competent manner".
Three other matters involving alleged pollution breaches at the Koppers plant are before the NSW Land and Environment court.
The EPA has previously compelled Koppers to install better controls over odours through statutory notices and legally enforceable pollution reduction programs.
The watchdog said recommendations had led to improvements including an audit action plan and other formal processes.
