Illegal dumper could be fined
Toxic canister explosions close facility
THE person responsible for illegally dumping toxic chemical canisters which exploded and caused the closure of the Chinchilla Waste and Recycling Centre could be prosecuted.
The Western Downs Regional Council believes it has identified the source of the collected waste in which was 20 canisters containing aluminium phosphide.
Each 300g canister holds 90 pellets which can explode when in contact with moisture or water, releasing very toxic gases that can be fatal.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Dalby Command Acting Inspector Cameron Ashmore said the rubbish truck’s compaction had crushed the canisters which mixed the pellets with moisture causing them to heat and later ignite, then explode.
He said the load was dumped in the industrial bin and when facility crews saw the fire they tried to extinguish it with water, exacerbating the situation with the phosphine gas which is “extremely flammable and toxic”.
“The workers were following the normal procedure for something like that,” he said.
“The workers at the dump were exposed to the gas but are showing no ill-health effects.
“Those workers are very lucky.”
Three tonnes of rubbish was yesterday collected and taken to the old Chinchilla landfill site which followed WDRC protocols, Insp. Ashmore said.
Explosions were reported to QFES about noon on Monday and the facility was evacuated while firefighters in breathing apparatus and hazmat suits secured the area.
Crews remained on scene until after 10pm, and returned yesterday to collect and remove the canisters.
Despite warning labels on the canisters which were used to fumigate grain silos of weevils or rodents, they had not been disposed of properly, Insp. Ashmore said.
He said JJ Richards, which collects rubbish across the WDRC, was not at fault and had followed procedures.
“If anyone has chemicals that need disposing, contact JJ Richards or the council for advice,” he said.