Beach seepage charges Fuel firms face court

TWO petrol companies face criminal charges after allegedly causing serious environmental damage to a North Queensland beach.

It is alleged petroleum hydrocarbons from a service station seeped into groundwater in 2016, potentially damaging Cardwell Beach.

In July 2016, the Bulletin reported dugong and other endangered marine life were at risk as a result of fuel leaking into the ocean from the direction of a Choice service station, which is now a Puma Energy site.

Puma Energy ( Australia) Fuels Pty Ltd and Ryan Global Pty Ltd have each been charged with one count of wilfully and unlawfully causing environmental harm and one count of depositing a prescribed water contaminant in waters.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Environment and Science said Puma Energy was issued an emergency direction in May 2016 and the following month was issued a clean- up notice.

“The direction and notice required Puma Energy to take immediate ac- tion to prevent further spokeswoman said.

“To date, Puma has spent approximately $ 450,000 in preventing further harm and rehabilitating the affected area.

“Ryan Global has spent $ 40,000 replacing site infrastructure.”

Speaking with the Bulletin in June 2016, Cardwell resident Ken Parker said fuel had been seeping on to the beach for months.

“It has been going on months,” Mr Parker said. “You can smell it.” In December 2016 the Department of Environment and Science issued an Environmental Protection Order to Puma Energy which the company has complied with. However, in September 2017 both companies were charged with criminal offences.

Puma Energy was due to face Townsville Magistrates Court last week but that was postponed to a date to be determined.

The company would not comment when contacted by the Bulletin.

Ryan Global is next scheduled for hearing in the Townsville Magistrates Court on October 22. leaks,” the for three