Media Release, May 2007

Following meeting on 14 May 2007

Groundwater contamination

At the June meeting of the TGCCC, Colin McIntosh, Manager EPA Geelong, is expected to provide a report relating to the condition of groundwater beneath the Terminals facility.

"A consolidated groundwater report is being prepared by Shell and is expected to be completed by end of June. This report will provide information of the groundwater quality along the foreshore area and is only able to be prepared due to Shell receiving consent from DSE to install groundwater bores in the foreshore area." Colin further advised.

"There are numerous stakeholders involved with the ownership and management of the foreshore land such as DSE, DPI and Geelong Council. Before information is released to the general public about the state of the groundwater environment in the foreshore, it is only fitting that these major stakeholders are consulted first. This consultation is expected to occur during July 2007. I would envisage that EPA and even Shell would be in a position to release this information to the broader community at the earliest in August 2007. EPA has been working with Shell to ensure that this information is available to the public. It is EPA's intention that this information will be made available to the community as a whole." Colin concluded.

WorkSafe 3 day audit

WorkSafe undertook a three day inspection of Terminals facility on 2, 3 and 4 April, as part of the Safety Case verification for licence renewal. WorkSafe found no major issues, and all minor issues are being addressed by Terminals. Ian Beswicke, the CFA representative on the committee, reported that all the fire systems worked very well.

Port of Geelong Emergency Exercise

The Committee was advised of a Port of Geelong Emergency Exercise, around a scenario of a terrorist attack involving a product spill into Corio Bay. The exercise ran over two weeks, with one day being a practical exercise at Refinery Pier. The exercise went very well, with an emphasis on communications and security. Oil recovery personnel and equipment from Melbourne were mobilised to the emergency site within 45 minutes.

Next meeting of the Committee

The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 18th June 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30. EPA will report on groundwater quality at the facility.

Robin Saunders
Independent Chair



	Home Page Adopted Minutes Media Releases Technical Reports About the Committee Terms of Reference About Terminals Contact Details Useful Links		Media Release, May 2007 Following meeting on 14 May 2007 Groundwater contamination At the June meeting of the TGCCC, Colin McIntosh, Manager EPA Geelong, is expected to provide a report relating to the condition of groundwater beneath the Terminals facility. "A consolidated groundwater report is being prepared by Shell and is expected to be completed by end of June. This report will provide information of the groundwater quality along the foreshore area and is only able to be prepared due to Shell receiving consent from DSE to install groundwater bores in the foreshore area." Colin further advised. "There are numerous stakeholders involved with the ownership and management of the foreshore land such as DSE, DPI and Geelong Council. Before information is released to the general public about the state of the groundwater environment in the foreshore, it is only fitting that these major stakeholders are consulted first. This consultation is expected to occur during July 2007. I would envisage that EPA and even Shell would be in a position to release this information to the broader community at the earliest in August 2007. EPA has been working with Shell to ensure that this information is available to the public. It is EPA's intention that this information will be made available to the community as a whole." Colin concluded. WorkSafe 3 day audit WorkSafe undertook a three day inspection of Terminals facility on 2, 3 and 4 April, as part of the Safety Case verification for licence renewal. WorkSafe found no major issues, and all minor issues are being addressed by Terminals. Ian Beswicke, the CFA representative on the committee, reported that all the fire systems worked very well. Port of Geelong Emergency Exercise The Committee was advised of a Port of Geelong Emergency Exercise, around a scenario of a terrorist attack involving a product spill into Corio Bay. The exercise ran over two weeks, with one day being a practical exercise at Refinery Pier. The exercise went very well, with an emphasis on communications and security. Oil recovery personnel and equipment from Melbourne were mobilised to the emergency site within 45 minutes. Next meeting of the Committee The next meeting of the Committee is on Monday 18th June 2007. It will be held at Corio Library, Cox Road, Norlane, at 6:00 for 6:30. EPA will report on groundwater quality at the facility. Robin Saunders Independent Chair