Spillages: Threat to Australia's Environment

Oil and chemical spills are a serious cause for concern; they can contaminate water and threaten our marine wildlife. Over the past few years, there have been several oil spill incidents in Australia, affecting marine workers, local homeowners and marine wildlife.

Instances of Spills

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority recorded around 5,000 tonnes of oil spills in seven separate occasions from 2001 through to 2012.

In 2010, a Chinese registered ship (the Shen Neng 1) collided with the Douglas Shoals Region of the Great Barrier Reef, causing an oil spill of around 4 tonnes into the surrounding body of water.

A more recent incident on land occurred in December 2015, when a freight train derailed in North-west Queensland, spilling thousands of litres of sulfuric acid and causing severe water contamination in nearby water bodies.

The Effects of Spills on the Environment

Contamination of water as a result of spills can cause asthma (and other respiratory diseases), allergic reactions and poisoning.

The direct effects on marine wildlife can be particularly damaging with species of fish, dolphins, sea turtles and coral reefs dying as a result.

The damage also goes beyond the marine ecosystem. Toxins that penetrate the soil poison plants (in turn potentially moving up the food chain), whilst particles can also pollute the air which can kill common bird species, not to mention the potential impact on humans.

How Do I Keep Spillages Under Control?

Oil and chemical spills are a threat to the environment. If an incident does occur, it is important that the spill is kept under control using specialised equipment. At Argyle Commercial, we supply a complete range of cost effective and easy to use equipment used to contain and clean up spillages quickly and efficiently. We have a wide range of oil absorbents, booms, spill kits, containment units and disposal equipment to address any situation.

We also offer spill response training to help prepare marine workers and personnel in the event of a spill situation. To find out more, please contact Argyle Commercial today.

About Us:  Since 1997, Argyle Commercial has been a leading supplier of spill response equipment, storage solutions for hazardous liquids and engineered silt curtain solutions.  We help customers comply with environmental and OH&S regulations, while making work environments safer and more risk free.