The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has accepted an Enforceable Undertaking (EU), worth more than $740,000, from BOC Limited after an alleged spill of more than 2,000 litres of turbine oil from its Cringila facility entered nearby drains and creeks in October 2023.
Under the EU, BOC must pay $300,000 to a Wollongong City Council-led project to improve water quality at the culturally significant Coomaditchie Lagoon and invest more than $168,000 in site infrastructure upgrades at the facility to prevent future spills. The company must also pay over $273,000 to cover clean-up and the EPA's costs.
EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations Steve Beaman said the undertaking delivers real benefits for the environment and the local community.
"Through this undertaking, we're securing direct benefits for the Illawarra community and local habitats, including a project to improve water quality at Coomaditchie Lagoon," Mr Beaman said.
"The lagoon project will include water quality monitoring, new solar-powered aerators to improve water flow and reduce algal growth, and a vegetation management plan to enhance habitat.
"Coomaditchie Lagoon is an important cultural site, and this work will be done in collaboration with local Aboriginal groups to assist in education and help preserve biodiversity and cultural heritage.
"As a nationally listed wetland, this special place is home to plenty of local wildlife including the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog."
Mr Beaman said the scale of the spill in 2023 warranted a strong regulatory response.
"This incident required a significant clean-up effort both on and off site, with volunteer support from BlueScope Steel, particularly in cleaning up a nearby waterway," Mr Beaman said.
"Absorbent booms and pads were used to contain and remove turbine oil, while specialist contractors pumped out affected stormwater and creek water to minimise environmental harm.
"Under the EU, BOC is now also required to upgrade its systems and install infrastructure to protect the surrounding environment and reduce the risk of pollution events."
The EU also requires BOC to carry out major upgrades at its Cringila site to improve spill containment, including installing an isolation control valve at the final stormwater discharge point to allow rapid containment of spills, even when the site is unattended.
The lagoon project will be led by Wollongong City Council in consultation with the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation.
