The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has agreed to a legally binding Enforceable Undertaking (EU) from Australian Pet Brands (APB), requiring more than $1.375 million in safety and equipment upgrades after a serious phosphoric acid spill at its Dubbo site in August 2023.
The incident occurred when a faulty valve caused approximately 300 litres of phosphoric acid, used to extend the shelf life of pet food, to spill from a drum inside the facility's production tower. Acid spread across multiple levels of the building and had to be cleaned up by emergency HAZMAT crews.
EPA Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Jason Gordon, said the EU represents a strong regulatory response to prevent further incidents and hold the company to account.
"This was a serious chemical spill that demanded an emergency services response. Fortunately, no environmental harm occurred, but the potential risk was significant," Mr Gordon said.
"APB must pay more than a million dollars in major infrastructure upgrades to reduce the likelihood of similar events and ensure any incidents can be contained and addressed quickly and effectively.
"These changes will not only make the site safer for workers, but they'll also provide stronger protection for the environment by improving how chemicals are stored, handled and monitored."
Under the EU, APB must relocate the acid dosing system from the top to the ground floor and automate systems that were previously manual, including valve controls for dosing product and holding tanks. The company will also strengthen spill containment measures and enhance training and inspection procedures.
The EPA will closely monitor APB's compliance through detailed progress reporting to ensure all commitments are delivered.
As part of the EU, APB will also pay $75,000 to the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre to support repairs and improvements to its model wetland teaching space.
"It's great to see this payment going towards a local environmental project that gives back to the community and helps educate people about wetlands and sustainability," Mr Gordon said.
An Enforceable Undertaking (EU) is a legally binding agreement between the EPA and a company or individual.
