❓ A parliamentary question regarding fracturing and leaks in fibreglass flow lines on Barrow Island, an A-class nature reserve, used by Chevron. The Minister's response addresses the incidents, reporting procedures, remediation efforts, and the overall condition of the flow lines.
AnsweredQoN 419Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
BARROW ISLAND — FIBREGLASS FLOW LINES
My question relates to Centron fibreglass–pipe flow lines, supplied and installed by Adtech FRP on Barrow Island for the Chevron oil facility, on an A-class nature reserve and the recent photos on my website. (1) Is it correct these flow lines are continually fracturing and leaking? (2) Is the minister’s department aware of these leaks? (3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON
My question relates to Centron fibreglass–pipe flow lines, supplied and installed by Adtech FRP on Barrow Island for the Chevron oil facility, on an A-class nature reserve and the recent photos on my website. (1) Is it correct these flow lines are continually fracturing and leaking? (2) Is the minister’s department aware of these leaks? (3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(1) Is it correct these flow lines are continually fracturing and leaking? (2) Is the minister’s department aware of these leaks? (3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(2) Is the minister’s department aware of these leaks? (3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(1) Is it correct these flow lines are continually fracturing and leaking? (2) Is the minister’s department aware of these leaks? (3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(2) Is the minister’s department aware of these leaks? (3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(3) Are the leaks reported as they occur; and, if so, how many have occurred this year? (4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(4) Can the minister advise what is being done to remedy the failing fibreglass pipe lines? (5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(5) Why have the sites of these oil spills not been immediately rehabilitated? Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
Hon HELEN MORTON replied: I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The Minister for Environment has provided the following advice — (1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(1) The glass reinforced epoxy flow lines are not continually fracturing and leaking. Two incidents involving leaks from GRE flow lines have occurred in 2011. Since 2002, 655 kilometres of carbon steel flow lines have been replaced with corrosion-resistant GRE flow lines to reduce the risk of leaks as far as practicable. The Department of Environment and Conservation has advised that flow line leaks have dropped by approximately 90 per cent. (2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(2)–(3) Yes. Under section 72 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 Chevron is required to report the incidents to DEC as soon as practicable after the discharge if they have occurred as a result of an emergency, accident or malfunction otherwise than in accordance with an approval and are likely to cause pollution or environmental harm. An incident on 11 March 2011 was reported to DEC via phone on 12 March and a full incident report was received on 14 April. An incident on 12 March 2011 was reported via phone on 22 March and a full incident report was received on 30 March. Both incidents were attributed to flow line fractures resulting from heavy rainfall associated with cyclone Carlos. (4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(4) The GRE flow lines are not considered to be failing. DEC has responded to these incidents by requesting Chevron conduct an options analysis of potential solutions to better prevent future discharges as soon as possible. Chevron is currently working on this analysis. (5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
(5) The areas of land impacted from the spills are small and not easily accessed by vehicles or machines. Oil-contaminated soil has been removed from the sites and appropriately disposed. The sites will be regularly monitored. DEC has advised these small areas will rehabilitate naturally.
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