Coode Island Committee Update

Coode Island Committee Update

Coode Island’s Terminals Pty Ltd is well positioned to meet the new Major Hazard Facility Regulations due to be implemented within a few months, according to Dr Nick Hardy of technical consultants DNV.

Presenting DNV’s review of the company’s operational safety and management systems to the Coode Island Community Consultative Committee, Dr Hardy said Terminals’ compliance with the new regulations varied from 60% to 90%. He said improvements were necessary to integrate monitoring and performance activities, the unification of information into one site-specific emergency plan and the documentation of their safety case.

Speaking at the Committee’s monthly meeting Dr Hardy said: “Terminals readiness reflects the considerable efforts they have made to improve site management and communications in recent years”.

The Committee’s Chair, Mr Robin Saunders, also reported on the Committee’s final submission to WorkCover on the draft regulations. But Mr Saunders said the Committee was concerned that the provisions for public access to information about the safety case and other aspects of public consultation did not go far enough.

The submission can be found on the CICCC web site which also provides background information about the Committee, minutes of previous meetings and reports from sub-committees.

Community Representative Cathy Aktypis told the meeting that the Western Region Environment Centre would conduct research into important environmental issues facing the region. Ms Aktypis said the centre would also engage in education and advocacy and assist local communities and councils to develop ecologically sustainable planning and development policies.

Carlo Fasolino presented the monthly report on the operations of Coode Island. He said that while no working days had been lost through injury for a record period, there had been some odour problems and performance problems with carbon filter beds.

WorkCover will make a presentation on the Hazardous Substances Regulations at the next committee meeting on February 24. The Committee will also consider the Manchester Agreement – an agreement between a chemical company and its surrounding neighbours – a concept which is being considered for Coode Island.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the next meeting at the Maribyrnong Town Hall on the corner of Hyde and Napier Streets, Footscray at 6.30pm

Robin Saunders, Chair CICCC, 10 February 2000
Contact Phone 9853 7510 Fax 9853 7512 email robsaund@ozemail.com.au

Coode Island Community Consultative Committee Web Site www.ciccc.org

Western Region Environment Centre Web Site www.21century.com.au/environment