Environmental monitoring of an unauthorised rail route used to transport Magellan Metals’ lead carbonate has found no trace of lead from the company’s mine.
Office of Environmental Protection Authority General Manager Kim Taylor said the ChemCentre analysis of 26 soil samples along the route confirmed there was no Magellan lead in the environment.
“While the decision to divert the trains was made by the rail operator, the onus is on Magellan to ensure all of its approval conditions are met and the OEPA will take strong action in response to any breaches,” he said.
“The matter remains under active investigation and appropriate action will be undertaken, in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act, when the investigation is complete.”
Sampling was undertaken following confirmation that the rail operator had diverted 10 trains carrying 159 containers of Magellan lead from Forrestfield Container Terminal to the North Fremantle Quay Rail Terminal via the Kwinana Container Terminal. This was not the approved route by the EPA.
The diversions occurred during the period 10 November 2010 to 4 January 2011. Magellan voluntarily ceased transportation of lead carbonate once it was confirmed that an alternative route had been used. Magellan has now amended its contract with the rail operator to ensure there are no future diversions.
Mr Taylor said, based on the monitoring results, there was no legal impediment to the company resuming transportation of lead carbonate in accordance with the Ministerial approval conditions.
The matter will also be considered in the review of Ministerial conditions being completed by the OEPA.
For OEPA Media spokesperson General Manager Kim Taylor, contact Claire Harloe 6467 5488
