Four 1000-litre fuel containers have been dumped in Rockingham bushland.
Camera IconFour 1000-litre fuel containers have been dumped in Rockingham bushland. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Pollution specialists respond to dumping of four 1000-litre fuel containers in Rockingham

Tim SlaterWeekend Kwinana Courier

POLLUTION response specialists from the Department of Environment Regulation (DER) have responded to a report of four 1000-litre fuel containers that were dumped in bushland off Chesterfield Road in Rockingham.

Officers from the Department’s Pollution Response team took action on site to stop further leaks from the containers and collect evidence.

DER’s executive Ddirector compliance and enforcement Stuart Cowie said a mixture of oil and fuel was in the containers, possibly from a commercial automotive business.

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“At this stage, we believe several hundred litres of the substance has leaked into the ground from the containers, which it appears were dumped in bushland off Chesterfield Road between 15 and 22 April,” he said.

“When liquids like these are dumped, they can soak into the soil and contaminate groundwater.

“We are now working to appropriately dispose of the containers, with specialist contractors excavating and removing all impacted soil.”

Mr Cowie said investigators from the Department’s Illegal Dumping Program were seeking witnesses to help identify those responsible for the dumping.

“The investigation will determine whether any environmental harm was caused and attempt to identify those responsible,” he said.

“I urge anyone who has any information regarding this or other illegal dumping incidences to contact DER’s 24-hour Pollution Watch Hotline on 1300 784 782 or pollutionwatch@der.wa.gov.au.”