Planning Agenda - Eurobodalla Shire Council - NSW Government

ENVIRONMENT REPORT TO ENVIRONMENT, PLANNING AND
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 1 AUGUST 2006 Page 9
P06/52 NAROOMA KERB-SIDE FUEL BOWSERS 81.0219.B
The release of petroleum-based substances into the environment often results in significant
impacts on groundwater and surface water ecosystems and makes the groundwater unsuitable
for use. Approximately 250 compounds have been identified as components of petroleum
hydrocarbons but toxicity data is available on only 95 of these compounds. At least a quarter
of these are known to be carcinogenic, toxic, persistent, or to bioaccumulate in certain
circumstances.
Some of the major components of petroleum hydrocarbons that can cause significant harm to
health and/or environmental damage through leaks, spills and escapes include:
• Benzene – a known human carcinogen
• Benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene – probable human
carcinogens
• Gasoline mixtures and used oil which have been evaluated as probable human carcinogens
• Toluene and ethyl benzene – known to be toxic to humans (affecting the liver)
• Benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes – chronic and acutely toxic in the aquatic
environment. Some compounds (e.g. benzo[a]pyrene) have the potential to bioaccumulate
• Petroleum hydrocarbons – toxic to plants. The toxicity depends on the plant species, soil
type, and the actual group of compounds comprising the hydrocarbons.
Exposure to petroleum hydrocarbons from leaking UPSS most often occurs in the following
ways:
• off site movement through groundwater and surface water, affecting the health of humans
and other species
• inhalation of volatile hydrocarbon vapours that are toxic and carcinogenic
• the build up of potentially explosive levels of volatile hydrocarbon vapours in utility and
storm water pipes, building basements and car parks.
Leaking UPSS also have direct financial impacts on industry. Even a low rate leak can
translate to a significant quantity of lost fuel if the leak remains undetected for a long period
of time. This is a direct economic loss to the UPSS owner or operator. Secondly, once a leak
has been identified clean up of contaminated soils and groundwater can be extremely costly,
technically difficult and time consuming, and the clean-up outcome is not necessarily assured.
Thirdly, where contamination affects surrounding properties the UPSS occupier may be liable
for third party damages.