A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson said no one was injured in the incident. Photo: ATS 500/Wikimedia Commons.
May 5, 2:00 pm: A review has been launched after chemicals were accidentally mixed at a council-run water plant in Googong.
Just after 9 am on Monday (4 May), two chemicals were mixed, leading to the evacuation of the area and a 100-metre exclusion zone.
That afternoon, a NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson told Region that it was an “accidental” mishap and that no injuries had been reported.
In response to questions from Region, a Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council (QPRC) spokesperson confirmed they were aware of an incident at the council-operated Googong Water Recycling Plant.
“There are no ongoing concerns around the facility and there is no risk to public safety. We will review the incident and our processes.”
The water recycling plant does not provide the potable water (drinking water) supply for Googong, but does treat sewage and produce recycled water.
The spokesperson said the next step would be organising the safe disposal of the chemicals.
They also said that NSW SafeWork, NSW Health and the NSW Environment Protection Agency have been informed of the incident.
The nearby Googong Water Treatment Plant, which is also located on Googong Road and operated by Icon Water, was not affected.
Icon Water has been contacted for comment.
May 4, 5:10 pm: An “accidental” chemical mishap has triggered an evacuation and exclusion zone.
A NSW Fire and Rescue spokesperson said they received a call “reporting a hazardous material” just after 9 am today (4 May).
“The incident involved the accidental mixing of some chemicals,” they told Region.
“As a precaution, three people on site were evacuated and a 100 metre exclusion zone established.”
NSW Fire and Rescue responded with two trucks to the site on Googong Road, containing eight firefighters from Queanbeyan and Goulburn. ACT firefighters also responded, as did NSW Police, NSW Ambulance and NSW RFS.
The spokesperson said HAZMAT crews tested the scene, with the results coming in as being within safe limits.
“Our HAZMAT trucks are equipped with a range of atmospheric monitoring equipment. … [Those] gas detectors that are able to pick up a whole range of chemicals.
“All readings were deemed within a safe level, so nothing untoward was picked up … The chemical was fully contained within the container.”
The spokesperson was unable to say what chemicals were involved in the incident.
However, they confirmed that the container was “considerable in size”, saying it was “tank-size”.
There have been no reports of injuries, according to NSW Fire and Rescue.
A spokesperson for the NSW RFS Jerrabomberra Bridgade confirmed that they were also called to the scene.
“NSW RFS was there to assist NSW Fire and Rescue,” they told Region.
The spokesperson said their members “mainly” helped with traffic control during the operation.
“[It was] resolved fairly quickly and crews have departed the scene.”
Crews left the scene by 11:37 am, according to Fire and Rescue, which said they held no ongoing concerns.
More to come.
