The wastewater treatment plant at the Kurnell terminal of petroleum company, Ampol became overwhelmed by floodwaters overnight.
Water began to spill out onto the street, discharging ‘hydrocarbon products’ and contaminating floodwaters.
Emergency services are onsite at Elouera Road near Greenhills to manage the hazardous material and working to prevent contamination.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW), which is now in control of the incident, announced around 8am that there was no risk of danger, despite the smell of fuel in the air.
“Significant rainfall overnight has filled a refinery retention pit with water, mixing with fuel residue at the site and creating a pungent odour in the area,” FRNSW said in a statement.
Hazmat specialists have been at the scene, along with NSW Police, the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and other authorities, working together to assess and deal with the situation, and allay community fears.
