Chemical Release at Orica’s Kooragang Island, NSW, Australia Site

11 August 2011

Following an incident at the Orica Kooragang Island site, a small amount of diluted airborne sodium chromate was released, traces of which have been found in western parts of the adjacent Stockton neighbourhood. The Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) was notified at 10.30 am on Tuesday 9 August when Orica identified that a chemical of concern had been released offsite.

Advice received by Orica indicates that while sodium chromate was present in parts of the Stockton region, there is very little risk to the community.

Further sampling is being undertaken by the OEH to determine levels of contaminants in the area.

Sodium chromate contains chromium in its hexavalent state and is a carcinogen in humans when exposed over repeated and prolonged periods of time. This is the first and only instance of airborne sodium chromate discharge from Orica’s Kooragang Island site.

On Wednesday, Orica commenced a door knock to further determine the extent of any sodium chromate present in the region and provide information to local residents. Door knocking activities have continued today.

A thorough investigation is underway. Orica deeply regrets this incident and we remain committed to the health and safety of our personnel and our neighbours. Orica has been at Kooragang Island for more than 40 years and is an important part of the local community.  Orica greatly appreciates the support of the community over that time. We will put in place all necessary steps to minimise any harm experienced by the community.

Orica has set up a phone number for concerned  residents to call.  This number is   
+61(2)4908 9300.

·         Media contact:    Nicole Ekert, Corporate Communications,                 

Phone: +61(3) 9665 7538

Mobile: +61(0)407 166 783

Further information can be found at the NSW Department of Health website: