Chemicals being cleaned from creek after spill in northern Australia

'About 10,000 liters of kerosene and bitumen spill' flowing into Great Barrier Reef is devastating for environment, human health, activist says

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Australia is cleaning thousands of liters from a spill of kerosene and bitumen from a creek in Far North Queensland, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported.

The Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said that "about 10,000 liters of kerosene and bitumen" was first reported on Monday by the Boral building company.

The spill is affecting Trinity Inlet around the city's port, which flows into the Great Barrier Reef.

A Boral spokesperson said the spill first happened during the weekend at its asphalt plant. It was caused by a "bund safety valve failure."

"This was discovered after the plant was closed and an unrelated fire in a neighboring industrial business," said the spokesperson, who expressed regret for the effect "on the local community and environment."

The company said it was cooperating with Maritime Safety Queensland and the environment department on "securing the source" and clean-up.

Australian Marine Conservation Society Great Barrier Reef campaigner Tanya Murphy called the spill devastating for the environment and human health.

Kaynak: