Sydney’s heavy rainfall has led to a pump failure at Australia’s largest fuel import terminal, with petrol and diesel spilling onto roads in the suburb of Kurnell.
The spill occurred at the Caltex Refinery in Kurnell, after underground petrol residue mixed with the floodwaters that inundated the area overnight. It made its way onto the streets, with residents awaking to a strong fuel odour.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews said there is 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.
Kurnell | Kurnell fuel odour: Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) crews, at the scene of a flooding incident at Kurnell in Sydney’s south, say there is no risk of danger, despite the smell… https://t.co/gNsafnLFcs
— Fire and Rescue NSW (@FRNSW) April 6, 2022
FRNSW Hazmat specialists have been at the scene, along with NSW Police, the State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service and other authorities, to assess and deal with the situation.
Roads in and out of Kurnell have been closed, including Captain Cook Drive and Trinity Road, as Hazmat specialists and emergency services work to prevent contamination and open roads as soon as it is safe to do so.
Residents have been advised to stay home where possible and the local school has been closed.