Thursday, 9 July 2009

V/Line will investigate the cause of a fuel spill overnight in the Geelong locomotive depot in which an estimated 80,000 litres of diesel are believed to have spilled into the yards and the local sewage system.

The EPA and Barwon Water were notified of the spill immediately after V/Line contractors – who manage the site – became aware of the loss this morning.

V/Line CEO Rob Barnett said an investigation will be held into the cause of the spill, but an early indication is that a broken seal in a two-year-old valve is the likely primary cause.

“We are extremely disappointed by this incident,” Mr Barnett said.

“We have never experienced a spill of this size before, and it is unacceptable that this much fuel has been allowed to escape.”

At this stage it’s believed most of the diesel has spilled into sewage drains and has been contained in holding tanks at the Black Rock sewage plant.

Mr Barnett promised that V/Line will continue to make every effort to minimise the impact of the spill and was working with clean-up agencies on site. He said V/Line will fully cooperate with investigations by other authorities into the cause.

Mr Barnett said that following the outcome of the investigation, V/Line will review fuelling procedures and inspect equipment at all fuelling points across the state to ensure this incident is not repeated. Progress reports will also be made to the EPA.

Train operations are not currently affected.