November 15, 2011 [ABC News] - The company behind plans for a bulk liquid storage facility at Newcastle says the first stage of the project will not include flammable liquids.
Marstel is proposing to build a $30 million bulk fuels terminal at the former BHP steelworks site at Mayfield.
Using the existing Mayfield 4 berth, fuels from bulk tankers would be sent via a pipeline to above ground storage tanks.
Due to current market and commercial requirements Marstel has modified the project so the facility will only store combustible liquids, not flammable ones.
But it says flammable liquids could be part of future expansion plans.
A preliminary hazard analysis says there would a very low risk of ignition, fire or explosion at the facility as it will only handle diesel and biodiesel.
Meanwhile, the environmental assessment for the project says excavation during construction is not expected to impact groundwater on the site.
But four monitoring wells will be installed to collect data.
The site will be surrounded by a concrete bund which is designed mop up any spillage from the tanks.
Marstel says the fuel storage tanks will also be above ground and will be fitted with drains to detect under-floor leaks.
The environmental assessment for the project is currently on public display until December 23.
