Australian Pet Brands (previously Real Pet Food Co.), is taking a bold step. They are undertaking more than $1.3 million worth of upgrades to new safety systems at their facility in central west New South Wales to address the hazards. This major investment follows a muted response to a chemical spill disaster in August 2023. During that mishap, 300 litres of phosphoric acid leaked from a drum housed inside a production tower due to a defective valve.
Following the incident, Australian Pet Brands responded. This time around, they had signed a legally binding Environmental Protection Undertaking with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). This agreement—which doesn’t require admission of guilt—allows them to avoid prosecution through an enforceable undertaking. It doesn’t ensure that the firm will make a good faith effort to beef up its safety measures.
Background of the Incident
The accidental leak of over a million gallons of phosphoric acid sparked big questions about whether safety or environmental protection were prioritized. Thankfully, no environmental damage was done, but the possible impact was enormous.
“Fortunately, no environmental harm occurred, but the potential risk was significant,” – Jason Gordon, EPA Executive Director of Regulatory Operations.
Following the incident, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) responded quickly. By doing so, they took the extra steps necessary to hold Australian Pet Brands accountable for its abysmal safety practices. The authority will be empowered to monitor the company’s performance under the agreement tightly by requiring extensive progress reporting.
Financial Commitment and Upgrades
For Australian Pet Brands, it means making some serious infrastructure changes. These operational and policy changes are intended to ensure that nothing like that can ever happen again. The $1.3 million investment aims to reduce the likelihood of similar events and ensure that any incidents can be contained and addressed quickly and effectively.
“APB must pay more than a million dollars in major infrastructure upgrades to reduce the likelihood of similar events and ensure any incidents can be contained and addressed quickly and effectively,” – Jason Gordon.
Together, these upgrades will make a significant impact on the safety of all workers at the Dubbo facility. Moreover, they will ensure better safeguards for people and the planet by establishing more stringent protocols for storing, handling and monitoring chemicals.
Community Contribution
Australian Pet Brands is taking measures to improve safety at its production facility. They will further contribute $75,000 toward the development of a local environmental education center. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to fostering community awareness and education on environmental issues related to chemical safety and management.
“These changes will not only make the site safer for workers, but they’ll also provide stronger protection for the environment by improving how chemicals are stored, handled and monitored,” – Jason Gordon.
