Port of Portland | 19 Feb 2012
Eleven CFA crews, continue to work for a second day to control a liquid pitch spill at a facility at the Port of Portland, with neighbouring residents advised to keep their windows and doors closed and air conditioners turned off.
For latest advice and warnings see the CFA website.
Photos posted on Facebook by local resident Brad McCluskey
More than 250 tonnes of the heated material, used in the production of aluminium, has spilled into a bunded area within the facility, after the inner lining of a 30000 tonne insulated tank ruptured around 2.45 pm Saturday.
Due to the inaccessability of the leak and the temperatures of the material, it’s likely to be several days before the spill is controlled.
While smoke issuing from the scene has subsided, chemical vapours are still eminating prompting an advice message for Portland residents, which can be found on the CFA website.
A southerly wind is expected to push the vapours across the harbour into the bay.
A number of roads and the nearby boat ramp have been closed and aquatic activities such as fishing in the harbour should be avoided.
There are likely to be unavoidable disruptions to business and recreational activities over the coming days.
Victoria Police, DSE, Vic SES, Glenelg Shire, Rural Ambulance Victoria and technical specialists from Portland Aluminium are supporting CFA.
