MEDIA RELEASE

NICK XENOPHON M.L.C.

INDEPENDENT NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

16 December 2005

QUESTIONS THAT MUST BE ANSWERED OVER LEAKING PIPES AT MOBIL’S BIRKENHEAD STORAGE FACILITY:

MOBIL UNDER THE PUMP

No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon has demanded that oil giant Mobil answer a series of questions over an apparent fuel leak at Mobil’s Birkenhead storage facility.

Information obtained by Mr Xenophon indicates that for the past 4 – 6 weeks there has been a fuel leak problem at Birkenhead . It is understood that underground fuel pipes from the storage tanks to the loading facilities for road tankers have failed pressure tests.

Further, Mobil has put an air operated pump into a drain just outside the boundary on the footpath on Wills Street just outside a Mobil office, and is using temporary pipes to pump the contaminated fuel/water mix into a spare storage tank. The area is cordoned off and it is believed staff have been moved from the office next to that area.

There is concern that residents on neighbouring Victoria Road have been affected by the fuel leak.

Mr Xenophon says the following questions must be answered, in the public interest:

            ●      When did Mobil become aware of the fuel leak?

            ●      When did Mobil notify the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) of the leak?

            ●     When did Mobil first take action over the leak? For instance, when were the pressure tests conducted?

            ●     Does the pump in its present location confirm contamination of ground water? When was the pump installed?

            ●     How many litres of the contaminated mix have been pumped into a spare storage tank to date?

            ●     What action has the EPA taken over the leak?

            ●     What was the reason for holes being drilled at the site earlier this week – does it relate to the leak?

            ●     How many litres of fuel have leaked from the pipes in question?

            ●     What commitment has Mobil given to repair the problem, and when will such repair work commence?

            ●     Have neighbouring residents been advised of the leak, and has the EPA conducted tests to ensure that soil in the area has not been affected? If not, why not?

            ●     Do the leaking pipes indicate a major maintenance/infrastructure problem at Birkenhead ?

            ●     Will Mobil guarantee that the leaking pipes and any repairs to these pipes will not affect fuel supplies to South Australians?

Mr Xenophon said:

“These are just some of the questions that need to be asked. Mobil, as one of the world’s biggest and most profitable oil companies, has the resources and absolute obligation to come clean with South Australians on this, and to clean up any environmental mess.”

“Mobil should also make a public commitment today that they will fix the problem and give a strict timetable for doing so.”

“Given the commitment Mobil has given the Government over cleaning up Port Stanvac, these are legitimate questions that must be answered.”