Residents in Deanmill were recently alerted to a chemical spill along Towie Street by a strong odour which had persisted for a number of days. Shire Officers were called and attended the site also noting the extreme odour and spread of the granules most likely spilt from the back of a vehicle.
The area was cordoned off and a sample taken for analysis. When DFES Officers arrived a collective decision was made to treat the unknown substance as hazardous and clean up accordingly.
Results of the analysis indicate the spill was an organophosphorous pesticide possibly a product marketed under the tradename "Phorachem".
The Shire is concerned that people transporting dangerous substances are not securing their loads appropriately and subsequently exposing people and the environment to unnecessary risk.
Shire President Paul Omodei says that when dealing with dangerous substances adherence to safety warnings is critical. "Read and abide by the safety instructions on the label and importantly store and transport chemicals appropriately".
Fortunately, no health concerns were raised with the spill of this chemical however, the Shire should be contacted immediately if you come across any substance which appears to have been dumped either deliberately or by accident.