UniGrain could be facing a fine of as much as $8000 after Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority launched an investigation into a leak from the Smeaton premises, which turned a nearby stream bright blue.
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The contamination occurred Tuesday last week when the substance spilled and entered the storm water system before making it to a creek on a neighbouring property.
The substance, which is still being cleared, is not believed to have made its way to nearby Birch’s Creek.
UniGrain managing director Bill May said the bright blue substance was a non-toxic seed colourant, which entered the waterway after a drum spilled.
He said less than 20 litres of the liquid made it to the stormwater system and expected the substance would be completely removed from the waterway.
However, EPA North West region field operations team leader Danny Childs said the substance could have proved toxic to fish if it had managed to reach Birch’s Creek.
He said while it was too early to say what the outcome of the investigation would be, it was important to ensure people understood the consequences of contamination.
“We are the watchdog and we want to make sure we send that message out,” Mr Childs said. “It doesn’t matter if you're in a built-up area or in a small country town, there are standards which you have to meet.”
The company could be given an official warning over the incident or could be taken to court depending on the level of culpability.
Mr Childs said UniGrain had done the right thing by making contact with the EPA immediately after the spill and had cooperated fully in the investigation. “There's definitely been impacts to the waterway from the samples that we’ve taken.”
In a statement, the EPA said officers would “continue to monitor the site over the coming days” and encouraged residents with information to contact the organisation.
