Chemical spill firm hit with fine

A chemical company has been fined £150,000 after flammable chemicals were spilt when a steel tank collapsed.

Around 340 tonnes of solvent and contaminated waste water spilled from the tank when it collapsed under internal corrosion, Brighton Crown Court heard.

The incident took place in March 2009 at Solvent Resource Management Ltd, and following the spill a cordon was placed around the site in Rye, East Sussex.

At the same time 90 tonnes of contaminated waste water was spilt onto the site and neighbouring property when a valve was knocked off another tank.

The 300m cordon was put in place for two days East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

A Health and Safety Executive probe found that Solvent Resource Management Ltd had not managed the examination and inspection of tanks on the site.

The HSE said solvent and contaminated waste water released into the area were potentially hazardous and highly flammable.

The firm, of Hanson House, Castle Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations. As well as the fine it was ordered to pay costs of £20,000.

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