Australian Pet Brands to upgrade Dubbo facility after chemical leak
Australian Pet Brands (APB), also known as Real Pet Food Co, has entered a legally binding agreement with the NSW Environment Protection Authority after 300 litres of phosphoric acid leaked from a drum inside a production tower at its Dubbo facility in August 2023, due to a faulty valve.
The chemical, used to extend the shelf life of pet food, spread across multiple levels of the building and triggered an emergency clean-up by hazardous materials (HAZMAT) crews.
EPA executive director of regulatory operations Jason Gordon said the enforceable undertaking, a legal agreement used as an alternative to prosecution, would ensure the company was held to account.
"Fortunately, no environmental harm occurred, but the potential risk was significant," he said.
"APB must pay more than a million dollars in major infrastructure upgrades to reduce the likelihood of similar events and ensure any incidents can be contained and addressed quickly and effectively."
As part of the agreement, APB agreed it would relocate its acid dosing system to the ground floor, automate manual systems such as valve controls, strengthen containment and improve staff training and inspections.
The company will also contribute $75,000 to the Wambangalang Environmental Education Centre to help repair and upgrade its model wetland learning facility.
APB has been contacted for comment.
Mr Gordon said the EPA would closely monitor the company's compliance with the agreement through detailed progress reporting.
"These changes will not only make the site safer for workers, but they'll also provide stronger protection for the environment by improving how chemicals are stored, handled and monitored," Mr Gordon said.
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