Nuplex Appeals To The High Court

Nuplex Appeals To The High Court - Nuplex Continues its Programme of Improvements -

Statement from Graeme Storey, Chief Financial Officer, Nuplex Industries Limited

After careful consideration of the facts Nuplex lodged an appeal to the High Court yesterday, to overturn Friday’s interim enforcement order of the Environment Court order to shut down parts of its East Tamaki waste processing site.

Nuplex will also seek an urgent substantive hearing to cancel the enforcement order once all work recommended by independent experts has been completed.

The East Tamaki operation is being upgraded in line with international standards, and the Manukau City Council supported our view that the plant should not be closed.

While the consequences of a fire on site are very serious, the potential risk is extremely low. The Environment Court decision outlined a “low probability” of fire and “no certainty” of “effect on the environment” in its decision.

Although the probability of a fire occurring is very low Nuplex has already taken steps towards further reducing that risk. New state-of-the-art air monitors have been ordered and are being air-freighted from the United States for installation. A new deluge system (a system that would heavily cover areas on the site in water and foam) will also be installed.

The company has spent in excess of $200,000 on improving and upgrading the East Tamaki site over the last year as part of its programme of improvements.

It is worth noting that the day before the Environment Court decision, the New Zealand Chemical Industry Council accredited the Nuplex plant for taking every precaution to protect employees, the community and the environment.

The PRINCE© Accreditation award recognised the site’s commitment to superior safety, health and environmental performance, confirms compliance and is a badge of corporate responsibility and excellence. The site was audited over many months by independent, qualified and experienced assessors appointed by the Industry Council.

The East Tamaki operation plays a vital role in protecting the greater environment from illegal or inappropriate disposal of waste and has been one of Auckland’s most trusted hazardous waste sites for over 40 years.

The seriousness with which Nuplex takes its environmental responsibilities can be gauged from the company’s requirements covering health, safety and environmental protection including:

A monthly review of reports from operational management covering our 35 operating sites.

Introducing an internal health, safety and environmental audit function independent of site management

Appointing external consultants who have or are preparing reports on every site covering recommendations in relation to plant, equipment and processes.

Committing to spending $8 million in New Zealand and Australia in the past two years to upgrading facilities and safeguards in relation to health, safety and environmental protection.

Twice yearly reviews of site operating licenses and compliance with these

Including all employees in monthly performance reviews and identification of potential issues.

Nuplex is committed to exceeding all its environmental, health and safety responsibilities in the best interests of shareholders, staff and the community.

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