In 2014, Clive Palmer, a businessman and owner of Queensland Nickel, was reprimanded for spilling contaminated water into the Great Barrier Reef through a pipeline that runs from Palmer's nickel refinery into the reef. Queensland Nickel was also slammed with six environmental charges due toxic sludge poured from its storage dams.
However, Palmer, who is also the leader of the Palmer United Party, challenged the decision of stopping the use of the pipeline. Just recently, it was concluded that Palmer's Queensland Nickel is to close and stay as such until July. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) asked if Palmer still wants to continue fighting for his refinery pipeline.
The Guardian wrote that internal government emails show the displeasure of Queensland Nickel to the Park Authority's concern. The refinery even threatened a compensation claim against the Marine Park Authority if they meddle with the "company's operation."
In a report posted by the Great Barrier Reef Blog, the charges against Queensland Nickel breached conditions of its environmental authority relating to reporting requirements, operation of the seepage management system, sediment monitoring and contaminant release limits.
During a sit down with a questioner, Palmer denies breaching environmental laws and emphasized that no one took a stand against them regarding the discharge of toxic materials, hence, it is implied that there is no case. He even said that Queensland Department of the Environment renewed the license of the refinery for three years.
The Queensland Nickel has already been forbidden by State Government from using the pipeline to pump excess water from their storage dams. These waters are contaminated with alarming levels of nitrogen and other elements that can affect the health of the reef. Nevertheless, the refinery still discharged nitrogen-laden water into the World Heritage Area in 2009 and again in 2011, as reported by The Guardian. The report also points out that the park authorities warned the presence of exceedingly high levels of ammonia and several other metals.
Queensland Nickel even admitted that they discharged wastewater continuously for at least three months even after knowing that the water is contaminated with dangerous and desctructive chemicals.
Following the domino of events that eventually led to the imminent down fall of Palmer's Refinery, the State Government proposed laws to the parliament. These laws aim to assure that failing companies are to be compelled to clean up their mess. This addresses the concerns that if the refinery shuts down, the job of cleaning up its environmental waste would fall in the hands of the taxpayers.
