High level of mercury was found near Sydney Orica plant, though the level of mercury vapors was not up to that level which could affect residents’ health.

The incident that occurred at Botany situated in South Sydney would be investigated by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and authorities concerned revealed that vapors started emitting from the plant around 12 am and continued for 9 hours.

They got to know about the incidence when a device meant to monitor its level, installed at corner of Denison Street and at Banksmeadow, indicated the breached amount.

NSW health authorities have informed residents about the incident and have asked them to take proper precautions in the case.

It is not the first time that something of this sort has happened in Orica. Two months back, similar case happened near Newcastle where hexavalent chromium was leaked heavily on August 8. Later, it was found that it was leaked from ammonium nitrate plant.

Environment Health Minister Robyn Parker is not happy with the companies which have reported leakages as according to him, companies do not inform on time in order to which timely precautions could not be taken. He has asked for legislative changes in which companies should inform the department concerned on time.