A nickel refinery owned by the Palmer United party leader has been charged with six environmental breaches and faces a $1.1m fine for each charge

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A nickel refinery owned by Clive Palmer has reportedly been charged with six environmental breaches after toxic sludge was poured from its storage dams near Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef marine park.

Queensland Nickel allegedly released the toxic waste at the edge of the park earlier this year, posing serious risks to the natural habitat because the ponds were full and not properly maintained.

The business, which is owned by the leader of the Palmer United party, has been slapped with six charges which relate to the overflow of the ponds and the firm’s alleged lack of action to prevent that occurring, News Corp Australia reports.

The charges also allege that Queensland Nickel breached conditions of its environmental authority relating to reporting requirements, operation of the seepage management system, sediment monitoring and contaminant release limits.

Queensland Nickel faces fines of up to $1.1m for each charge if found guilty of mismanaging the hazardous contaminated water.

The case is expected to be heard in Townsville Magistrates Court in January.