InSite has the capacity to respond to emergency spills with extensive experience gained on a number of major incident response projects. These include tanker rollovers, uncontrolled chemical releases to sewer and stormwater systems, hydrocarbon spills from storage tanks and pipework systems, and a range of urgent responses requiring water and soil remediation.
InSite responded to an emergency incident following a tanker rollover in Mascot, New South Wales. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, with InSite’s initial response team arriving on site a few hours later. The immediate priority was to mobilise personnel, hydrocarbon recovery equipment, vacuum tankers, and earthmoving equipment to contain and control hydrocarbon releases, particularly within stormwater drains, and to prevent impacts to a nearby creek and adjoining wetlands.
The response and remediation program included a combination of emergency works and longer-term environmental remediation. Key activities included:
Rapid mobilisation of personnel and hydrocarbon recovery equipment
Containment and recovery of hydrocarbons within stormwater drainage systems
Deployment of vacuum tankers and earthmoving equipment to support recovery and containment
Protection of a nearby creek and wetlands to minimise environmental impacts
Night works over several weeks to accommodate heavy traffic movements in the area
Removal and remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted materials from the affected drainage systems, creek, and wetlands
Delivering this emergency response required managing a range of operational complexities:
Urban Location – Working in a busy metropolitan area with significant traffic flows required careful planning and night-time operations to avoid disruptions.
Environmental Sensitivity – Proximity to a creek and adjoining wetlands required immediate and precise containment measures to minimise environmental harm.
Regulatory Requirements – The works were carried out under a Clean-Up Notice issued by the NSW EPA, requiring strict compliance and rapid reporting.
Over the five-week remediation period, InSite successfully remediated the contaminated drains, creek, and wetlands to the satisfaction of the NSW EPA. Approximately 560 tonnes of hydrocarbon-impacted materials were removed and transported off-site for disposal at an approved facility.
As part of the works, InSite also constructed a rock-lined headwall surrounding the previously unlined drainage outlet to minimise erosion and improve future environmental resilience.
Rapid emergency mobilisation and response
Successful containment and remediation of hydrocarbons in urban stormwater systems
Night works to accommodate heavy traffic conditions
Removal of approximately 560 tonnes of contaminated material
Construction of rock-lined drainage headwall to improve erosion control
InSite was engaged to respond to a major diesel spill in excess of 500 kL from a 30 ML fuel storage tank at a heavy industry site located south of Perth, Western Australia.
The initial response involved recovering spilled fuel contained within the bund. Further investigation revealed that diesel had leaked through the bund seal, resulting in multiple diesel plumes contaminating groundwater over an area of approximately three hectares. Due to the site’s proximity to a sensitive receptor only 200 metres away, the operation was escalated to a 24/7 response to rapidly implement multiple recovery strategies.
The project involved a large-scale fuel recovery operation using specialised equipment and a network of recovery infrastructure. Key activities included:
Recovery of spilled fuel contained within the bund area
Installation of a network of more than 50 recovery wells to access impacted zones
Mobilisation of InSite’s 800 m³/hr skid-mounted vacuum unit to actively skim diesel from the groundwater surface
Installation of diaphragm pumps in heavily impacted soak pit areas to recover accumulated fuel
Installation of 30 active skimmers to continue recovery once the bulk hydrocarbon was removed
Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of skimmers to maximise recovery efficiency
The response required careful coordination to address multiple site and environmental constraints:
Sensitive Receptor – With the site located only 200 m from a sensitive receptor, rapid action was essential to prevent further migration of contamination.
Large-Scale Impact – The spill affected groundwater over a three-hectare area, requiring extensive well installation and high-capacity recovery systems.
Continuous Operations – The scale and urgency of the response required 24/7 operation, including personnel coordination, equipment maintenance, and logistics.
Through rapid mobilisation and the implementation of multiple recovery strategies, InSite successfully removed the bulk of the spilled diesel, significantly reducing the extent of contamination and preventing impacts to nearby sensitive receptors. The combination of high-capacity vacuum recovery and targeted skimming allowed for efficient product recovery and groundwater protection.
Response to a large-scale 500 kL diesel spill
24/7 emergency operations due to proximity to sensitive receptor
Deployment of 800 m³/hr skid-mounted vacuum unit and 50+ recovery wells
Installation of diaphragm pumps and active skimmers in impacted areas
Effective containment and recovery of spilled diesel to protect groundwater
CASE STUDY: Petrol leak to sewer line
Petroleum hydrocarbons from a Sydney service station leaked into and impacted a nearby Sydney Water sewer trunk line. The hydrocarbons pooled in a section of the line where there was a change in flow direction and grade. Ignition of fuel vapours from an unknown source caused an explosion within the sewer line, prompting an emergency response.
InSite initially provided support to Emergency Services to recover bulk fluids from the sewer. This enabled the placement of a pneumatic plug to dam the line, allowing emergency services to flush the sewer and render the area safe.
Following the emergency phase, InSite was engaged to coordinate the remediation works with the local council, NSW EPA, and Sydney Water. Key activities included:
Coordination with multiple authorities to manage remediation and regulatory requirements
Replacement of the asbestos sewer line with a chemically resistant pipe
Installation of a cement-bentonite-geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) cut-off wall to contain contamination
Recovery, treatment, and disposal of accumulated hydrocarbon-impacted water
Replacement of 100 m² of service station concrete forecourt, footpath, pram ramp, and 60 metres of asphalt laneway with 100 mm thick asphalt pavement
The response and remediation involved several complex factors:
Emergency Response – Rapid mobilisation was required to support emergency services, recover fluids, and prevent further risk of ignition.
Multiple Stakeholders – Coordinating remediation with the local council, NSW EPA, and Sydney Water required detailed planning and communication.
Infrastructure Replacement – Replacing asbestos-containing sewer infrastructure with a chemically resistant alternative demanded careful sequencing and compliance with safety regulations.
InSite successfully supported the emergency response to contain and manage the immediate hazard and then led the remediation and infrastructure replacement works to restore the site. The works eliminated the source of contamination, improved the durability of the sewer line, and reinstated the affected service station and public infrastructure to a high standard.
Emergency response to a petrol leak and sewer explosion
Coordination with local council, NSW EPA, and Sydney Water
Replacement of asbestos sewer line with chemically resistant pipe
Installation of GCL cut-off wall and treatment of impacted water
Full reinstatement of forecourt, footpath, pram ramp, and laneway
InSite was engaged to urgently attend a site in the Sydney area following a chemical spill of fatty oil. The release had contaminated concrete and bitumen hardstand areas, an adjacent area of open ground, and a stormwater drainage trough.
The initial response focused on containing the pollutant to prevent it from entering the site’s broader drainage system and migrating off-site, minimising the potential for wider environmental impact.
Once containment was established, InSite undertook a structured cleanup and remediation program. Key activities included:
Containment of the spill to prevent off-site migration
Cleaning of contaminated concrete and hardstand surfaces using emulsifiers, hot water pressure washers, and a liquid waste vacuum truck
Excavation of impacted soils in open ground areas, initially by hand to identify and avoid underground services
Implementation of additional environmental and safety controls following the identification of suspected asbestos-containing material during excavation
Excavation and load-out of impacted soils under InSite’s Class A Asbestos Removal Licence
Backfilling of excavated areas to 98% HILF density to restore ground integrity
The response and remediation works involved several complexities:
Urgency – Rapid mobilisation was required to prevent the spread of fatty oil into the broader drainage system.
Underground Services – Hand excavation was necessary to locate and protect services before mechanical excavation could proceed.
Asbestos – The unexpected discovery of suspected asbestos required swift implementation of appropriate environmental and safety management measures.
InSite successfully contained and cleaned the fatty oil spill, preventing off-site migration and further environmental impacts. The impacted ground was remediated under strict safety controls, including asbestos management, and restored to specification. The works were completed promptly, minimising disruption to site operations.
Rapid mobilisation and containment of chemical spill
Effective cleaning of hardstand areas using emulsifiers and hot water
Careful excavation around underground services
Licensed asbestos removal and controlled remediation
Restoration of site to required standards
