More than 13, 000 people have signed an online petition to have Newcastle’s ammonium nitrate stockpile moved to a ‘safer location, away from homes and residents’.
Orica’s Kooragang Island plant stores between 6, 000 and 12, 000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, less than a kilometre from some homes.
The concerns come in the wake of the 135 people who were killed and 4,000 others who were injured when a smaller stockpile of ammonium nitrate unexpectedly exploded in Port Beirut, Lebanon.
Orica says in its 51 year history, ‘there’s never been an incident’ and it will ‘continue to work hard to meet the Newcastle community’s expectations.’
The company also says the chemical is stored in fire resistant areas built from non-flammable materials.
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