Test results from early 2024 show barriers underneath the military fuel tanks at East Arm to prevent leaks were ineffective, the Environment Centre NT has said, which was confirmed by the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment in a letter sent three weeks after Environment Minister Joshua Burgoyne approved the tanks for use and they began to be filled with jet fuel.
Mr Burgoyne doubled down in Parliament on Wednesday, claiming the evidence from the builders, Crowley Australia, showed the tanks were safe, but he did not address why he trusted the company over his own department when it said the tank barriers leaked.
An Engineering problem needs an engineering solution. While not being a member of the tear them down club it is important that some work be done.
A liquid polymer injected around and under the tanks can provide an additional barrier to seepage from beneath and from above.
We all would appreciate some clarity on what remediation works are planned.