[200William-EC SP67851] SP 67851 - URGENT: Summary Needed (Petrol)

[Robin Patrick]

Thanks all for the feedback and apologies for the delay. The updated letter
is attached.
Is there someone best placed to sign the letter and be the point of
contact? Is it best to come from the Strata Co or from the exec committee /
chairman etc?
I would be happy to sign however have considerable travel coming up and
will be unreachable for significant portions of time.

thoughts?

Robin

++++

To whom it may concern,

*Suspected fuel leak *

Over the last few months, the residents of 200 William Street Woolloomooloo
have been exposed to overwhelming petrol fumes from time to time.

First appearing in early March, there was an overpowering smell (similar to
that of petrol) that was not only present in the car park below ground
level, but also strongly apparent in the lifts and the higher levels of the
apartment building. It entered apartments forcing some residents on the
lower levels to use towels in an effort to prevent the fumes from coming
through the small gaps around each unit’s front doors.

*Investigations led to a ruptured fuel tank within the building, owned by
AVIS.*

The building’s Executive Committee, Strata and Building Management team
arranged for a plumber to assist in the investigations. Their findings are
as follows:

*Description*







*: *Arrive onsite to and liaise with front desk of Avis Rentals to assist
in accessing carpark. *Inspect garage area with contaminants meter. Lowest
level carpark reads there is a petrochemical agent in area. We have found
large pool of seepage likely from recent heavy rainfall that has been
safety taped off. *Inspection of pooling seepage has found heavy smell of
fuel and rainbow glaze indicating fuel/oil is contaminating seepage.
*10,000L unleaded underground petroleum storage tank located on ramp that
access' lowest level of carpark. *Carry out full inspection of pump, pit
perimeter and access lines and found no visual evidence of
surcharge/overflow from above contributing to contaminated seepage. *We
have found that from our investigation we believe it is highly likely that
storage tanks has a rupture and is contaminating ground/seepage and forcing
through carpark slab when raining. *Advise Avis staff to contact Area
Manager immediately action this as it is a health and environmental issues
that carries large fines.*

*Conclusion*
*: *Most likely cause of contaminated seepage is due to a rupture in
underground petroleum storage tank located close to affected area.*

*Recommendation*

*: *We have recommended Avis action this immediately with fuel spill kits
and hazardous waste disposal services. *Following immediate issue we’ve
advised they contact petroleum storage tank contractor to pump out service
and decommission ASAP until rectified to avoid large fines from EPA.*

*Commercial Building Manager disagrees it is worth further investigation by
their tenant, AVIS.  *

An on-site meeting was held with the relevant parties including Ben Mees
(Commercial Building Manager) and the AVIS Manager. The outcome minuted at
the meeting showed that the Commercial Building Manager did not think that
the smell warranted further investigations. The notes from the independent
plumber were as follows:

*Conclusion*
*: *Ben Mees and Assistant disagrees that there is a smell that is strong
enough to warrant further investigation at costs quoted of $10,000.*

**We have recommended that a proactive solution be made by all parties to
avoid the high potential risk of harm to the occupants of the building and
the surrounding environment/public. *We highly recommend this issue should
be monitored as stormwater pump located close by could spread potential
contaminants if situation deteriorates.*

AVIS advised that they had ‘Gilbarco’ inspect their tank and are of the
opinion that there is no fuel leak. This may be correct, however the
problem continues and remains to be the only logical answer.

*Petrol smells continue to effect residents from time to time, particularly
during/after periods of rain. *

Fumes continue to invade the apartments of our residents into April from
time to time. Again forcing some to block their doors in efforts to prevent
the fumes from entering their homes. Residents have complained of headaches
and nausea.

*Request for assistance.*

There are strong petrol fumes present after rain. Their effects are causing
health issues for our residents and proving a nuisance. What’s more
concerning is the possibility of a systemic issue being constantly present
with its source under disagreement. The building and its residents would
like to understand what action the EPA may be able to take. We would
request that you ask Avis to provide a formal inspection report as the
independent contractor has eliminated the other sources and Avis is the
only tenant storing fuel on the premises, and this storage device is in the
area affected. We await your response.



Regards



Executive Committee
200 William Street
Woolloomooloo

On Wed, Apr 19, 2017 at 8:24 AM, Ed Sainsbury <edsainsbury at ozemail.com.au>
wrote:

> Hi Robin,
>
> The email is good. Could I recommend the following change for the last
> paragraph "Assistance needed"
>
> Replace this with the following:
>
> Request for Assistance
>
> There are strong petrol fumes present after rain. Their effects are
> causing health issues for our residents and proving a nuisance. What’s more
> concerning is the possibility of a systemic issue being constantly present
> with it's source under disagreement. The building and its resident s would
> like to understand what action the EPA may be able to take.
>
>
> We would request that you ask Avis to provide a formal inspection report
> as the independent contractor has eliminated the other sources and Avis is
> the only tenant storing fuel on the premises, and this storage device is in
> the area affected.
>
>
> Please let us know what we can or should do next.
>
> Regards,
> Residential Executive Committee
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 18 Apr 2017, at 5:37 pm, Matt Perkins <matt at spectrum.com.au> wrote:
>
> That's fine with Me Robin,
>  I myself have not had the smell in my apartment other then in the initial
> first week of the event. Other then that I have smelt it from time to time
> in the lift.  I assume it gets worse the lower down in the building you go
> and people on level 1 are effect much worse then us.
>
> I know that we have those leaks in the pumps under the ramp and I would
> say that the leaks issues there would be made worse if there is petrol in
> the same area.  I think the initial smell was cause with Whips opened the
> access hatches to where the pump's are exposing the area . I would think if
> there were no leak. There would be no smell. Either way im sure the EPA
> will figure it out.
>
> One more thing. Has anyone considered the possibility that the EPA may
> order the building uninhabitable until it is restored. Im not sure it's a
> reason to not call the EPA. As we are best to put our health first. But
> it's worth keeping in the back of our minds.
>
> Matt.
>
>
>  On 18/4/17 5:25 pm, Robin Patrick wrote:
>
> Thanks Patrick.
>
> EC -  please find a draft note below. Please provide any commentary you
> would like.
> I believe that we should send to AVIS (local and head office); EPA; local
> council. Please also suggest any other organisation that should included.
> Many thanks
>
> Robin
>
>
>
> To whom it may concern,
>
> *Suspected fuel leak –risk to residents and environment *
>
> Over the last few months, the residents of 200 William Street
> Woolloomooloo have been exposed to overwhelming fumes and odours.
>
> First appearing in early March, there was an overpowering smell (similar
> to that of petrol) that was not only present in the car park below ground
> level, but also strongly apparent in the lifts and the higher levels of the
> apartment building. It entered apartments forcing some residents to use
> towels in an effort to prevent the fumes from coming through the small gaps
> around each unit’s front doors.
>
> *Investigations lead to a ruptured fuel tank within the building, owned by
> AVIS.*
>
> The building’s Executive Committee, Strata and Building Management team
> arranged for a plumber to assist in the investigations. Their findings are
> as follows:
>
> *Description*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> *: *Arrive onsite to and liaise with front desk of Avis Rentals to assist
> in accessing carpark. *Inspect garage area with contaminants meter. Lowest
> level carpark reads there is a petrochemical agent in area. We have found
> large pool of seepage likely from recent heavy rainfall that has been
> safety taped off. *Inspection of pooling seepage has found heavy smell of
> fuel and rainbow glaze indicating fuel/oil is contaminating seepage.
> *10,000L unleaded underground petroleum storage tank located on ramp that
> access' lowest level of carpark. *Carry out full inspection of pump, pit
> perimeter and access lines and found no visual evidence of
> surcharge/overflow from above contributing to contaminated seepage. *We
> have found that from our investigation we believe it is highly likely that
> storage tanks has a rupture and is contaminating ground/seepage and forcing
> through carpark slab when raining. *Advise Avis staff to contact Area
> Manager immediately action this as it is a health and environmental issues
> that carries large fines.*
>
> *Conclusion*
> *: *Most likely cause of contaminated seepage is due to a rupture in
> underground petroleum storage tank located close to affected area.*
>
> *Recommendation*
>
> *: *We have recommended Avis action this immediately with fuel spill kits
> and hazardous waste disposal services. *Following immediate issue we’ve
> advised they contact petroleum storage tank contractor to pump out service
> and decommission ASAP until rectified to avoid large fines from EPA.*
>
> *Commercial Building Manager disagrees it is worth further investigation
> by their tenant, AVIS.  *
>
> An on-site meeting was held with the relevant partied including Ben Mees
> (Commercial Building Manager) and the AVIS Manager. The outcome minuted at
> the meeting showed that the Commercial Building Manager did not think that
> the smell warranted further investigations. The notes from the independent
> plumber were as follows:
>
> *Conclusion*
> *: *Ben Mees and Assistant disagrees that there is a smell that is strong
> enough to warrant further investigation at costs quoted of $10,000.*
>
> **We have recommended that a proactive solution be made by all parties to
> avoid the high potential risk of harm to the occupants of the building and
> the surrounding environment/public. *We highly recommend this issue should
> be monitored as stormwater pump located close by could spread potential
> contaminants if situation deteriorates.*
>
> AVIS advised that they had ‘Gilbarco’ inspect their tank and are of the
> opinion that there is no fuel leak. This may be correct, however the
> problem continues and the it is a logical answer.
>
> *Petrol smells continue to effect residents from time to time,
> particularly during/after periods of rain. *
>
> Fumes continue to invade the apartments of our residents into April from
> time to time. Again forcing them to tape and block their doors in efforts
> to prevent the fumes from entering their homes. Residents have complained
> of headaches and nausea.
>
> *Assistance needed.*
>
> While the strong fumes come and go, their effects are causing health
> issues for our residents and proving a nuisance. What’s more concerning is
> the possibility of a systemic issue being constantly present and remaining
> undetected. The building and its resident welcome any action that that
> assist to identify and prevent this issue continuing any further.
>
> We await your response.
>
> Regards
>
>
>
> Executive Committee
> 200 William Street
> Woolloomooloo
>
> On Thu, Apr 13, 2017 at 12:13 PM, Patrick Rush <prush at stratatitle.com.au>
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Robin,
>>
>>
>>
>> Please see attached the 2 report that was sent to the Committee
>> previously which provide the details of the inspection and conclusions of
>> this inspection by Metro City Plumbing, which will assist with drafting of
>> your required letter.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Kind regards,
>>
>> *Patrick Rush*
>>
>> Strata Manager
>>
>>
>>
>> Phone: (02) 9266 2600 | Email: prush at stratatitle.com.au
>> <northshore at stratatitle.com.au> | Address: PO Box 2727, Taren Point, NSW
>> 2229
>>
>>
>>
>> <image003.jpg>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> *Emailed Communication / Documents Disclaimer*
>>
>> STM Limited takes no responsibility for content included in this email
>> when relating to a client matter.
>>
>> Please view Vesture’s full email communication disclaimer on our website –
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>>
>> *Important Notice:  *Owners should be aware that all correspondence,
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>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Robin Patrick [mailto:robin.j.patrick at gmail.com]
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, 12 April 2017 9:34 PM
>> *To:* Patrick Rush <prush at stratatitle.com.au>; ec at 200william.com
>> *Subject:* URGENT: summary needed (petrol)
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi Patrick
>>
>> My apartment is filling with petrol fumes once again resulting in
>> headaches and nausea. I can't live like this.
>>
>>
>>
>> Can you please as a matter of urgency provide a summary of the
>> conversations you or Darren may have had with who, the investigations made,
>> the results​ furnished and your best guess of the issue.
>>
>>
>>
>> Can you provide this by 5pm tomorrow (Thursday) so I can draft a letter
>> asap to Avis, the EPA and any other entities. I will send this to the EC to
>> then ratify and collectively we can finalize the recipients.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks in advance
>>
>>
>>
>> Robin
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>
>
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>
>
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