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

[Robin Patrick]

Thanks Ed.

Patrick - do you have any thoughts as to whether place your name on the
letter? Will it be more impactful?

Many thanks

Robin



On Tue, May 2, 2017 at 6:17 AM, Ed Sainsbury <edsainsbury at ozemail.com.au>
wrote:

> Hi Robin,
>
> Happy for you to put my name on it signed on behalf of the EC.
>
> I have rented out my apartment so am no longer living in the building. I
> now live 40mins away, so I will need someone else to let anyone in for
> inspections. Though I can get there at lunch times on Wednesdays.
>
> Regards,
> Edward
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On 30 Apr 2017, at 6:29 pm, Robin Patrick <robin.j.patrick at gmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> 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
>>> –www.stratatitle.com.au/disclaimer/
>>>
>>> *Important Notice:  *Owners should be aware that all correspondence,
>>> including letters, facsimile transmissions and emails are retained on the
>>> file of your scheme and may be subject to inspection by owners and
>>> residents within your scheme, as well as prospective purchasers for any lot
>>> that may be for sale within your scheme. As such author discretion is
>>> advised.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> *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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> EC mailing listEC at 200william.comhttp://200william.com/mailman/listinfo/ec
>>
>>
>> --
>> /* Matt Perkins
>>         Direct 1300 137 379        Spectrum Networks Ptd. Ltd.
>>         Office 1300 133 299        matt at spectrum.com.au
>>                                    Level 6, 350 George Street Sydney 2000
>>         Spectrum Networks is a member of the Communications Alliance & TIO
>> */
>>
>>
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>> http://200william.com/mailman/listinfo/ec
>>
>>
>
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