Claims Pirates of the Caribbean production tipping toxic waste into Gold Coast creek
- From: Gold Coast Bulletin
- June 27, 2015
Investigations are being made into claims the production of Pirates of the Caribbean has released toxic chemicals into a Gold Coast creek. Source: Supplied
Captain Jack makes a point of meeting the fans. Video: youtube/bigfootkam 2:51
Cap'n Jack Sparrow, AKA Johnny Depp, spent an incredible three hours meeting fans at Hastings Point in northern NSW on Tuesday night after filming for Pirates of the Caribbean V finished. He literally met everyone, posing for pics and signing autographs. Video by Karl McDermott Youtube/bigfootkam
THE State Government is investigating allegations that the production of Pirates of the Caribbean has illegally let toxic liquids overflow into an Oxenford creek.
Mukiri Productions Australia, the Australian company set up by Disney to oversee the film’s operations, is facing a fine of up to $110,000 for the unlawful dumping.
Last night a company spokesman said he was not aware of the complaint, nor the investigation.
The complaint includes photos of alleged paint and chemical residues overflowing into the creek behind Village Roadshow studios.
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Ducks are also seen swimming next to a chemical barrel allegedly dumped in the water.
A source who has been working on the Pirates set said the pollution was where painters, sculptors and special effects specialists washed their materials.
“There are portable washing stations where all the painters, sculptors, specialist technicians go and wash things out.
“It is a two-storey type of setup. You have a set of stairs up to a tank there. You wash your dirty water into a container at the bottom.
“That container can hold up to maybe 3000 litres of water or plaster or dirt.
“When these containers are full, a forklift picks them up and takes it to the tip.
“Sometimes they are allowed to overflow. So instead of changing it every week, they let it overflow for two or three weeks and the dirty water goes into the creek.”
The source said he wasn’t completely sure of all the chemicals in the water but said it included oil, acetone, paint, resin, polystyrene and expanding foam.
“We call it an environmental disaster, that’s how we talk about it on the set. Most people don’t care. If you question your job, you’re fired.”
The State Government’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection said depending on the nature of the potential contamination, the latest matter may be referred to the Gold Coast City Council for further investigation.
Water expert Dr Prasanthi Hagare said paints could be toxic, especially those with heavy metals.
“The level of toxicity depends on the concentration of these metals,” she said.
“Polystyrene doesn’t dissolve and it remains in the creek and creates problems in terms of the habitat like for the birds.
“They pick it up and swallow it ... they can get affected immediately.”
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