Firm pays $9 million following lead contamination

Following lead contamination at Esperance Port in Western Australia, a firm has been fined a total of AUD$9 million ($4.2 million).

Magellan Metals was found guilty of contaminating local residents, rainwater tanks and wildlife with lead as it used the hub to transport the metal, reported abc.net.

The money due to be paid out by the firm will go towards clean-up operations in and around the Shire of Esperance, some of which have already been performed.

Ian Mickel, president of the Shire, commented: "I think many of the community have been frustrated and they're just wanting to move on with their lives and get on with the positive life that Esperance has always enjoyed."

A further $1 million will be contributed by Magellan Metals to a community fund, which is set to launch projects over the next three years.

In related developments, a school was quarantined in San Bernardino County, California last week after a young boy living in the district brought mercury he had found locally into class with him.