The Garomna property stock watering dam owned by grazier Nigel Simmons was exposed to some of the 31,500 litres of sulphuric acid that leaked from the train that derailed 20 kilometres east of Julia Creek on December 27.

It caused the dam’s pH levels to fall to 2. 

The sulphuric acid belonged to fertiliser company Incitec Pivot, which owns an acid plant in Mount Isa and the Phosphate Hill site in the Cloncurry shire. 

A company spokeperson said the neutralisation should be completed by Friday. 

Incitec Pivot was working with Queensland Rail, Enviro Risk and Golder to use the lime to raise the pH level in the dam as well as a channel between the crash site and the dam. 

“The purpose of these works is to remediate the areas as soon as possible and to leave the landholder with a stock dam and upstream catchment that is suitable for livestock and without any resident impact in the future,” the spokesperson said. 

“Safety remains our number one priority and the works for the landholder’s dam are underway and are taking a stage approach as guided by the independent environmental contractors.” 

A Queensland Rail site coordinator said the company was also working with Aurizon on arrangements for the fixture of the railway. 

“Aurizon is currently finalising preparation works at the site, including the establisment of access roads, crane pads and other supporting infrastructure, which will enable safe access to the locomotive and wagons during the recovery process,” the site coordinator said. 

Environmental workers were also completing detailed sampling to check the impact of the derailment. 

The workers would provide advice to Queensland Rail and Incitec Pivot on how best to manage the environment of the site. 

“All parties (are) focused on ensuring their recovery work, and rebuilding work of Queensland Rail happens safely and without further environmental impact,” the site coordinator said.