Sixty Thousand Barrels (ATOM Study Guide)

Sixty Thousand Barrels is a mixed-mode documentary that looks at the problem of toxic waste disposal and the responsibility of companies to local residents and the environment.

Chemical production giant Orica (formerly ICI) has the World's largest stockpile of highly toxic hexachlorobenzene waste stored in 60,000 barrels at their decommissioned plant in Botany, NSW. The time has come for this toxic waste to be destroyed. The question is: How can Orica facilitate this disposal in a safe and responsible manner when 16,000 people reside within one kilometre of the plant? Of particular concern is the risk of airborne contamination from this chemical pollutant, which is extremely likely to occur during the disposal process.

Nancy Hillier, a 78-year-old activist and a group of concerned residents are adamant that the disposal must meet community approval before proceeding. Their concern is justified by Orica's alarming environmental record, which includes decades of explosions, foul smells, cover ups and broken promises. This time the residents have had enough!

Curriculum links:
Sixty Thousand Barrels will be of interest and relevance to teachers and students at middle to senior secondary school level. This study guide offers teaching suggestions for these areas:
Sections 1& 2: English and Media Studies, General Science, Studies of Society and Environment, Earth and Environmental Science, Legal Studies, Politics and Society and Culture.
Section 3: Media Studies
Section 4: Legal Studies, Studies of Society and Environment, Earth and Environmental Science Politics, English and Media Studies.
Section 5: English and Media Studies, Studies of Society and Environment, Earth and Environmental Science, Legal Studies, Politics and Society and Culture