Eleven of the 14 complaints received in August were for noise compliance issues.

A NSW department of planning and infrastructure spokesperson told The Singleton Argus the majority of the noise complaints related to operational activities of mines such as truck and machinery operations at sections of mines sites near residences.

The spokesperson said Glendell mine volunteered to double their attendant noise monitoring in Camberwell in response to noise complaints. This will see attendant monitoring occur eight times a year instead of four. This is in addition to a separate noise review being undertaken in the village at the request of a resident.

“The cooler weather has contributed to the noise issues, causing the noise to carry further,” the spokesperson said.

On August 11 a complaint was received about activity on an overburden dump which the department is investigating.

On August 16 a draft order was issued to Coal & Allied Operations’ Newdell loading point following investigations that coal haulage trucks were tracking coal sediment-contaminated mud along Pikes Gully Road on July 21.

Coal & Allied committed to no longer use the site for coal loading in wet conditions to avoid tracking sediment on to the road.

In addition it is proposed to install wheel wash facilities at both the Newdell load point and the Howick Plant where the coal trucks are sourcing their coal.

A Coal & Allied spokesperson told The Singleton Argus “strict environmental standards mean we are continually looking for ways we can improve our operations”.