Since July 1 this year air quality monitors in the Singleton district have issued 123 alerts for PM10 levels exceeding national standards.
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And while it may be easy to blame the drought and north westerly winds for these alerts the fact that there was only 20 alerts in the Upper Hunter for the same period it would appear the PM10 is being created locally.
Commenting on the weekend’s alerts an EPA spokesperson said all coal mines are required by the NSW Environment Protection Authority to minimise dust at all times through conditions on their environment protection licences. If they fail to do so, the EPA will take action. Fines up to $1 million dollars can apply.
“A spike in particle levels was recorded on Saturday night and Sunday morning (15 and 16 September). Alerts were triggered at some sites, but this spike can be seen at all upper Hunter sites, as well as further north at Tamworth. Strong winds impacted a large area of NSW on Saturday. The spike is likely to be due to dust from inland NSW being blown by strong north-westerly winds into the Hunter,” they said.
EPA officers inspected Hunter Valley mines on Thursday September 13 and Sunday September 16. On both occasions, mines were managing dust appropriately.
However, Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association president John Krey said there is no safe level for dust as noted by the World Health Organisation and recently the Department of Health NSW.
“Singleton township continues to suffer the high impacts of air pollution from open cut mines (PM10) particularly Camberwell, Maison Dieu, Mount Thorley Warkworth and Singleton NW,” he said.
“Air pollution impacts on residents’ long term health and in particular children. I do not understand why there isn’t a greater outcry from families in Singleton and particularly in the areas noted above.”
During the recent dry period, the pollution has increased to the highest averages on record and yet the mines continue to operate at full production, Mr Krey warned. “Singleton Council in approving the closure of Wallaby Scrub Road and thus allowing the Warkworth Mine mine to expand westward has contributed to the unacceptable pollution levels,” he said.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
