Mayfield residents can breathe easier after it was revealed Koppers Carbon Materials and Chemicals has been overstating the levels of benzene and other toxic pollutants emitted from its Mayfield plant.
The EPA undertook a six-month-long investigation following community complaints and a major error was discovered in the way Koppers was measuring pollution levels.
An independent air quality assessment found levels of toxic pollutants were only about 10% of the figures previously reported to the National Pollutant Inventory.
However, despite the EPA's assurance that the adjusted air pollution levels comply with current regulations, some residents are left unsure of what to believe.
Correct Planning and Consultation for Mayfield convenor John Hayes says residents are being asked to take on faith what the paid consultants of Koppers are telling them.
The conflicting reports have fueled the community's calls for Koppers to implement a "fair dinkum" ongoing independent emissions monitoring system.
"We think the community is entitled to have that independent monitoring installed," John Hayes said.
"Other industries have had to make contributions towards costs for those sorts of things, including Orica, and I don't see any reason why Koppers shouldn't be asked to do it."
Koppers will be joined by the EPA and other relevant agencies in hosting a community information session this weekend for those interested in learning more about the situation.
The information session will be held at Koppers' Mayfield plant this Saturday, July 14th beginning at 10am.
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| Koppers Mayfield. Picture: Newcastle Herald |
