The EPA has approved Origin Energy's request to extend its Eraring ash dam despite concerns about potential hazards.
The expansion will augment the ash dump by 50 million cubic metres to allow for 1.3 million tonnes of ash produced at the plant each year.
In 2007, Origin agreed to a planning guideline to reuse 80% of the ash by 2015, but have only recycled around 40%.
The area marked for expansion includes the abandoned Awaba colliery, where one sinkhole has already opened.
Origin Energy claims there is no evidence of toxins leaching from the ash dam, through the mine, into the neighbouring Lake.
NSW Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham says the government should more thoroughly investigate the area, as "sinkholes are likely to connect the toxic ash dam with the abandoned underground mine which will then leak to pollute Lake Macquarie.
"If you don't look you don't see," he said.
"It's clear that this is a massive toxic legacy... utterly unacceptable that they continue to be allowed to pollute.
"The government should stop Eraring in its tracks, stop Origin, it's unacceptable that they're seeking to dump even more of their toxic ash."
Lake Macquarie council said it raised "no objection" provided impacts to the land were acceptable.
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| Eraring is the largest power station in Australia. PHOTO: Newcastle Herald |
