Pasminco Administrator Attempts to Avoid Containment Commitment

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE AND MADELAINE MCNEILL

The administrator of the former Pasminco Smelter at Boolaroo is applying to the Department of Planning and Environment to water-down their commitment to monitor a lead containment cell.

Corporate recovery firm Ferrier Hodgson is hoping to remove a Department of Planning stipulation tying them to the future monitoring of contamination at the site.

The company claims it can't afford to pay for the monitoring unless the land is sold off to furniture giant IKEA for $22-million-dollars.

Lake Macquarie MP and chair of the Lead Expert Working Group, Greg Piper, says the application is concerning but the Department won't easily allow a weakening of monitoring.

Community members believe the application represents a shirking of environmental responsibility, and Jim Sullivan from the Boolaroo Action Group says he's worried about who'll foot the bill in future.

The former Pasminco smelter. Image: Newcastle Herald

Upper Hunter Mines Face Snap Nighttime Inspections

BY IAN CROUCH

Environment groups are welcoming night time inspections of Upper Hunter coal mines, although they're questioning the method behind the move.

Planning Department officers will conduct surprise inspections of mines following community complaints about an increase in dust at night.

However the department has taken the unusual step of warning the mine operators ahead of time.

Environmentalists say although it's a bit strange, the move is welcome if it prompts coal companies to do the right thing.

Mining Activity Creates A Dust Haze Over The Upper Hunter. Picture colliemail.com.au