Hunter Water cops a hefty fine

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Hunter Water has copped a $15,000 fine after they were found to have leaks and poor maintenance at their Dungog Water Treatment Plant.

The Dungog plant treats water from the Chichester Dam.

The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) issued the fine after a site inspection in May when officers uncovered several pipes suffering from contamination build up and corrosion. They say some leaks if left unchecked, could potentially flow into the stormwater system.

It's the second time Hunter Water has been found to have poor maintenance practices - the EPA also fined them last year when heavily chlorinated water leaked into a local creek because of a faulty pump at the Dungog site. Hunter Water did plead guilty to the charges.

It was determined that poor maintenance practices had led to that particular incident. In the end, the fines and court costs imposed on the company for the offences totalled more than a quarter of a million dollars.

EPA Director Karen Marler says it was disappointing to see inadequacies in maintenance practices this year, given the previous prosecution taken by the EPA.

Image nbnnews.com.au

Air Quality In Newcastle Best In Four Years

BY IAN CROUCH

 Newcastle has recorded its best air quality for winter in four years according to the latest air quality results.

The Winter Air Quality report captured data between June 1 and August 31 this year, shows there were no days recorded where pollution levels didn't spike over the national limits.

Wet weather over winter has helped to damp down dust particles.

However, Environment Protection Authority Acting Director for the Hunter, Karen Marler says the air quality is expected to get worse as we head into summer.

"Air quality in Newcastle is generally very very good, but as we move into Summer of course we get warmer and dryer conditions, so we can see increases in particle levels in the air," she said.

EPA Acting Hunter Director Karen Marler