Toxic Postcode Welcomes Sharp Drop in Air Pollution

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

New data has revealed air pollution levels in some of Newcastle's most toxic suburbs has fallen dramatically.

Suburbs in the 2304 postcode including Kooragang, Mayfield, Warabrook and Sandgate have seen a sharp reduction in major air pollutants such as Benzene and Sulphur Dioxide over the past five years.

It's believed tighter pollution controls recommended by the NSW Environment Protection Authority and other agencies have contributed to the rapid decline.

The drop in levels has been welcomed by most residents, but many still hold major concerns about coal dust pollution in the area.

Convener of the Correct Planning and Consultation for Mayfield Group, John Hayes, says it's been a slow process to get to this point.

"It's been a very slow process, and an expensive process for industries to put scrubbers on chimneys and all that sort of thing, " Mr Hayes said.

"But all of those things lead to lower emissions, and that's got to be good for everybody."

Residents remain concerned over coal dust. Image: Newcastle Herald

Muswellbrook Mayor Not Satisfied With Just a Fine

BY TYLER FARDELL


The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) recently fined BHP Billiton $15 thousand dollars for exceeding the air pollution guidelines at their Mount Arthur coalmine and while Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush says it's the right idea, it's not enough.

Its not the first time the EPA have fined BHP over air pollution from the mine with incidents occurring in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

The latest fine occurred after a witness reported of excess dust blowing across a road near Muswellbrook.

All mines must comply with rules and regulations to limit and control dust generation at all times but Mr Rush says BHP is simply ignoring these rules.

"They have (BHP) continually ignored the regulations for dust pollution and it's simply not good enough", he said.

"The air shed is already at capacity in the area and residents would suffer if the Mount Arthur mine continues to operate as it currently does".

Mr Rush is calling for the government to step in and take action, otherwise the situation will remain unchanged.

"BHP make tens of millions of dollars every month so a few fines ranging from $15000 to $1500 aren't going to stop anything. They need to have their mining licence suspended so a more environmentally aware company can take over".

Mount Arthur Coal Mine
Photo Source; Newcastle Herald