Stockton Rubbish Rises to the Surface

BY TYLER FARDELL

The huge swell and strong winds which battered Newcastle's coastline over the past weeks has uncovered a dirty secret in Stockton.

Over the weekend, much of the Stockton sand dunes close to the water were eroded away, revealing a disgusting sight for many locals who visit the area.

Currently, signs are in place to deter away any visitors as representatives from Newcastle City Council, Hunter Water and the Environment Protection Authority met today at the site to discuss the clean-up.

Many community members are worried the situation could get worse if the rubbish isn't cleaned up before another big swell hits and erodes more of the sandbank away, which has already collapsed in some places.

Keiran Smith from Hunter Water says they're looking to fix the situation as quick as they can.

"Today we're meeting with Council and the EPA to get this mess sorted out", he said. "We need to hire a licensed contractor to fix the site.

The site of the rubbish is on the land of Hunter Water so they'll be taking the lead of the cleanup.

"Our immediate focus is to make the site safe so that includes signage and security", Mr Smith said.

Rubbish along Stockton Beach
Photo source; NBN News

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

Driver Fined for Littering

BY TYLER FARDELL


A Hunter man who thought it would be funny to throw a ice-filled drink cup at a cyclist as they traveled along Maitland Road in Hexham as had his comeuppance.

The Environment Protection Authority fined the man $450 for aggravated littering and said it's lucky the cyclist was alright after the incident which occurred in October last year.

The drink hit the man on the head and damaged his glasses and helmet but he was able to safely pull over.

The dangerous act was recorded on the cyclists bike camera and the footage was handed in to police.

Hunter Director of the EPA Karen Marler criticized the act, calling it reckless and stupid.

"Litter damages the environment", she said. "It can harm wildlife and marine life, injure people and make our surroundings more dangerous".

NSW police are continuing to investigate the matter.

Workers Fear Exposure to Toxic Gas at Westfield Kotara.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Toxic gas otherwise known as aluminium salt slag has been discovered by workers during the $90 million redevelopment of Westfield Kotara.

Aluminium salt slag emits highly toxic and explosive gases when exposed to water or humidity.

The poisonous gas was found during the excavation of the car park near Northcott Drive and workers fear they could have been exposed to the contamination.

Construction workers are now being advised to wear full body suits and using respiratory equipment when working at the site.

Truck drivers removing the contaminated material are being advised to keep their windows closed and not to leave their cabin.

Before the environmental damage of slag was known to the public, it was used as landfill for sites around the Hunter region.

Both the Environment Protection Authority and SafeWork NSW have launched investigations into this incident.

In a statement provided to 2NUFRM, SafeWork NSW said:

"Investigating alleged exposure to hazardous materials at a construction site on the corner of Park Avenue and Northcott Drive Kotara.

A part of its investigation, SafeWork will review the reports of independent consultants engaged by the business."

Westfield Kotara.
Credit- Visit Newcastle Website.

EPA Continues Bengalla Investigation

The Environment Protection Authority is continuing its investigations in to the Rio Tinto owned Bengalla mine, near Musswellbrook.

The overflow follows heavy rainfall in the Hunter earlier this month.

EPA officers began interviews on Monday, while also carrying out an inspection and gathering water and sediment samples for testing.

So far, no pollution to water sources has been found.

EPA Hunter General Manger, Adam Gilligan says both parties have been able to coperate.

"Our officers worked with the mine on Monday and were pleased to see that they commenced dewatering of those dams so that they could get the water levels down.

"Particularly that's important before any further rainfall or storm event that might cause further overflowing."

A section of Bengalla's sediment dam

The EPA have also confirmed they are looking for additional information from the mine operator, including monitoring records and incident response details.

It's the third Hunter mine this month which has seen overflowing, with Warkworth mine (also Tinto owned) and Wambo mine being investigated for potential pollution.

"Certainly [it's] a concern to us that we've had a spade of these issues arising following the recent heavy rainfall" said Mr. Gilligan.

"What concern's us is making sure the sediment dames, etc on mine sites are constructed properly."

Image courtesy of John Crey, via The Singleton Argus (LINK).