Wilpinjong is working to amend a data error, that it says, incorrectly ranked it as the third largest emitter of fine dust particles in a government survey of 105 coal mines.
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Data from the National Pollutant Inventory reported a 786 per cent jump in fine dust particle emissions from the mine between 2013 and 2014 and ranked it as the eighth highest emitter of coarse dust particles – a 120 per cent increase on the previous year.
Owner of the mine, Peabody Energy said an error made in the initial calculation submitted to the NPI, significantly overstated the figures.
“On April 1, the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) released its 2013-2014 annual industry emissions report.
“Peabody Energy would like to clarify that the data contained in the report is incorrect and emissions at its Wilpinjong mine in NSW did not increase during the 2013-2014 reporting period,” a Peabody spokesperson said.
“Peabody is working with the relevant government departments to rectify the error.”
“Mining conditions and production volumes have not changed materially since the previous NPI report was released in 2012-2013. Since this data was provided to the NPI, Peabody has found that an error was made in the initial calculation submitted, which significantly overstated the figures.
“Peabody is working with the relevant government departments to rectify the error.”
Regardless of the figures, residents of nearby Wollar are concerned about air pollution.
Wollar Progress Association secretary Bev Smiles said traces of coal dust have been found inside homes.
“The Environment Protection Agency tested dust and tank water from houses and public buildings in the village of Wollar last year,” Ms Smiles said.
“Traces of coal dust were found inside peoples’ homes and the village hall, while drinking water had traces of heavy metals and salts. The people of the Wollar district should not have to live with coal in their houses and drinking water.
“These fine dust particles can enter the blood stream and lungs and cause a large range of major health impacts. The people of the Wollar district are being exposed to an unhealthy environment because of poor regulation of the mining industry.”
She said air pollution must be resolved ahead of any mine expansion.
“It is of great concern that Peabody Energy are now planning to expand the Wilpinjong Mine closer to the village,” Ms Smiles said.
“We should not have our health sacrificed, the value of our properties impacted and our community destroyed. The problem with increased air pollution needs to be resolved before any further expansion of open cut coal mining is considered in the region.”
