HUNTER MINING COMPANY FINED $13,000 FOR ODOUR
The Environment Protection Authority has fined a Hunter mining company $13,000 for emitting an odour from blast fumes in 2012.
Wambo Coal pleaded guilty to the incident in Singleton Local Court.
Residents in the Jerrys Plains area complained of having to go indoors and remain there for the duration of the blast to avoid the odour.
They also reported varying health problems including itchy eyes, dryness of mouth, dizziness, headaches and asthmatics had experienced breathing problems.
In a statement, the EPA says “despite knowing the increased risk of a blast fume incident occurring, Wambo did not take proactive steps to inform local residents of the risk.
“Since the incident, Wambo has taken the steps to ensure a similar situation does not occur at the site in the future, including: reviewing its health and safety management systems and developing a revised Blast Management Plan.”
The EPA is now monitoring all the activities of the mine to ensure that the company complies with environmental conditions and regulations.