A Hunter Valley mine owner will pay a local council $50,000 after its sediment dams overflowed during heavy rain earlier this year.
The Bengalla Mining Company entered into an enforceable undertaking with the EPA after two of its dams at Muswellbrook overflowed, sending an estimated 1.8-megalitres of saline water and sediment into the Dry Creek Catchment. The Catchment feeds into the Hunter River.
The company will pay Muswellbrook Council $50,000, and EPA boss Adam Gilligan says it’s a reflection of the seriousness of the pollution.
Heavy rain might not happen every day, but when it does, it has the potential to have a real impact on the environment. That’s why mines must have the appropriate measures in place, no matter how rare storm occurrences might be,” Mr Gilligan said.
“Bengalla Mining Company have been willing to improve their practices and we’ll be on site regularly ensuring the appropriate standards are met.”
The EPA says the company has increased the holding capacity of its sediment dams.
