More reasons why coalmines and towns don’t mix

Posted by Jim on July 13, 2010

A NSW State Government report on air quality, noise levels and drinking water issues has found that coal mines near Camberwell in the Hunter Valley, NSW, have been exposing locals to an excessive level of dust.

The study found daily dust concentrations exceeded standards during 2008 between 10 and 30 days at different monitoring stations in and near Camberwell.  Noise levels were close to exceeding acceptable levels, and the report found they could rise further if the mines were expanded.  However, the research revealed there is no evidence of high lead levels in drinking water in rainwater tanks.

One of the coal mines is further from Camberwell than the Colton Coal Mine will be from Aldershot and, like the reserves near Aldershot, are metallurgical coal deposits.

Jim McDonald, 13 July 2010
Sources: iPrime Newcastle; Camberwell Metallurgical Coal Mine