Mine management douses dust problems

Management of the Helensburgh Mine is taking further steps to address residents’ concerns about coal dust and air pollution, according to general manager Tony De Santis.

“We do understand it is an issue and we want to reassure residents that we do take their complaints seriously,” he said.

Mr De Santis was responding to concerns from residents who say the problem has worsened in the past few years.

Chris Parks and his wife Hilary have lived in Hume Drive for 30 years and noticed more dust build-up in the last two years.

“You have to clean the clothes line before you can hang out the washing,” said Hilary. “The coal dust gets in the grout and I’m sweeping the verandah every day.”

Chris believes increased production at the mine since Excel Coal took over four years ago has led to the problem.

“The whole of Parkes Street is having problems and it’s a continual mess,” he said. “We’ve complained to the EPA three times and we were told to speak to the mine manager but we’ve had little or no response.”

However Old Station Road resident Jan Chipperfield’s calls to the EPA resulted in the installation of air pollution monitors and she receives regular reports on levels.

“In all fairness to the mine, they have addressed problems in this street,” she said.

Jan can now use her front deck and doesn’t have to wash it down every day.

“The main problem is the trucks going in and out and stirring up the dust,” she said. “They need to be able to water it down more than what they’re allowed.”

Mr De Santis said a street sweeper was used every day and the mine had incorporated many other measures to reduce dust.

“We use an overland conveyor rather than trucking the coal around the site, we have introduced dust suppression measures for the surface and the loading area, carparks and surface yard have been sealed.”

He said production had increased from 1.3 million tonnes to 1.7 million tonnes annually since Excel Coal took over however nearly 93 percent of coal was transported by rail from the site.

“And our trucks are washed onsite so there is no material coming off them.”

Mr De Santis said the mine was looking at ways of reducing dust emissions “even further” and would be considering sprays and sealing.

“We understand people’s frustration,” he said.