Heads up folks !
Having attempts to obtaining permission to dump waste coal mine water into Mammy Johnsons River somewhat thwarted till now (Duralie Coal), our Robert Lord (CEO Duralie Coal) has another tactic.. Duralie Coal has now an application before the Department of Planning to extend the mine and for approval to be made under Part 3A of the EPAA (application number 08_0203). Quotes are from the Project Description and Preliminary Assessment document.
The high profile of coal mining in NSW would almost guarantee that this expansion would be approved. However, as part of the application, Duralie Coal has included an application for "development of a controlled release system to Coal Shaft Creek or the Mammy Johnsons River to manage excess water that collects within on-site containment systems". This is simply again applying for the dumping of mine waste water into a pristine river system and downstream marine park that was prohibited by the mines original conditions.
Evidence from around the world shows us the impacts of acid mine drainage and the unconscionable attitudes of miners with regard to the long term destruction of rivers (Mines and Rivers).
"Potential impacts of the Project on downstream aquatic ecology such as alteration to the natural flow regimes of rivers and streams and changes to salt loads would also potentially be associated with the proposed controlled water release scheme to be developed for the Project".
The potential impacts from the project include "alteration of stream flow, flow duration and water quality in the lower reaches of Coal Shaft Creek and Mammy Johnsons River as a result of controlled releases of contained water in accordance with relevant approvals (e.g. EPL conditions); changes to runoff rates and runoff water quality from agricultural irrigation areas; effects on the salinity, pH and metals concentrations of runoff or seepage from waste rock emplacements or in operational areas, if PAF [potentially acid forming] materials are not appropriately managed." There are any number of examples where miners exhibit no ability to "appropriately manage" acid mine drainage - maybe its got something to do with the bottom line ?
Duralie Coal currently operates under "EPL No. 11701 issued by the DECC under the PoEO [protection of environment operations] Act." This EPL addresses such things as emission limits, environmental monitoring and reporting. As part of the application, Duralie Coal expects that "the Project would, if approved, necessitate a revision of EPL No. 11701." What other environmental aspects are under threat? This article does not address noise, dust, transport and other issues that may be of concern to others.
The application states "sulphur-containing waste rock material has the potential to generate low pH leachate when exposed to surface oxidising conditions, ..". Statements like these should leave us in no doubt that acid mine drainage is a real threat.
As an aside, it has been reported by observers that among the community, in prominant positions (that ought to know better) there are some that exhibit extraordinary skills. They can dip their hand into the Duralie waste dam surface water once, taste it, and state with confidence "what is the problem - there is nothing wrong with thais water". Great stuff, in one fell swoop we can now get rid of a whole heap of educated and experienced water testing scientists and labs around Australia - simply call on these people. Perhaps we can give them a wire coat hanger and get them to also solve our water problems once and for all.
Enough crap please!
This mine expansion is almost certain to go ahead - it is up to the local communities and those concerned with the protection of our river systems to stand and be counted - people power is the only way - legislation protection is overridden by Part 3A of the EPAA.
Kristina Keneally, the NSW planning minister is the one with total power - she is the one the community should lobby - the miners do not care.
So to all those who are concerned - GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER NOW - fight to ensure that at least our rivers are protected - let the pollies know of your concerns !!