Mammy Johnsons River as it is and should be.
On the 2 October 2009, Duralie Coal issued this media release regarding Mammy Johnsons River - http://www.gloucestercoal.com.au/documents/Enviro_EP_DCM_NoWaterRelease_2ndOctober09.pdf
In short Duralie Coal is now going to continue the original enforced "NO DISCHARGE" policy.
Gloucester Coal CEO, Barry Tudor says “The application to extend the Duralie Mine will not include any proposal for the controlled release of mine water off-site into Mammy Johnsons River or the irrigation of land located outside of our mining lease to the east of Mammy Johnsons River. These options were considered at one time but are no longer proposed as components of the Project.
and
"The people of the Gloucester Valley and down-stream areas to Karuah and Port Stephens can be reassured of the company’s commitment to achieving the highest standards of environmental performance which will not be compromised by the Duralie Mine extension”
This is of course great news for those opposing what was a real threat to the Mammy Johnsons River, Karuah River and the Port Stephens Marine Park. It has taken a long time but for now at least there is a lull in the battle with Duralie Coal. Whether all those involved in the protest over this issue had any influence in the decision will of course never be known, but I am sure it has and thanks ought to go to all concerned.
This sudden environmental altruism is a little inconsistent with Duralie Coals past actions. A report from one of the groups monitoring the Duralie / Mammy Johnsons River issue states
"When the Environmental Officer from the mine rang Doyne Lanham (who is on the Duralie Community Consultative Committee) to tell him that they were withdrawing river discharge and irrigation of the area on the eastern side of the river from the Duralie Coal Major Project- Clareval and that they were putting out a Media Release. Doyne asked him why the Water Management Modification had been withdrawn and he told him that the Director General from the DOP had made them withdraw the Water Management Modification Application MOD 5."
It would appear that there is more than a little political influence being brought to bear which is no surprise given the NSW Governments "on the nose" problems.
However, let us savour this win but not be complacent. We should keep a wary eye on Duralie Coal in the future - they wanted to discharge into the river for a purpose and there is no reason to believe that purpose has now gone. If Duralie Coal has had a change of heart considering that the Chinese now own it, perhaps we out to give them guarded credit.
Good Work All