A “pollution incident” during ship-loading activities in Newcastle Harbour has resulted in a $15,000 fine to Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS).
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) handed the penalty to the coal handling facility following an investigation, which found it breached a condition of its Environment Protection Licence.
It’s understood approximately 10 kilograms of coal material spilled into the Hunter River from a wharf conveyor belt at the Carrington terminal last June.
Five hours later, it was discovered during a routine inspection where key pollution controls were found not to be in the appropriate position following repairs to the conveyor belt.
EPA executive director of regulatory operations Jason Gordon said Port Waratah had a poor regulatory record.
“It should have had better measures in place to prevent and detect the incident,” he explained.
“Coal handling facilities have a responsibility to ensure any ship-loading duties do not impact the surrounding environment.
“This potentially damaging coal material entered the Hunter River without anyone noticing for several hours.
“The Hunter River is known by local Aboriginal people as Coquun, meaning ‘fresh water’ and is the lifeblood of the region.
“The EPA is committed to taking decisive action on pollution incidents that threaten waterways.
“While there were no obvious impacts, coal material can pose a risk to the environment and the potential consequences on marine life are concerning.
“Given the 24-hour operation of this coal terminal and its proximity to the water, it’s crucial for PWCS to have better systems in place to prevent recurrences in the future.”
Penalty notices are one of several tools the EPA can use to achieve compliance.
These measures also include formal warnings, licence conditions, enforceable undertakings, and prosecutions.
If you suspect someone is doing the wrong thing, phone the EPA’s Environment Line on 131 555.
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