The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is inviting residents to comment on Delta Electricity’s application for exclusion to the set emission limit for nitrogen oxide at its Vales Point Power Station.
The company’s submission to the EPA seeks another exemption under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2021 for five years from 1 January 2022.
The coal-fired power station, located on the southern shore of Lake Macquarie, supplies electricity to the National Electricity Market, which includes all states and territories except Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
EPA executive director regulatory operations Steve Beaman said the EPA was carefully considering and assessing the application in accordance with statutory obligations.
“We’re also interested in community feedback on the proposal,” he explained.
“While it is not a requirement under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 to consult publicly about this application, we are opening this up to comment because we are keen to hear what residents have to say, as part of our considerations.
“Specifically, we’d like to hear the community’s views – and if they have specific comments.
“The EPA is conducting a comprehensive review of the application, which seeks to extend an existing exemption for a further five years.
“As part of that, we’ve requested more information from Delta Electricity, including an air quality impact assessment which is now available as part of the public consultation.
“We’re also consulting with experts including from NSW Health and the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
“All of this information, as well as the submissions received in this consultation process, will be considered by the EPA before a final decision is made.”
The EPA has a comprehensive and robust framework for regulating power stations in NSW including legally enforceable conditions relating to noise, air, water, land contamination, waste and other operational matters designed to protect the community and the environment.
Licences and pollution monitoring results provided by licensed industry operators are available on the EPA’s Public Register.
More information about the Delta Electricity Vales Point emission exemption application can be found at www.yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/
Submissions close on Wednesday 10 November.
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