Thursday, 15 July 2010: The NSW Government has released the Camberwell Cumulative Impact Review, a report carried out on behalf of the Department of Planning into the effects of the mining industry on Camberwell near Singleton that may have a far reaching impact on the local breeding industry.
The NSW Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, said the review included three expert reports, analysing air quality, noise levels and drinking water issues; an additional expert report on air quality which the Department asked several mining companies – who are seeking to expand their operations in the vicinity of Camberwell – to produce; and a Departmental overview and response to the above-mentioned expert reports.
“The reports will inform a range of government decisions relating to Camberwell, including decisions on new mining proposals, existing mining operations, health studies and monitoring regimes,” Mr Kelly said.
“The findings of the various studies confirmed the Government's initial concerns that Camberwell was the key area of the Hunter Valley coalfields that warranted close attention in terms of mining related impacts.”
The review found that on an annual average basis, dust levels at Camberwell have been consistently below the relevant standard used by the Department of Planning and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) to assess new mine proposals.
However daily dust concentrations exceeded the relevant short term standard during 2008 between 10 and 30 days at different monitoring stations in and near Camberwell.
Cumulative noise levels at Camberwell in 2009 were estimated at 42-44 dBA, which do not exceed the recommended maximum amenity noise criteria for a rural area, but are close to the criteria.
However noise levels are predicted to rise by a further 2 dBA if current project applications for mines in the area were approved.
There was no evidence of high lead levels in drinking water in rainwater tanks in Camberwell, or that the low levels of lead which were present came from coal mining dust.
Mr Kelly said coal mines near Camberwell will be required to cut back noise and dust levels, and more government inspectors will be based in the Upper Hunter by the end of August.
The NSW Government will now implement the following initiatives:
- Employ two Department of Planning compliance officers, who will be based full-time in the Upper Hunter to monitor mines' compliance with conditions of consent.
- Targeting Camberwell as a site for the establishment of an air monitoring station as part of the 14 stations proposed for the Upper Hunter Air Quality Monitoring Network. This will allow residents to access real time data on air quality in the region;
- Requiring mines around Camberwell to employ best practice dust and noise control measures, expanding real-time monitoring and limiting mine operating practices to reduce emissions; and
- Ensuring residents are fully informed of potential health impacts of mining operations.
Mr Kelly said the Department of Planning expects dust and noise levels to fall significantly at Camberwell once the Ashton North-East open cut mine closes in December this year.
“That said, a number of mine proposals near Camberwell may lead to additional noise and dust emissions, and will need to be carefully considered by the Department,” Mr Kelly said.
