The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is kicking off this year's Bust the Dust campaign, putting mines on notice to reduce emissions and protect air quality in the Hunter region.
Now in its sixth year, the campaign aims to reduce emissions from Hunter Valley mines and ensure licence conditions are being complied with.
NSW EPA Director Operations David Gathercole said the campaign had been a success, with last year's results showing that mines were continuing to improve their operations.
"We've made Bust the Dust an annual campaign during dry and hot conditions as part of our commitment to protect the environment and improve air quality in the Hunter," Mr Gathercole said
"Local coal mines are put on notice that our EPA officers will be out and about monitoring for dust emissions and conducting unannounced inspections of their operations over the next few months.
"Last year we recorded 78 observations and found most Hunter mines had adequate dust suppression measures in place and some even took the extra step of standing down operations due to unfavourable weather.
"The EPA regulates air quality at mine sites through Environment Protection Licences and all mines are required to reduce dust from their operations."
The EPA is holding a community drop-in session in Singleton to discuss this season's Bust the Dust campaign and to seek feedback on the current statewide consultation on the regulation of coal mines. The event will take place on Tuesday 17 September, and the community is invited to register here.
The EPA's engagement with the community has been strengthened thanks to the establishment of the new Hunter Environment Advisory Group this year, who met for the second time in July 2024. Meeting summaries and membership details can be found at Hunter Environment Advisory Group (nsw.gov.au)
