An operator of Hunter Valley open cut mines has been fined $30,000 for separate alleged water pollution offences in January.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Mount Thorley Warkworth for the alleged offences at its Hunter Valley open cut coal pits in January 2021.
The EPA issued one $15,000 penalty notice to Mount Thorley Operations Pty Limited for discharging saline and sediment laden water from an unlicenced point on January 5.
During a period of heavy rainfall, untreated mine water is alleged to have been unlawfully discharged into natural drainage lines leading to Longford Creek, a tributary of Wollombi Brook and the Hunter River.
A second penalty notice for $15,000 was issued to Warkworth Mining Limited for a similar unlicenced discharge on Janaury 4.
This discharge is also alleged to have happened during heavy rainfall when untreated mine water was released offsite into natural drainage lines leading to Loders Creek, a tributary of the Hunter River.
EPA Director Regulatory Operations Adam Gilligan said both alleged incidents had the potential to cause environmental harm.
"Sampling conducted by Mount Thorley Warkworth at the time showed elevated levels of pH in the water," Mr Gilligan said. "It also showed increased salinity and sediment concentration. This can cause environmental harm to the surrounding creeks and rivers in the local community, including the Hunter River.
"These fines should serve as a reminder to industry that environmental incidents such as this can come at a cost, and preventing such incidents makes good business sense."
