28 May, 2014
National Pollutant Inventory reveals massive increases in particle pollution, lead, arsenic and other pollutants
The 2012-13 National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) report published this week confirms community concerns about increasing pollution from coal mining. [1]
The latest NPI figures show emissions of toxic pollutants, including PM10 (fine particles), lead, arsenic and fluoride, have increased by between 150% and 200% in the 10 years since 2003-04 (see table below).
“Coal mining is the leading source of particle pollution and contributes to a range of cardiovascular and respiratory ailments, especially in coal-affected regions such as the Hunter, Central Queensland and the La Trobe Valley,” said Nature Conservation Council spokesperson Dr James Whelan.
“The latest NPI report shows that PM10 emissions from coal mining have almost trebled during the past decade and warrant urgent attention.”
The NPI figures show that coal mining accounted for 380,000 tonnes of the 830,000 tonnes emitted nationally during 2012-13, a 20% increase on 2011-12.
The NSW Nature Conservation Council, Australian Conservation Foundation, Lock the Gate Alliance, and Environmental Justice Australia are calling for stricter regulation of air pollution.
Environmental Justice Australia reported last week that there were 3,000 avoidable deaths attributable to air pollution in Australia each year, and that the annual health bill associated with motor vehicle emissions was $2.4 billion. [2]
The report called for a national Air Pollution Control Act with strong provisions to prosecute polluters.
“Having access to pollution data, including the latest National Pollutant Inventory, helps community groups identify local polluters and pressure them to reduce their emissions,” said Ms Nicola Rivers for Environmental Justice Australia.
“The NPI’s alarming trends should prompt state regulators to take action. They issue coal mines with licences to pollute and are directly responsible for protecting communities exposed to that pollution.”
REFERENCES
[1] Latest NPI emission data - 2012-2013, http://www.npi.gov.au/npi-data/latest-data
[2] Clearing the Air report is available here: http://envirojustice.org.au/major-reports/clearing-the-air-why-australia-urgently-needs-effective-national-air-pollution-laws
FOR COMMENT
National: Nicola Rivers, Environmental Justice Australia, 03 8341 3100
Victoria: McKenzie-McHarg, Australian Conservation Foundation, 0428 480 409
NSW: Dr James Whelan, Nature Conservation Council of NSW, 0431 150 928
Victoria: Dr Nick Aberle, Environment Victoria, 0402 512 121
Queensland: Michael Kane, Lock the Gate Alliance, 0438 766 230
Tags
Coal and gasPollution and waste
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