22 June, 2015
Tiny fine for mining company that created a ‘river of concrete’ in conservation area
The $120 000 fine handed down to Orica Australia after it turned a creek in to a ‘river of concrete’ shows the planning system doesn’t take environmental damage seriously, according to the state’s peak environment organisation, the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
“Glencore Xstrata’s destructive longwall coal mining and the botched clean up job by Orica has permanently ruined a beautiful conservation area, yet they have received little more than a slap on the wrist as punishment”, said Kate Smolski, CEO of the Nature Conservation Council.
“In July 2012 a longwall coal mine caused ancient cliff faces to crumble and large cracks to form in the ground. Trying to fix the damage Orica poured hundreds of cubic metres of grout into the earth to plug the enormous hole which then spilt and turned a creek bed in to a 280 metre river of concrete.
On Friday the Land and Environment Court heard the case against Orica Australia. Justice Brian Preston found the company guilty of two breaches. The maximum fine for the offenses is $2.1million, however the company was fined only $120 000. The Sugarloaf State Conservation Area is 40 kilometres west of Newcastle.
“Mining activity has permanently destroyed the landscape and in return the company is fined a measly $120 000. Surely the health of our conservation areas is worth more than small change?
“Whilst we welcome the company being held to account for their dire actions, the small fine simply doesn’t pass the common sense test.
“This sorry incident highlights the unacceptable risks longwall coal mining poses to sensitive environmental areas, especially in areas where the geology is known to be highly unstable, as was the case with Sugarloaf.
“This really does raise the question – why is the Government allowing mining in state conservation areas? These special places are supposed to be protected for the community and for nature.
“Premier Mike Baird must ban longwall mining in sensitive environmental areas like Sugarloaf if they are serious about protecting our environment.
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Daisy Barham, 0402 335 664
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Coal and gas
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