Xstrata to make amends after pollution incident
Media release: 25 February 2011
Xstrata Mangoola Pty Ltd has agreed to pay $100,000 to help improve land and water quality in the Hunter River catchment. This follows an incident where 46 megalitres of sediment laden water were released into Wybong Creek from the Xstrata coal mine at Wybong, west of Muswellbrook, in February 2010.
As part of an enforceable undertaking Xstrata will contribute funding to the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority following an investigation by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW).
DECCW Officers found that following heavy rain, dirty water discharged into the creek because Xstrata had not finished constructing a dam to hold the sediment laden run-off water.
DECCW Director North East, Gary Davey, said discharge of dirty water can be contrary to a condition of the Environment Protection Licence held by Xstrata.
"The funds will be used for environmental improvements to the Maison Dieu Travelling Stock Reserve, near Singleton, for the next ten years," Mr Davey said.
“The stock route has historically been subject to grazing practices and substantial clearing. It is also exhibiting widespread gully and sheet erosion, resulting in loss of soil and high sediment loads being transported to Rixs' Creek and the Hunter River.
“The planned work will also support the regeneration of remnants of two Endangered Ecological Communities believed to be on the site.
"Projects to be undertaken include erosion control, fencing and weed control. An Aboriginal cultural heritage study will also be undertaken.
"Since the incident, Xstrata has voluntarily initiated measures to ensure that incidents of this nature should not occur in the future.
"This includes reviewing the site sedimentation and erosion control plan, training for staff and an approvals process for construction tasks involving the transfer or release of water on or off the site."
Contact: Lawrence Orel
Page last updated: 02 March 2011
