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Member for Schubert, Mr Ivan Venning was concerned to learn this week that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) dust monitoring station that has been located near Penrice mine since late March, does not meet National Environment Protection Measures (NEPM) standards.
National Environment Protection Measures (NEPM) outlines national objectives for protecting or managing particular aspects of the environment.
The monitoring station was put in place on 31 March this year by the EPA, for a period of 12 months following numerous complaints from residents living in close proximity to the mine regarding dust.
Mr Venning said that the EPA’s decision to utilise a dust monitor that does not meet national standards made many in the community question whether or not the State Government body was serious about health and environmental issues.
“Many community members are upset and angry that the monitor put in to measure dust levels and particle size is not to standard” Mr Venning said.
“The feeling is that the previous nine months of testing has been a waste of time.
“The EPA is supposed to be the community’s watchdog authority with regard to environmental issues, but in this case it appears they have dropped the ball.
“I cannot understand why you would bother putting in a dust monitor, particularly following several complaints about small particulate matter, that it not up to standard?” said Mr Venning.
When the EPA commenced testing, assurances were given to the community that if there were more than five exceedences of the acceptable level of small inhalable size particles – PM10 – they would be required to take action and force the mine to rectify the situation. Since testing commenced nine months ago, there have been five exceedences of PM10 size particle levels in the air, yet it appears no pressure has been put on Penrice Mine by the EPA to fix the situation.
Mr Venning said this situation called into question what authority and power the EPA actually had.
“Is this body serious about enforcing environmental standards or are they merely a toothless tiger” asked Mr Venning.
“We are in the lead up to what is predicted to be another hot summer and this is the time when the nearby residents are affected by dust from the mine the most, as with the dry conditions there is a visible increase in the dust in the air.
“Nearby residents said on a clear day it is apparent that a large proportion of the dust is emanating from the crusher.
“This being the case, in order to improve the situation and decrease the dust level in the air, the crusher and conveyer belts must be permanently enclosed and this should be included as a priority the mine’s Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP).
“Two years ago quarrying only comprised 20 per cent of Penrice’s business, and now it has increased to 65 per cent; this is clearly why there has been an increase in dust in the past two years.
“However, the mine must take some responsibility to implement measures to mitigate and minimise dust levels, despite increased levels of quarrying” Mr Venning said.
“On Monday, I organised for a delegation of concerned community members to meet with the Hon. Paul Holloway, the Minister for Mineral Resources Development to discuss the dust problem, among other issues.
“The Minister and PIRSA representatives gave the community assurances that they would follow up the outstanding issues regarding dust at Penrice mine with the EPA, so I hope this occurs quickly to give the community some peace of mind.
“I again pledge support for the people who have concerns about dust and noise problems with the mine operation.
“No one including myself wants to see the mine closed – everyone is aware of the employment the mine provides for locals and that the soda ash extracted from the mine is used to make glass bottles – in particular wine bottles.
“I am still of the firm belief that the mine can coexist with the community without problems, but measures need to be taken to ensure this happens” said Mr Venning.
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