A sand quarry at Mooball has copped a $15,000 fine for failing to implement a dust monitoring progam as it should have.
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment issued the $15,000 penalty to Ramtech Pty Ltd for failing to meet conditions of approval for the Dunloe Sands Quarry.
Dunloe Sands Quarry is required to implement an approved dust monitoring program in accordance with the project approval conditions which is in place to identify any potential impacts on air quality.
A spokesperson said compliance officers became aware of a breach of these conditions during a review of the company’s independent environmental audit, which must be submitted to the Department for approval every five years.
“An audit review found the company did not implement the program in its entirety between March 2015 and August 2016,” the spokesperson said.
‘In March 2015, the Department issued a penalty notice of $3,000 to the quarry for failing to implement the dust monitoring program and requested the company to remedy this breach of conditions.
‘While some dust monitoring has occurred since then, the quarry has not implemented monitoring of fine particles in the air, known as PM10 and Total Suspended Particulate.
‘The company has cooperated with the compliance investigation and has agreed to implement the approved program.
‘The Department will continue to monitor the site and the company must now pay the $15,000 penalty.
‘Our compliance officers review reports and conduct audits, undertake spot checks without warning, as well as work with companies to ensure they are sticking to the rules.
‘Compliance enforcement can include warning letters and orders, penalties which can reach up-to $5 million, and prosecutions for the most serious offences.
‘The community is encouraged to contact the Department with compliance concerns. Complaints will be investigated.’
