Narrabri Coal fined $15,000 for excessive noise
The NSW Environment Protection Authority has fined Narrabri Coal Operations Pty Ltd $15,000 for allegedly exceeding noise limits, disturbing residents and breaching their Environment Protection Licence.
The Narrabri underground mine is located southwest of Narrabri.
EPA Director Regulatory Operations - Regional North Karen Marler said the company reported the breach in October 2019.
“Narrabri Coal has an obligation to the community to manage noise generated by their mining operations and ensure noise levels comply with licensed limits.
“On this occasion the EPA alleges that a daytime noise level of 39 decibels, recorded at a local property, breached the licenced limit of 35 decibels.
“The EPA has been receiving complaints about noise from the mine and has previously issued an Official Caution,” Ms Marler said.
It is believed the source of the noise was ventilation fans used for the safe operation of the mine.
Penalty notices are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance including formal warnings, official cautions, licence conditions, notices and directions and prosecutions. In this instance the EPA issued a penalty notice. The notice recipient may pay the penalty notice, seek a review, or elect to have the matter determined by a court.
For more information about the EPA’s regulatory tools, see the EPA Compliance Policy at www.epa.nsw.gov.au/legislation/prosguid.htm