HUNTER mines are on notice to reduce their emissions, the NSW Environment Protection Authority says.
The watchdog has launched this year's campaign to reduce emissions from Hunter Valley mines.
In its sixth year, the Bust the Dust campaign aims to protect air quality in the region and ensure mines comply with licence conditions.
Next Tuesday, September 17, the EPA will hold a drop-in session in Singleton to seek community feedback on the regulation of coal mines.
NSW EPA director of operations David Gathercole said last year's results showed mines were continuing to improve their operations.
"We've made Bust the Dust an annual campaign during dry and hot conditions as part of our commitment to protect the environment and improve air quality in the Hunter," Mr Gathercole said
"Local coal mines are put on notice that our EPA officers will be out and about monitoring for dust emissions and conducting unannounced inspections of their operations over the next few months," he said.
In 2023 the EPA undertook 78 observations and found most Hunter mines had adequate dust suppression measures while some also paused operations during bad weather.
"The EPA regulates air quality at mine sites through Environment Protection Licences and all mines are required to reduce dust from their operations," Mr Gathercole said.
Register for the community drop-in session here.
