Coal news and updates

The controversial Whitehaven Coal Maules Creek mine is being investigated again, this time following complaints about its groundwater use which the company denies.

The company has already been found by the NSW regulator to have allegedly taken surface water unlawfully.A briefing note prepared by the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) for the NSW Water Minister Melinda Pavey said NRAR is seeking advice on potential "civil and/or criminal proceedings".

Special counsel for the Environmental Defenders Office NSW (EDO NSW) Rana Koroglu has told 7.30 she understands that NRAR is meeting this week to make that decision.

"We understand the regulator is considering whether to commence criminal or civil proceedings or some other type of regulatory action," she said.

It comes as no surprise to brothers Rick and Phil Laird, who are both members of the Maules Creek Community Council and who farm near the mine.

They say their bore water has run dry.

 

Source : https://www.abc.net.au