Rapid Assessment Rapidly Running Out of Puff?

A letter from Costerfield farmer, Mr Neil Harris:


Dear Costerfield Antimony Issues,

I think our regulators need a rocket up 'em for not making a "rapid assessment" of our drinking water. 

Residents' water tanks were tested for antimony and other heavy metals beginning in the first week of October. We were told we would have the results 2 weeks after testing was completed.

It is now five weeks and we have received no results for the testing of our tank water. This is tank water for drinking.

Further testing was to be conducted in the first week of November. No Costerfield resident has been contacted to organise this. No communication at all. 

*Next round of testing has commenced.

During last Thursday's ERC meeting I mentioned 10 minutes prior to being told of the dust monitoring results that the wind was prevailing from a south-westerly direction and that the dust would pose a problem for the Costerfield township area. And that is exactly what happened.

We were told that the ERC's monitoring reports confirmed dust was over the limit at deposited dust gauge number 10 near the township of Costerfield. Near the Community Hall.

They also confirmed that particulate emissions limits were exceeded on two occasions, at both the north and south located DustTrak machines.

Why would there not be dust and particulates on the roofs of residential properties in Costerfield? Why can't a weather station be installed to assess the wind direction and predict these events?

With this breach occurring in September, it proves that the current dust suppression is not working, the new dome 'cover' - it used to be called a roof - on the crusher is failing or is already a failure. More action needs to be taken.
 

At the ERC meeting I also asked that in future testing, samples from the dust monitors also be tested for Lead, Cadmium  and Vanadium. Mr Thornton has sent this request to Mr Mitas, so lets see what happens.

It just goes on and on. Also, it was mentioned that more staff will be put off in favour of contractors, so much for looking after local workers' interests and the interests of the community.

    

Regards  

Neil