Updated
Satellite imagery appearing to show sediment-laden
water flowing into wetlands from the nearby Abbot Point Coal Terminal
has prompted an investigation by Queensland's Department of Environment
and Heritage Protection.
Adani was granted a temporary emissions licence (TEL) to help it manage water on the site during Tropical Cyclone Debbie.A spokesman for Adani said the company had been in constant contact with the department prior to and since Cyclone Debbie.
But the department became aware of the satellite images last week and is looking into whether there had been any unauthorised releases of water from the terminal into the Caley Valley Wetlands.
During major weather events sites can apply for a TEL to allow temporary changes to the conditions of an environmental authority.
The department's initial monitoring indicated Adani's releases to the wetland were in accordance with the TEL conditions.
The Adani spokesman said the company had applied for the appropriate licence and it was granted.
"The department has been conducting ongoing water tests which show that to date there has been no breach of the licence conditions," he said.
Photo:
Abbot Point is located about 25 kilometres north of Bowen on the
north Queensland Coast, near the vast coal reserves of the Galilee
Basin.
Peter McCallum from the Mackay Conservation Group said it had written to Environment Minister Steven Miles to request more information about the release.
"We have no confidence that Adani will be able to manage the environmental impacts of the port expansion or any other aspect of its massive coal mining operation," Mr McCallum said.The department will continue to monitor the situation.
The wetlands are important habitat for at least 22 migratory shore birds listed under the national environmental legislation.
No comments:
Post a Comment