NEWS
Page 6 December 19, 2017
436 hectares of unlined ash dams require constant monitoring rom P5
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The standard was initiated after a large coal ash spill in 2008 at a power plant in Tennessee. The spill flooded more than 300 acres of land, destroying houses and releasing coal ash into waterways. “Considering this rule, the NSW EPA determined it would be appropriate to review the management of coal ash dams… in NSW. “Coal ash dams and emplacements have not previously been audited under the EPA’s sector based audit program, or been included in recent focused compliance audit programs,” the audit report said. It described coal ash dams as essentially tailings dams. “The primary objective is for the ash and stored water to remain contained,” the report said. The Australian National Committee on Large
Gary Blaschke says the ever-increasing number of trees dying within the ash dams is an indicator of soil leaching Dams (2012) outlined the However, the dams on by collapse or failure of The audit report primary objectives for the the Central Coast, due the dam embankment; concluded that the ash design of a tailings storage to their age, are unlined, uncontrolled release dams involved in the facility as including: so their ability to contain of pollutants through study had an 86 per cent the safe and stable tailings and contaminants discharge over the compliance rate. containment of tailings is questionable. spillway or seepage; Of the nonand contaminants; the “ E n v i r o n m e n t a l operational failure, such compliances, 2 per safe management of harm associated with as through pipe burst cent were code orange, decant and rainfall runoff; tailings dams includes: or pump failure; and, which meant they had and, the management of uncontrolled release of emission of dust,” the either a high or moderate seepage. the tailings and/or water audit report said. environmental impact,
SCHOLTEN
and a likelihood of environmental harm, ranging from low to certain. Another three per cent of the non-compliances found during the audit were rated code yellow, meaning their environmental impact was rated low or moderate, and their likelihood of causing environmental harm ranged from likely to less likely. Nine per cent of the breaches were code blue, which meant they related to administration or processes that did not have an environmental impact, but endangered the integrity of licence compliance. The audit report did not name the breaches found at specific sites. Source: Media statement, Dec 14 NSW EPA Public Affairs Environmental Compliance Report, 2016 Coal Ash Dams and Placements, EPA NSW Jackie Pearson, journalist
...reborn and now in Galleria Ettalong,
the former Ettalong Markets at Ettalong Beach
Jewellers
After retiring in June 2014, Henry Scholten has now opened a small shop in the former Ettalong Markets, only trading on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. The Ettalong market has been beautifully revamped to a luxury European Galleria style tourist attraction. Established in 1988, Scholten Jewellers has been manufacturing fine jewellery on the Central Coast for 30 years, having had shops in Bateau Bay, Gosford, Erina and Tuggerah. Scholten Jewellers is now in Ettalong, providing an excellent repair, design remodelling and manufacturing service. The location is also an impressive showroom of unique, handmade rings, pendants, earrings, bangles, brooches, chains set with precious and semi-precious gems, and a huge selection of Australian Opal. All repairs and manufacturing is done on the premises in a fully equipped workshop.
Come and say hello to Nicola and Henry at their new Ettalong Beach store, or call them on 0431 670 033 or 0412 655 316.