ALCOA’S controversial Anglesea coal-fired power plant emissions are within EPA limits, the environmental authority this week said.
The mine, subject of a protracted campaign anti-coal protesters, is expected to close unless as buyer can be found – killing off more than 80 jobs – following the closure of Alcoa’s Point Henry smelter at Geelong.
An EPA statement issued this week, following a small fire at the site on Monday morning, said Alcoa’s emissions were normally fine. “The Alcoa Anglesea Power Station has an EPA licence that specifies permitted discharges and limits, and outlines monitoring and reporting requirements to demonstrate compliance.
Alcoa must report to EPA any non-compliance with the license conditions both immediately and via the annual performance statement required under its licence.
“The most recent air monitoring results show that under normal operating conditions, air emissions from the Anglesea power station comply with national and EPA licence limits.”The Monday fire prompted four complaints about odour to the EPA.
EPA South West acting manager Stephen Lansdell said EPA was notified by Alcoa Anglesea that a small self-combustion was detected in the coal mine.
“It was extinguished and kept under watch for the day, however odour was to be expected in the township due to weather conditions and low wind speed,” Mr Lansdell said.
“EPA is following up with Alcoa and co-regulators regarding actions to address the cause and mitigation of this incident.”
Following the incident, four pollution reports in relation to odour in Anglesea were made to EPA’s pollution hotline.
“EPA officers have since followed up with the reporters, with those available stating that the odour is no longer present,” Mr Lansdell said.
