NSW Environmental Regulators Investigating Sale Of Toxic Coal Ash From Australian Utilities

The NSW environment watchdog has launched an investigation into revelations a coal waste product sold by AGL to "various markets" has tested positive for elevated levels of toxic substances including chromium, cadmium and copper. It comes as environmentalists and unions expressed "alarm" at the energy giant's announcement on Thursday that it would indefinitely suspend sales of the coal ash from its Bayswater and Liddell power stations in the Hunter Valley as a precaution.

Coal ash is the residue that remains after coal is burned to generate electricity. The waste product is either disposed of at on-site dams or sold and reused, mainly as road base or in concrete products. "The EPA considers this to be a serious matter and has launched a full investigation," an EPA spokesperson said. "AGL will be required to provide its coal ash testing records as well as their records that indicate where and how much coal ash has been distributed off site."

In the statement, AGL revealed that its decision was prompted by testing of the coal ash, which showed levels of several heavy metals exceeded limits set by the Environment Protection Authority. However, external expert advice indicated the levels did not pose a risk to public or worker health, the statement said, and were "unlikely" to pose an unacceptable risk to the environment, given how the coal ash was used.

“We acknowledge failures in our own practices and a thorough review is underway," AGL executive general manager of group operations Doug Jackson said, adding that the company had notified the EPA, Safework NSW and NSW Health.

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https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/pretty-disturbing-agl-pulls-toxic-waste-product-off-the-market-20190117-p50s1u.html