EPA fines power station operator for alleged air pollution

AGL has been fined for allegedly exceeding the licensed solid particles concentration limit for emissions from one of the Power Station’s four boilers in August to September 2020. AGL’s Environment Protection Licence sets specific limits for the emission of pollutants from the boiler units.

Along with the fine, the EPA has also issued AGL with an official caution for an exceedance on a separate one of the four boiler units around the same period.

Director Regulatory Operations Adam Gilligan said the EPA has required AGL to carry out rectification works to help prevent a similar incident in the future.

“This alleged outcome should serve as a reminder that environmental incidents such as these can come at a significant cost.”

“Solid particle emission limits are set for good reason – to help prevent air pollution incidents and possible environmental damage,” Mr Gilligan said.

“Our licensees have an obligation to comply with their licence conditions. Best practice and cleaner production leads to improved environmental outcomes.”

Penalty notices are one of a number of tools the EPA can use to achieve environmental compliance, including formal warnings, licence conditions, notices and directions, mandatory audits, legally binding pollution reduction programs, enforceable undertakings and prosecutions.

For more information about the EPA’s regulatory tools, see the EPA Compliance Policy http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/legislation/prosguid.htm. If you suspect someone is doing the wrong thing, phone the NSW EPA on 131 555