The state’s peak environment group has condemned mining near Sydney’s iconic Nepean River following visible methane releases along the river.
“Footage of the Nepean River bubbling methane demonstrates the damage that longwall mining is causing in and around our valuable water catchments,” Sam McGuinness of the Nature Conservation Council said today.
“While the NSW Government spends at least $265 million propping up the Nepean River downstream with recycled water, upstream the River bed is being impacted with unknown losses of water due to mining.
“Longwall mining for coal within the Woronora, Avon and Cataract catchments is threatening Sydney’s drinking water supply.
“Longwall mining results in subsidence, resulting in cracking, destruction of escarpments and the pollution of creeks and rivers. This practice should not be occurring within protected water catchments.
“The NSW Government is approving enormous extractions of coal – contributing to climate change – in some of the most pristine areas near to Sydney,” Mr McGuinness said today.
