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Find out how 22,000 tonnes of dust have been stopped, why pesticide accreditation is important, and information about the Community Litter Grants Program
22,000 tonnes of dust stopped
The EPA’s Dust Stop Pollution Reduction Program has successfully reduced dust emissions by 22,000 tonnes a year, or by 19%, with further efforts continuing.
The Dust Stop program requires all NSW open cut coal mines to implement best practice measures to significantly reduce their dust emissions. This included achieving greater than 80% control of wheel generated dust on their haul roads, the biggest source of fine dust particles at most mine sites.
As part of the program, the EPA also requires mines to investigate best practice controls for loading and dumping operations, modify their mining operations during adverse weather and to stabilise exposed areas to reduce dust from wind erosion.
Reminder on pesticide accreditation
The EPA is reminding the community of the importance of having pesticide accreditation and keeping records of pesticide use after issuing a fine to a landscape gardener in northern NSW. Accreditation is an important measure in protecting the community and the environment from the impacts of pesticides.
Regardless of the size of the operation, pesticide users must be certified and must follow the regulations, such as recording the usage of pesticides.
The EPA recently issued a $400 fine to a Lismore based landscape gardener for not having a valid pesticides user accreditation and for failure to provide records of pesticides use.
Records of pesticide use must include information on the area of land sprayed, the time and weather conditions of spraying and the type and volume of pesticides used. The EPA can request these records when undertaking an audit or inspection.
If people suspect inappropriate pesticide use they can report it to the EPA Environment Line on 131 555.
Community Litter Grants Program
The Community Litter Grants program is open to community group applications. The EPA-funded program gives community groups the opportunity to address the problem of litter in their local areas. The first stage is a Local Litter Check to confirm the source of the litter for which groups receive $500. The second stage is working with their local council for groups to develop a project to address the source of the litter. Grants are available to community groups for up to $5,000. For further information visit Community Litter Grants
See how other successful community litter grant projects have improved their local environment.