AN INDEPENDENT report has been commissioned by the state government into claims the Whitehaven Coal mine at Werris Creek is partially responsible for drying up the water bores of nearby farmers.
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A study by the University of NSW found the coal mine was responsible for at least 25 per cent of underground water losses of between 4.5 and 15 metres, despite a predicted drop of only 10 centimetres.
The independent report was commissioned by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Water.
A DPI Water spokesperson said they anticipated the report would be completed soon.
“DPI Water undertakes regular reviews of water management at the Werris Creek site, and will now consider the UNSW report and the independent report that is being commissioned on the UNSW work,” they said.
“This is in line with normal procedures and ensures any new developments in science or best-practice water management are considered as part of the ongoing management of the site.”
Whitehaven Coal managing director Paul Flynn said the UNSW study wasn’t credible, as it was commissioned by local landholders and the Caroona Coal Action Group – a group that has been using the water concerns at Werris Creek in a campaign against the proposed Shenhua mine on the Liverpool Plains.
A spokesperson for the company is awaiting the result of the independent report.
