ANTI-coal protesters say they’ve caught Whitehaven Coal illegally clearing at its Maules Creek mine, but the company has dismissed the claims.
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Whitehaven is allowed to clear the Leard State Forest surrounding its mine until the end of March, but must stop if the temperature exceeds 35 degrees Celsius, to protect the native wildlife that seek shelter in hollow trees in extreme weather.
Front Line Action on Coal (FLAC) was monitoring yesterday’s temperature from the Leard forest and said it hit 35C at 11am.
The group said Whitehaven didn’t stop clearing until 2.15pm.
The Bureau of Meteorology recorded temperatures over 35C in nearby Gunnedah at 1.30pm and Narrabri at 2pm.
Whitehaven said it stopped as soon as the mercury on its on-site automatic weather station hit 35C. The automatic weather station sends a series of automated text messages to the clearing team as the temperature approaches 35C.
“When the temperature reaches 35C, clearing ceases, and this is exactly what occurred yesterday,” Whitehaven executive general manager of operations Jamie Frankcombe said.
“(FLAC’s claim) illustrates a failure to understand how these systems work, including the fact temperature readings will vary across geographic areas, and even over very short distances, depending on a number of factors, such as the height at which the reading is taken.
“In our case, all of these factors are known and agreed in advance with the independent regulator.”
Ecologist and FLAC spokesman Phil Spark said the group didn’t trust Whitehaven’s readings.
“There is zero faith in Whitehaven being able to self regulate, and today’s findings are an example of Whitehaven’s disregard of regulations and their anxiousness to cut corners,” Mr Spark said.
“There needs to be certainty in whether or not Whitehaven are complying to their biodiversity management. We demand that there is an independent monitoring process, and that Whitehaven disclose their on-site readings.
“The 35C limit was set because when it is too hot, the animals hide in their hollows to conserve energy.
“Clearing during this heat results in higher mortality, as the animals are less able to flee and find cool refuge when their homes are destroyed.”
The Department of Planning and Environment said an audit of the mine’s approved clearing campaign would be conducted during the clearing window, which would include temperature monitoring concerns.