The operator of the Bayswater power station at Muswellbrook has been fined $15,000 for discharging ammonia-contaminated water into Tinkers Creek.
AGL Macquarie reported the incident to the EPA in April, after 50 to 100-litres of the water washed into a stormwater drain and then into the creek, breaching the company’s environment protection licence.
EPA Hunter Region Manager, Adam Gilligan, says while the impact on Tinkers Creek was minimal, the company needs to improve its environmental management systems.
“Our investigation has found that the environmental harm was minimal mainly due to the dilution of the ammonia in the water and the relatively small volume which was released.
“However this is the third chemical spill incident that AGL Macquarie is responsible for this year which suggests a lack of appropriate environmental controls,” he said.
