The contentious issue of coal train dust is being aired again, with a new study underway.
The Coal Terminal Action Group is conducting monitoring in several lower Hunter suburbs, hot on the heels of a controversial industry report.
Ultimately, the Action Group wants coal wagons and stock piles covered, and unloaded trains washed out before they head back to the mines.
Keep up the good work guys. Send the monitor down to Beecroft/Cheltenham when you have finished. We are getting coal dust and particulate as well as diesel (3 unregulated locos per train) in Sydney suburbs from passing trains on their way to the coal loader no doubt.
In addition to the coal dust and the fine diesel exhaust particles from the locomotives the noise is also a significant community health problem. I heard a variety of loud bangs, screeches, low rumbles, low thuds particularly where braking occurs. These noises disturb sleep which in turn causes sleepiness the next day, impairs cognitive performance causes emotional problems with irritability and impedes communication. The different wavelengths are associated with different problems. lets have these investigated as well.