Clean Up Coal Ash

The coal-ash waste dumps in NSW are all unlined and have been found to be leaching harmful heavy metals into nearby waterways including Lake Macquarie, Lake Wallace and waterways in the Upper Hunter. Bio-accumulation of heavy metals in the bodies of aquatic species has been documented. To protect our marine environments and reduce coal-ash pollution, we must Clean Up Coal Ash. In 2018, we began our investigation into the environmental impacts of coal-fired power stations, and the approximately 216 million tonnes of dumped coal-ash waste on NSW waterways and aquatic ecosystems. Through meetings, events, skill-shares and more we have been working with communities in coal-energy regions to understand and expose pollution impacts, improve ash-management practices and make sure the NSW EPA, power station operators, the NSW Government and emerging industry will clean up coal-ash and decontaminate coal-ash waste sites for the benefit of biodiversity and future generations.

Campaign Objectives
◦ Stop or reduce the coal-ash leachate and bio-accumulation entering waterways & impacting ecosystems in NSW
◦ Support an increase in the safe & beneficial reuse of coal-ash in NSW to remove large volumes from near water bodies, food-sources & populations
◦ Make the full & comprehensive remediation and revegetation of these contaminated sites possible in the future

If we are successful, we will:
◦ Improve water and sediment quality in Lake Macquarie, the Upper Cox’s river and the Hunter River and support aquatic ecosystems to thrive, protecting against population declines in native fish, frogs and water-birds
◦ Ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy cultural, recreational and aesthetic activities provided by our unique rivers and coastal lakes
◦ Boost the sustainable manufacturing sector in NSW and employ people in the regions.