ABC NET reported that a study into dust emissions from train movements in the Hunter Valley has found little difference between the dust being produced by coal trains compared to other trains.

The study, commissioned by the Australian Rail Track Corporation measured particle concentrations to determine whether loaded coal trains are a larger source of emissions than other trains.

The study was carried out in February and March this year in two locations at Mayfield and Metford.

Environment Protection Authority chairman Mr Barry Buffier said that the study shows the dust levels are below the national standard. He said that "The study has shown there is no appreciable difference between coal trains and freight trains with some slight variations with passenger trains. The dust levels that are created, because there certainly is dust created by trains, are below national standards, so below what we call the NEPM levels."

Mr John Fullerton CEO of ARTC said that the results should re assure anyone with concerns. He said that "As everybody knows the volume of coal is going up and trains are increasing and so the community does have concerns about what the impact of that is.”

He said that "I think this monitoring is just part of trying to reassure people that it's being checked and monitored and the information is analyzed."

Source - www.abc.net

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