Australian Zeolite

Environmental Injustice and Air Pollution in the Hunter

Running Title: Environmental Injustice and Air Pollution in the Hunter

http://sydney.edu.au/arts/anthropology/documents/Environmental_Injustice-final_draft_6Aug09.pdf

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Abstract

The authors describe environmental injustice from air pollution in the Upper Hunter,

Australia and analyse the inaction of state authorities in addressing residents’ health

concerns. Obstacles blocking public air monitoring and a health study include: the

interdependence of state government and corporations in reaping the economic

benefits of coal production; lack of political will and regulatory inertia; and study

design and measurement issues. We analyse mining and coal-related air pollution in

Bourdieu’s (1989) terms as a social field; residents, civil society and local

government groups struggle with corporations and government over the burden of

imposed health risk caused by air pollution.

Open cut mining involves drilling and blasting followed by draglines, power shovels,

bucket wheel excavators, loaders, dumpers and conveyor belts removing large

amounts of overburden to reach coal deposits.

These operations result in massive discharge of fine particulates from overburden material. Further particulate matter is released into the air during excavation, size reduction, waste removal, transportation, loading and stockpiling of coal; and via fugitive emissions from spontaneous combustion of coal. The Upper Hunter also has two of the most polluting power

stations in Australia (CARMA: Carbon Monitoring for Action 2007), as well as the

smaller Redbank Power Station.