Its Intelligent Dust Monitoring System (IDMS), which is used to monitor and suppress dust at PWCS sites, will continue to operate throughout extreme weather conditions, chief executive officer Hennie du Plooy said.
“We recognise that during hot and windy conditions there is an increased potential of dust emissions from our operations,” du Plooy said. “When a specific concern is raised with us by a community member we respond directly, but it is also important that we let the wider community know that we are working hard to keep dust levels to a minimum.”
Using site-specific Bureau of Meteorology forecasting, onsite weather stations, onsite real-time dust monitoring and an extensive network of dust suppression sprays covering the full length of coal stockyards, the system allows for the automated and proactive management of dust, which is especially important during adverse conditions.
The IDMS is designed to allow a cycle of sprays to progressively cover the entire stockyard.
PWCS staff constantly monitor operational areas and arrange extra spraying or water carts if necessary.
“We fully understand that this is an important issue in the minds of Newcastle and Hunter Valley residents, and PWCS will work throughout the summer, and beyond, to minimise dust emissions as much as possible,” du Plooy said.
