Hunter Valley mining activities may be increasing air pollution in the villages surrounding it, but the government feels the pollution is within acceptable and safe limits.
Fears that the mines were making people in the area sick had led to an independent investigation into cumulative impacts of mining in the region.
The long awaited Camberwell report should allay any health concerns of the locals said New South Wales Planning Minister Tony Kelly. He also said that $1 billion worth of Hunter valley mining projects will now be assessed faster since the Camberwell report has been released.
Experts involved with the report studied air quality, noise levels and drinking water at Camberwell near Singleton. The government's response to the resident's concerns has shown that there is no major problem due to the mining activities in the region.
While dust levels sometimes do show excessive concentration, the cumulative noise levels do not exceed the recommended maximum amenity noise criteria. There is also no evidence if high levels of lead in drinking water for the residents.