Goldminer Unity Mining's use of a flocculent chemical to clear storm water for much of this year has not polluted nearby creeks, according to the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
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Preliminary test results on the flocculent chemical used by the operators of the Dargues Reef goldmine showed the chemical has left a dam with the treated water, but did not appear to have reached Majors Creek. Tests have identified a trace amount of the flocculent in a tributary that runs between the mine's storm-water collection pond, where the chemical was used by Unity Mining, and Majors Creek.
EPA director south Gary Whytcross said levels of the chemical found in the tributary were low and unlikely to cause any adverse impacts.
"The EPA cannot say for certain that none of this chemical has found its way into Majors Creek, as it could have been diluted enough that it is no longer detectable however the fact that we have not observed or had any reports of dead aquatic life is a reassuring sign," Mr Whytcross said.
"In addition, earlier this week the Southern NSW Public Health Unit released a statement advising they did not consider the event to present a human health risk based on the information provided by the EPA.''
Earlier this week Uniting Mining chief executive Andrew McIlwain said the flocculent, which was used, among other things, to clean swimming pools, had been in use at the Dargues site in storm-water ponds. He said the storm water was irrigated onto paddocks.
Mr Whytcross said before they could restart using the chemical Unity Mining needed to develop a management process and testing regime around discharge from its ponds. This would be reviewed and signed by the EPA.
"Even though in this instance it appears that there was no harm to aquatic life, the EPA is concerned about the way in which this water treatment has been managed.''
Anybody with further information should call the EPA on 131 555.
