TESTING has halted at the Hunter's newest power generator for at least a week as investigations into an odour detected across the region get under way.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Snowy Hydro CEO Dennis Barnes told ABC Radio they would pause operations for the next week or so while they figure out what went wrong.
Burning eyes and breathing issues plagued residents in parts of the Hunter after Kurri Kurri's Hunter Power Project began late last week.
From Kurri Kurri to Belmont, Newcastle and West Wallsend people noticed a strong, burning diesel-like smell moving through Tuesday, July 8, afternoon and into Wednesday, July 9.
"We were getting responses all around the Hunter," federal member Dan Repacholi said.
"They're having trouble breathing and their washing reeks of fumes," he said.
In response to the public outcry, Snowy Hydro Hunter Project Power team paused their testing at the Kurri Kurri gas station on Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said.
They said during the testing phase of a new turbine, both gas and diesel were used but once fully operational, the station would operate on gas with diesel as a back-up.
"The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter," they said.
"We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community."
The spokesperson said they were working with the EPA to further investigate the emissions, the possible source of the odour, and to undertake extra monitoring of air quality.
Mr Barnes said they would consider beginning gas commissioning of the plant over the coming weeks, but going forward, the wider Hunter community would be notified of future operations.
He said gas testing would not have the same effect as diesel testing.
"The problem in the last week is we were burning diesel before the plant was synchronised with the grid, in full operation, we won't get any of these emissions," he said.
He said they would have to test the turbines on diesel at some point but they would not go ahead until they figured out how to prevent the stink caused from this week's testing.
'Sickening' smell moves through
The Hunter MP said his office was inundated with anywhere from 600 to 1000 concerned residents reaching out in less than 24 hours.
"We have had doctors ringing up saying their surgeries are being overrun by this issue," he said.
"We've had childcare centres that have said they've had to send their kids home."
Concerned residents have contacted the Newcastle Herald to complain of the "burning diesel" smell and fumes visible in the air.
One Black Hill resident said that at about 10.30am on Wednesday morning, she could almost "taste" the smell, while another in West Wallsend said the smell was "sickening"
Mr Repacholi said the community needed clear communication, accountability and a plan for residents when the smell happens again.
"Locals deserve to know what's in the air and how long it's going to last and what's being done to minimise any harm," he said.
"Honestly, the communication levels from Snowy Hydro have been disgusting."
Mr Repacholi said that neither he nor other federal, state or local government had communicated about the potential air pollution risk.
"I've raised my concerns to the energy minister already, and it has definitely gone up the chain," he said.
"That's just not good enough by Snowy Hydro, they need to be better, and they should be better."
Firing up
Late last week, Snowy Hydro's Hunter Power Project team successfully fired up one of the Kurri Kurri stations' gas turbines for the first time.
The gas-fired project entered the national grid in March, two years after it was meant to begin operating.
Snowy Hyrdo stated that the power station remained on track to be delivered within it's target of around $1.3 billion but in March the Newcastle Herald reported that costs could be closer to $2 billion.
A Snowy Hydro spokesperson they had continuous emissions monitoring on-site and were currently operating within environmental compliance limits.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed they had officers in Kurri Kurri on Wednesday investigating reports of visible and odorous emissions.
"The source appears to be the new Hunter Power Station near Kurri Kurri where Snowy Hydro is currently commissioning gas/diesel turbine units," a spokesperson said.
Commissioning is when new equipment is tested to ensure it is operating safely before being brought into full working order.
The EPA said they reviewed air dispersion modelling ahead of the commissioning phase of the site, which predicted the emissions would not have any adverse effect on public health or the environment.
They said the power station was required to conduct continous emissions monitoring, including during the commissioning phase where emissions are usually higher than normal operation.
"We will check that the emissions limits haven't been breached and continue to closely monitor the process to ensure compliance with the environmental standards," they said.
"Before commissioning works recommence, we will review Snowy Hydro's updated commissioning plan and discuss additional control measures."
Jessica Belzycki
Journalist at the Newcastle Herald. Currently covering all things education. Email me at jessica.belzycki@austcommunitymedia.com.au
