Bathurst Coal fined another $10,000

A mining company already censured for dirtying waterways around a Canterbury coalmine has been fined another $10,000 for further violations.

Bathurst Coal Ltd has been ordered to pay $9750 for 13 infringements relating to sediment runoff from its open-cast mine at Coalgate, 70 kilometres west of Christchurch. The runoff flowed into the Waianiwaniwa River, which feeds Lake Ellesmere.

Environment Canterbury (ECan) imposed the fine in December, having already issued the company with 14 infringement notices and a $10,500 fine in October for similar offences.

All 27 infringements occurred between June and November last year, after development at the mine in autumn left large areas of soil exposed.

‘‘This left the waterways or streams vulnerable as there was inadequate protection in place to manage the risk of sediment runoff during a large rainfall event, of which there were several last year,’’ ECan Selwyn-Waihora zone manager Michaela Rees said.

ECan staff visited the mine after several downpours over winter to check on consent compliance and inspect sediment controls such as fencing, staged ponds and planting.

Rees said the breach was a serious issue and posed a danger to the region’s most threatened fish species, the Canterbury mudfish, found only between Christchurch and the Waitaki River. No impact on its population had been seen.

Bathurst has paid both fines. ECan said the company now has primary sediment controls in place. Secondary controls were being installed as development continued.

‘‘We are working closely with the company and we will keep a close eye on progress,’’ Rees said.

‘‘If the company fails to comply again in any way, we won’t hesitate to escalate our enforcement response if necessary – our waterways must be protected.’’

Bathurst did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.