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The Australian Rail Track Corporation has published the results of a pilot particulate monitoring program, as required under the terms of its Environment Protection Licence, ARTC CEO John Fullerton said today.
The pilot program measured particle concentrations to determine whether loaded coal trains operating on the Hunter Valley network contribute to or increase particulate emission concentrations and whether loaded coal trains are a larger source of particle emissions than other train types.
“The workplan for the trial along with the final report have been reviewed by the EPA and ARTC is committed to working constructively with the Authority to meet the obligations of our Environment Protection Licence,” Mr Fullerton said.
ARTC engaged specialist environmental consultants to carry out the pilot monitoring program between 13 February and 20 March 2012.
Total Suspended Particulates (TSP), PM10 and PM2.5 (particulate matter with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter of 10 micrometres or 2.5 micrometres) concentrations were measured and analysed against different train types which passed the two testing locations – Scholey Street Junction, Mayfield and Raymond Terrace Drive, Metford.
These readings were then compared against measurements obtained when no trains were passing by each of those locations.
The type of trains categorised and reviewed against the particulate readings were:
- “no train” passes;
- loaded coal train;
- unloaded coal train;
- freight train; and,
- passenger train.
“ARTC has provided the results of the monitoring to the EPA and will work with the Authority on what it determines is appropriate.”
An executive summary and the full report of the pilot monitoring program are now available on the ARTC website, www.artc.com.au.