Truck movements to and from the colliery were assessed to check whether the company was complying with the order to remove stockpiled coal from the site.

The Department issued an Order to Russell Vale Colliery on 4 March to remove coal stockpiled on the site.

The Order was issued because the mine has ceased operations and can no longer store coal at the site according to its approval conditions.

The Department has placed limits on how the company transports the stockpile from the site.

Compliance officers will continue to monitor the site, a Department spokesperson said.

A Department spokesperson said visits in the Illawarra are an important part of the compliance team’s inspection activity across the state.

In its April Compliance Report the Department said it made 47 inspections across the state to make sure approval conditions are being met by companies.

“Our compliance officers review reports and conduct audits, spot checks without warning, as well as work with companies to ensure they are sticking to the rules,” a spokesperson said.

“The Department can issue the highest on-the-spot fines in the country for breaches of conditions.

“Companies can also be prosecuted in court for breaching conditions, with the most severe breaches attracting fines of up to $5 million.

“Community members are encouraged to contact the compliance officers with concerns about major projects in their neighbourhood.”