A local community group study showed dangerously high levels of particulate pollution near coal lines and stockpiles in the Hunter region, Greens MP Cate Faehrmann said.
"The study confirms that air quality in parts of the Hunter has reached crisis point,” she said.
“A firm commitment by the O'Farrell government to bring air pollution in the Hunter under control is needed today.
"The evidence contained in this report shows the government should immediately commission a rigorous and independent health study, funded by industry, into the impacts of coal dust pollution on people's health, particularly children's.”
The government should also immediately suspend the development application process for the proposed fourth coal loader in Newcastle, Faehrmann said.
"This confirms that people living near rail lines used by coal trains are exposed to dangerous levels of coal dust pollution,” she said.
“Covering coal wagons is something the government can commit to ensuring the coal industry does today.”
Action to control coal dust from stockpiles is also urgently required, according to Faehrmann.
"The Premier needs to come out today and give a commitment to cleaning up the air in Newcastle and other parts of the Hunter within two years," she said.
