SOUTHERN Cross Gold (SXG) has moved to quell resident concerns about sediment from its works seeping in to Sunday Creek, saying sediment concerns are entirely localised after tests.
In a text message to nearby residents, seen by The North Central Review, SXG said the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) was notified immediately after sediment was observed in Sunday Creek.
“Resources Victoria and EPA were immediately notified, with representatives visiting the site as part of the ongoing investigation and response. Surface water sampling has been conducted in accordance with our work plan and we are continuing to monitor the creek,” they wrote.
Community members have since expressed concern over whether this can be prevented going forward as works continue in the Sunday Creek exploration tunnel.
One resident wrote: “Neighbours of SXG raised this concern months ago, before the earth works started.
“SXG are only going to get larger! How are they going to prevent this from happening again?
“We only had 34ml of rain when this contamination of runoff occurred.”
In a statement, SXG said test samples indicated the sediment loads were localised and there has been no ecological impacts.
“The test samples were analysed at a National Association of Testing Authorities accredited lab in Victoria. Results are being shared with the EPA,” a spokesperson for SXG said.
“Results indicate that any sediment loads were localised. No ecological impacts have been observed to date.
“As soon as we became aware of the sediment, we implemented immediate corrective actions to strengthen controls and commenced water quality sampling upstream and downstream of our project area.
“Southern Cross Gold Consolidated has also proactively communicated with downstream residents and will continue to keep the community informed as information becomes available.
“We are cooperating with the EPA and Resources Victoria to fully understand the mechanisms behind what occurred and to enhance onsite risk control measures.
“We are committed to protecting Sunday Creek and the surrounding environment.”
