Environment Protection Authority v KBL Mining Ltd [2014] NSWLEC 178

Land and Environment Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Environment Protection Authority v KBL Mining Ltd [2014] NSWLEC 178 Hearing dates: 6 November 2014 Decision date: 14 November 2014 Jurisdiction: Class 5 Before: Craig J Decision: Orders as set out at [106] Catchwords: ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENCE - sentence - pollution of waters - s 120(1) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 - ore processing plant at polymetallic mine - split joint in tailings pipeline - tailings spill - overflow of bund - discharge of slurry into creek and over mine site - immediate remedial and clean-up action taken - extent of harm caused and likely to be caused to the environment as a result of tailings discharge and remedial actions - reasonably foreseeable risk of harm - low to moderate range of harm - moderate range of objective seriousness - prior good character - no prior conviction - evidence of contrition and remorse - assistance to authorities - early plea of guilty - publication order Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) Protection of the Environment Administration Act 1991 (NSW) Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) Cases Cited: Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 280; 163 LGERA 71 Environment Protection Authority v Bulga Coal Management Pty Ltd [2014] NSWLEC 55 Environment Protection Authority v Greater Taree City Council [2014] NSWLEC 88 Environment Protection Authority v Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd (1) [2012]NSWLEC 65 Environment Protection Authority v Orica Australia Pty Ltd (The Nitric Acid Air Lift Incident) [2014] NSWLEC 103 Environment Protection Authority v Peak Gold Mines Pty Ltd [2013] NSWLEC 158 Environment Protection Authority v Sibelco Australia Ltd [2011] NSWLEC 160 Category: Sentence Parties: Environment Protection Authority (Prosecutor) KBL Mining Limited (Defendant) Representation: N Allan (solicitor) (Prosecutor) T G Howard SC (Defendant)