“Unacceptable:” Snowy halts tests of Kurri Kurri gas plant after locals complain of diesel smoke and stink

The federal government owned energy utility Snowy Hydro has paused testing on its new gas generator in the Hunter Valley after complaints from residents and the local MP about smoke and fumes.

The Hunter Valley Labor federal MP Dan Repacholi says he has been advised by Snowy Hydro that the controversial $1.4 billion project – already over cost and delayed – had paused its commissioning process, and had blamed the use of diesel for the problems.

“The smoke and fumes many in the community saw and smelt were caused by the company’s decision to begin commissioning the plant using diesel rather than gas,” Repacholi said in a post on his Facebook page.

“This, combined with the turbine being brought up to full power without being connected to the grid, caused the visible emissions and odour.

“Snowy Hydro has now advised me that testing and commissioning have been paused. Importantly, gas is already connected to the site, and I’ve been assured that any further commissioning will use gas only, meaning we should not see a repeat of the recent smoke and fumes.”

Repacholi said he had also contacted the Environmental Protection Authority, who he said is now investigating the odour and the health concerns that have been raised.

“They will report back once their investigation is complete,” he said.

“I’ve made it very clear to the company that the lack of community consultation has been unacceptable. Our community deserves better, and I’ll continue to hold Snowy Hydro to account to ensure transparency going forward.”

Rapacholi’s post on Facebook elicited more than 400 comments, almost all of them supportive of his intervention, and noting that the smell and smoke had impacted communities across the Hunter Valley, including Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Branxton and Heddon Greta.

Some described it as being like standing behind a diesel 4×4 vehicle, while many others pointed out the health impacts of diesel fumes, including cancer.

“Drove through Kurri today, thought I was back in the 1970’s,” said one. Another noted: “They were certainly pumping some “stuff” out into the atmosphere this morning. It was like we had a new Pope!”

Others thought the smoke had come from a bushfire, while one suspected his neighbour of pouring fuel on his fire.

In a statement emailed to Renew Economy, Snowy Hydro confirmed that testing had been “paused temporarily” and that the company is working with the EPA to “further investigate” the emissions and the “potential source” of the odour.

The statement said the testing of a new turbine – including the calibration of fan blades, and testing computer systems – is a “complicated process”.

“During this phase, the turbines burn both diesel and gas. Once fully operational, the power station will operate on gas with diesel as a back-up fuel,” the statement said.

“The testing resulted in visible emissions and an odour that drifted over parts of the Hunter. 

“We understand this caused undue discomfort and worry, and for that, we sincerely apologise to the local community.”