Air quality

Tomago Aluminium conducts air quality monitoring for fluoride and sulfur dioxide at various sites in the vicinity of the smelter. Sampling is undertaken throughout each month at a number of emission discharge points within the smelter while ambient air samples are collected weekly from stations dotted around the site, the buffer zone and beyond.

Water

Surrounded as Tomago Aluminium is by various bodies of water – the Hunter River, Tomago Sandbeds, Kooragang Wetlands and Fullerton Cove - ensuring Tomago Aluminium’s potential impact on these water bodies is at acceptable levels is of paramount importance to the smelter’s commitment to the environment.

Water quality monitoring in and around the Tomago Aluminium site is thorough and extensive – taking in storm water, groundwater, surface waters and a bioaccumulation program. Most water consumed in the aluminium-making process is used in recycled cooling water systems, with waste waters from on-site sewage treatment and cooling water blowdown used for irrigation on site.

Flora and Fauna

Tomago Aluminium’s extensive monitoring program takes into account natural flora and fauna as well as other animals and vegetation that live and grow near the plant.

Noise

A regular monitoring program is undertaken to record the contribution of noise from Tomago Aluminium’s operations to the ambient noise environment of the surrounding industrial zone.

Traffic Movement

To ensure nearby residents are not disturbed by heavy vehicles while they are entering or leaving the smelter, Tomago Aluminium has a private access road leading directly to the Pacific Highway which is used for all heavy transport.