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The Queensland government is taking Indian coal miner Adani to court for allegedly discharging sediment water at excessive levels off the Great Barrier Reef.
The Department of Environment and Science (DES) has charged Adani-owned Abbot Point Bulkcoal Pty Ltd (APBC) alleging it sent out a discharge that was eight times above levels authorised under its temporary emissions licence (TEL) during Cyclone Debbie in 2017.
AAP reports the coal miner has denied any wrongdoing and claims to have abided by the terms of its licence.
The matter will go before the Bowen Magistrates Court on 23 October 2018, potentially carrying a maximum fine of $2.7 million.
The department noted no known environmental impacts had occurred as a result of the alleged discharge at the Abbot Point coal terminal, specifically from a location called W2, adding the charge was not in relation to the Caley Valley Wetlands.
"Last year APBC contested a $12,190 penalty infringement notice in relation to the discharge from W2. Following this election, DES conducted a formal investigation in accordance with its usual practice. The charge follows this investigation," the department said.
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