People can access information about the air quality in their area from the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water website 24 hours a day at www.environment.nsw.gov.au.

On Tuesday the 24 hour average in Muswellbrook was 30.3 micrograms of PM10 particles (dust and particulates above 10 micrometers).

The PM2.5 average was 5.9.

At the same time Singleton recorded 22.6 micrograms of PM10 particles, the PM2.5 average was 7.3.

Both levels are considered good to very good quality with no health impacts at these ranges.

To find the levels yourself, simply go to the Department’s website.

On the main page click environment issues, then air, then air quality and finally air quality data and find your area.

Currently only Muswellbrook and Singleton have air quality stations, but more are on the way.

Within the next three months another four stations will be operational and another eight by the end of next year.

The Minerals Council is also in the process of compiling the Upper Hunter Mining dialogue information, a process in which various community members of Muswellbrook and Singleton were interviewed to allow the council to gauge a better understanding of community perceptions.

While these levels are currently considered good, residents throughout the Hunter Valley believe increased mining in the area through expansions such Coal and Allied’s Carrington West mine and the proposed Spur Hill mine at Denman will raise levels significantly.

Dust is created from truck wheels, bull dozers, over burden and blasting – concerned residents think the more of this activity there is, the more dust there will be.