Parents angry over charcoal plant health impact

NSW Education Minister John Watkins has been warned by Eurobodalla parents he will be held legally accountable if local students become sick because of toxic emissions from the charcoal factory planned for the state's south coast.

The State Government approved the facility's development this month, as part of a silicon manufacturing process, but it has received strong opposition in the region.

In a letter to Mr Watkins, Broulee Primary School Parents and Citizens Association asks why Cabinet approved the facility it says will emit 300 kilograms of carcinogenic toxic material into the atmosphere every day.

The P and C says the Government has placed the commercial interests of the proponent, Australian Silicon, above the health needs of the community.

It is urging the Government to reverse its approval for the charcoal factory in the Eurobodalla.

P and C spokesman Damien Coen says Mr Watkins has been put on notice.

"Here we are with the spectre of this thing spewing carcinogenic material into the air and our waterways and polluting our kids," he said.

"John Watkins needs to step up and speak up on behalf of the children and their welfare."