The report found monitors placed in Metford for two months showed coal trains passing through to the Port of Newcastle did not create increased coal dust emissions. But Greens spokeswoman Jan Davis is sceptical.

“These results are a complete contradiction to the studies community groups and the University of Newcastle have been involved in,” she said.

“I think studies done by the groups and the university are much more reliable.”

Ms Davis said the ARTC should have appointed an independent body to conduct the testing.

“I don’t believe the ARTC findings are the true results and I don’t think they should be conducting the study given their involvement with the coal industry,” she said.

The Coal Terminal Action Group has revealed it will conduct its own survey into coal dust emissions because of its doubts about the ARTC’s results.

NSW Senator Lee Rhiannon has warned the federal government to not use the data when considering of the health impacts of coal dust on Hunter communities.

The government accepted the Greens push for a Senate inquiry into the impacts of coal dust. The inquiry began in Newcastle earlier this year.

“The ARTC report is compromised by methodological shortcomings, has not been independently reviewed and fails to consider the cumulative health impacts of dust from coal stockpiles, mining and road and rail transport,” Senator Rhiannon said.

“Combined action from federal and state governments to set proper standards, monitor air quality, cover coal wagons and reject new coal mining developments is the responsible course of action.”

The Greens will continue to campaign for the fourth coal terminal to be scrapped and divert the $3.5 billion earmarked for it to be spent on infrastructure that diversifies the Hunter economy.