The state’s mining regulator confirmed elevated levels of arsenic were detected in dust samples that have blown offsite in recent weeks.

In statement to the Wimmera Mail-Times, a Stawell Gold Mines spokesperson said soil samples undertaken and assessed by an independent consultant immediate to the tailings Storage Facility were in line with directives from Earth Resources Regulations and the ministerial environmental Review.

“Results of the preliminary sampling were below the National Environment Protection Measure for health based investigation levels for arsenic,” the statement said. 

“This information has been presented to the relevant government authorities.”

The Wimmera Mail-Times understands other contaminants including antimony, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, selenium and cyanide measured at the site are well below national standards.

The latest revelation comes just months after Stawell residents complained to Earth Resources Regulation after they witnessed dust clouds blowing from the mine's tailings dam, which contains numerous heavy metals and chemicals.

Earlier this year an independent environmental review was undertaken at the site, which recommended tightening emission controls and stringent air monitoring methods be put in place to reduce any potential health risks to surrounding residents. 

However, Stawell resident Anne Francis said the community wasn’t satisfied enough work had been done by environmental authorities to protect residents.

Ms Francis said she wanted to independent testing undertaken in the Stawell water supplies to ensure it wasn’t contaminated by dust blowing off the mines.  

“In my view, the problem is the government have been testing the soil,” Ms Francis said.

“But what they need to be doing is testing the dust in air and the dust landing in the trees surrounding the area.

“They also need to make sure people aren’t consuming the chemicals through the water they are drinking.”

She said residents planned on lobbying newly appointed Victorian Employment, Industry and Resources Minister Wade Noonan.

“This is a gross incompetence by the departments of energy, resources, health and environment,” she said.