A Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water report has revealed that air-quality levels set by the National Environment Protection Council were exceeded at 62 air pollutant monitors across the region's coalmining sites in the five-year period.

The Compendium of Upper Hunter Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Data exposed Xstrata Mount Owen as one of the worst offenders.

The mining giant recorded particle matter, or dust, above recommended levels for 83 days at its monitor on Falbrook Road - the highest rate of non-compliance in the Hunter.

A Hunter Valley Energy Coal monitoring site at Muswellbrook recorded the highest concentration of particle matter at 2178.5 micrograms per cubic metre.

The National Environment Protection Measure standard is 50 micrograms per cubic metre - a level deemed to be achievable through the application of "reasonably available technology and good environmental practices".

The air quality report follows the release of a NSW Health report on Friday that linked exposure to particle matter with cardiovascular and respiratory disease, re-igniting the debate over the coal industry's impact on Upper Hunter residents' health.

Minewatch spokeswoman Bev Smiles said the reports confirmed community concerns and highlighted the Government's "inability" to regulate conditions imposed on mines.

"It proves it's an industry that hasn't been regulated," she said.

But mining companies have escaped heavy penalties for breaching guidelines.

The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water said National Environment Protection Measure compliance limits did not apply to industry and were only a "benchmark".

A spokeswoman said there were no practicable or compliance limits set for dust emissions.

She said the monitors in the Hunter Valley were to measure ambient dust levels, not National Environment Practice Measure standards.

A new monitoring network planned for the Upper Hunter will have 14 high-quality ambient air quality monitoring stations.