Mod 12 - Underground Extraction Rates

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:
>Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act is a serious sign of neglect.
>The groundwater modeling is inadequate.
>The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. This is a significant increase. Coal wagons should be covered.

Objection to Yancoal Moolarben Mine Expansion
RSWUA wishes to object to the above expansion and gives the following reasons:

1. The groundwater modelling is totally inadequate and therefore cannot accurately predict the impact of the mine on water resources. Already in this region there have been major water issues from underestimating water inflow into mines.

2. A number of cumulative impacts have not been adequately assessed, the most important of which are the impacts of doubling the coal extraction, increased train movements throughout the Hunter coal chain and the cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence from long wall mining.

3. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley Eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act is a gross error.

4. Job numbers are always given as the raison d'etre for mine extension, but these jobs are never guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.

5. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

Objection to Moolarben Stage 1 mod & Stage 2 Mod
To: NSW Planning

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/page/development-categories/mining--petroleum---extractive-industries/mining/?action=view_job&job_id=7097

We object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:
1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed
2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified
3. The groundwater modelling is inadequate
4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act
5. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.
6. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.
7. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.
These cumulative Coal train Impacts all along the Coal Chain Corridor in The Hunter have also been highlighted by CPCFM in formal complaints to The EPA and Transport for NSW eighteen months ago, and on several occasions since, Including the Warkworth / Bulga Extension PAC in Singleton in June and the T4 PAC in Newcastle on 1st July; and again in more formal Complaints to the EPA as recently as last week.

John L Hayes 27th July 2015
Convenor
Correct Planning and Consultation for Mayfield group (CPCFM )**

email: [email protected]

Phn. 4967 3013 Mob 0400 171 602

117 INGALL ST
MAYFIELD EAST NSW 2304

** CPCFM was established in 2010, and has about 500 members and supporters.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because we do not need any more coal mines in the Hunter Valley. This expansion should not proceed for the following reasons:

1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed

2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified

3. The groundwater modeling is inadequate

4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act

5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.

6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

7. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.

I object to Yancoal's Moolarben mine Stage 1 Modification 12 & Stage 2 Modification 2 because:
1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed
2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified
3. The groundwater modeling is inadequate
4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act
5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain, including in Bylong where I reside. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.
6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. (The diversion of heavy vehicles through the small village of Wollar, on roads not designed them, is unacceptable. I have personally been told by locals of incidents of B-doubles overtaking cars on Barigan Street, for example.) Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.
7. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines. The traditional nexus between approvals and greater or maintained job opportunities is now well and truly broken.

I am objecting to the Moolaben Stage 1 Mod12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 as we need to be getting out of coal in the face of climate change.
The EPBC Act should protect the critically endangered Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland.

I am concerned about the impact on ground water, the cumulative impact of cliff collapse and the impact of increased train trips on all those who live and work along the line.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because these proposals are inappropriate and the modifications would have significant impacts. The assessment has been inadequate.

There has been a failure to assess the impact on biodiversity given there is not even a recognition of Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act !

There has been a failure to assess the impact on the groundwater as the modelling is inadequate.

The cumulative impact on the environment, including the health of humans has not been assessed, nor has there been adequate assessment of the specific impact of the doubling of coal extraction from the underground mining. There will be an increase of dust and noise from increased rail movements that will impact all along the trainline.

The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified and the
recent highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 was not predicted and does not augur well for further stability/disturbance considerations.

The consideration of the environmental, social and even economic factors, particularly given Yancoal has just sacked over 200 workers in the Hunter Valley, on balance, would lead to the rational conclusion that the modifications should not be approved. The recognition that the assessment has been inadequate clearly means these applications should be rejected.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:

Subsidence above the proposed mining area has not been adequately addressed. Furthermore the impacts of the expansion have not considered the effects upon groundwater in the region.

The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

Impact of the mine upon endangered eucalypt and woodland forest needs to be considered under the EPBC Act.

The economic benefits of the mine, including stated job numbers are unreliable as YanCoal has laid of 225 workers in other Hunter Valley mines. Groundwater, agriculture and sensitive ecosystems should be prioritised over unstable, underground coal mines.

I object to the proposal because I do not support the doubling of underground extraction from 4mtpa to 8mtpa.

The proposal does not assess the impact of increased extraction rate from UG2 or UG4.

Mining in UG4 will have a significant impact on the integrity of the sandstone escarpment on the Goulburn River, and particularly The Drip. It will also impact on the base flows to the river.

The assessment of this proposal is very poor and it should not be approved.

I object to the modifications for Moolarben as the broad effects of doubling extraction are vast. The impacts on the environment, rail corridor etc are not sufficiently srutinised. The groundwater modelling appears to be inadequate. There has been no identification of the Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest or woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act. The problems that have occurred with cliff collapses need to be thoroughly examined by independent expert engineers and/ geologists. I ask that you put aside any recommendation until these critical issues have been properly and independently assessed. Thank you M.A.Campbell (OAM)

this project should not be approved for many reasons, foremost of which is that the impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed.

Nor has the cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region been identified

The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Yet the mine continued to operated round the clock despite public concern. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

I recently visited the area and was shocked to discover that the high wall had collapsed and the road had been closed for many weeks, inconveniencing the community at Wollar and surrounds and tourists wishing to visit the Goulburn River National Park. To earn the trust of the people of NSW, the Mine should've stopped and put every effort into rectifying the damage caused by their reckless practices.

The groundwater modeling for this project is inadequate. Located as it is at the headwaters of the Goulburn River area, any expansion of the mine could have serious impacts to the flow of water downstream all the way to the Hunter River.

The project fails to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act. this is a serious omission and one that should cause the proponent to go back to the drawing board.

Coal train movements from this proposal would increase to a peak of 9 daily. This will have an unacceptable cumulative noise and dust impact throughout the Hunter coal chain. Asthma and other respiratory problems already plague the people living around coal mines and rail routes. Coal wagons should be covered and washed to avoid damaging the health of communities that live along the coal rail route before any consideration of expanding the coal industry.

Furthermore, Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines. their claims regarding employment opportunities cannot be trusted.

Many thanks,

Nell

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:

The subsidence may cause cliff collapse above the workings

The impacts on ground water have not been adequately studied

Unacceptable cumulative impact of dust and noise of train movements

More coal is impacting coal prices and job stability in the Hunter

Expansion of longwall mining at Moolarben Mine
I strongly object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:
a. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed.

b. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified.

c. The groundwater modeling is inadequate.

d. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act.

e. Coal wagons should definitely be covered and washed and the wastewater from such washing environmentally treated.

f. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

g. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because several of the aspects of the EA are totally inadequate to properly ascertain the damage this project will do. There are some very serious oversights, namely:

1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed

2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified

3. The groundwater modeling is inadequate

4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act

5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.

6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

7. Job numbers have no basis in reality and are in no way guaranteed. In fact, hundreds of jobs have been lost just recently in coal mining in NSW. There is no jobs benefit.

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:

The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed

The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified

The groundwater modeling is inadequate

Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act

The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.

The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.

Lisa Costello

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because:

1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed.

2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified.

3. The groundwater modelling is inadequate.

4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act.

5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of nine daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.

6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

7. Job numbers cannot be guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines.

My submission is an objection to Yancoal Moolarben Mine expansion stage1 mod and stage2 mod
My reasoning as below
The central Hunter valley eucalypt forest and woodland, which is critically endangered , has failed to be identified.
There has been a unpredicted highwall collapse at open cut1,which caused a threat to public safety, a public road was closed for an extended period
Yancoal cannot guarantee job security. this gives uncertainty to community.
There has not been an adequate assessment of impacts of doubling coal extraction

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Modification 12 & Stage 2 Modification 2 because:



1. The impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining have not been adequately assessed



2. The cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence in the region has not been identified



3. The groundwater modeling is inadequate



4. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act



5. The proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter coal chain. Coal wagons should be covered and washed.



6. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

.
Objection to Yancoal Moolarben Mine Expansion
I wish to object to the above expansion and give the following reasons:


1. A number of cumulative impacts have not been adequately assessed, the most important of which are the impacts of doubling the coal extraction, increased train movements throughout the Hunter coal chain and the cumulative impact of cliff collapse caused by subsidence from long wall mining.

2. Failure to identify Central Hunter Valley Eucalypt forest and woodland as critically endangered under the EPBC Act is a gross error.

3. The groundwater modelling is totally inadequate and therefore cannot accurately predict the impact of the mine on water resources. Already in this region there have been major water issues from underestimating water inflow into mines.

4. The recent unpredicted highwall collapse at Open Cut 1 has threatened a public road, causing significant public cost and threat to public safety. Moolarben Mine should not be granted any further modifications.

5. Job numbers are always given as the raison dÂ'etre for mine extension, but these jobs are never guaranteed. Yancoal has just shed 225 jobs at other Hunter mines and has not given any guaranteed that the job numbers promised will actually eventuate.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Objection to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2
Expansion of longwall mining at Moolarben Mine

I object to Moolarben Stage 1 Mod 12 & Stage 2 Mod 2 because aspects of the Environment Assessment Reports on these modifications are inadequate, e.g:
o There is insufficient review of the impacts of doubling coal extraction from underground mining.

o The EAR has inadequate modelling of groundwater system. This is of critical importance to The Drip Gorge, as it relies on springs to feed its Dripping Wall, and the effects of dewatering to allow longwall mining have not been properly assessed.

o The danger from cumulative impacts of cliff collapse from subsidence is not mentioned. Again, this is of critical importance in respect of The Drip, as these cliffs are part of the geological structure of The Drip Gorge.

o Several weeks ago there was the unforeseen highwall collapse at Open Cut One. This has closed a public road, causing distress and inconvenience. There has been great public cost and is a threat to public safety. This issue alone should force rejection of any further modifications from Moolarben Coal.

o The Central Hunter Valley eucalypt forest and woodland was not identified as critically endangered under the EPBC Act. This is negligent.

o The social impacts of the proposed increase in trains to a peak of 9 daily will have cumulative noise and dust impacts throughout the Hunter rail corridor. Traffic has already reached crisis point because of the cumulative increase of coal trains throughout the region. Coal wagons must be covered and washed. The health impacts of uncovered coal wagons are well documented and it is time this practice was discontinued.

o The projected job figures are open to question. Elsewhere in the Hunter region, 225 jobs have gone from Yancoal - owned mines. Every day in the newspapers we read of coal mining companies shedding jobs as a result of the downturn of the industry. Again it is time that decisions by NSW Planning and Infrastructure took this into account.