Karuah South Quarry

I object to the proposed quarry due to a lack of consideration for the cumulative impact of all the quarries being proposed in the lower hunter, Dungog, port Stephens and mid north coast of NSW. The communities and residents in these areas, of which I am one, should not be continually asked to accommodate these quarries on an ad hoc basis when they are in such close proximity to each other. Nor should the flora and fauna of these areas.
We should be given hard evidence that this much product is actually needed if all were to be approved and also what the cumulative effect of all would be.

I object to the project proceeding due to several concerns that I feel are valid grounds to reject the development. 
1. Climate change - the development will mean the clearing of many hectares of native fauna that will be vital in the reversal of the effects of climate change. The best method of removing carbon from the earths atmosphere is via photosynthesis.
2. Danger to native animals by the removal of their normal habitat. There are many species of native animal in the area. Some of the native animals are able to be viewed just by walking along the local roadways. The native animals in the area include kangaroos, koalas, snakes, goannas and many species of possums and native birds.
3. Danger to residents via dust pollution of their household water collection tanks. The proposed quarry area will not be sealed so will generate dust in the area from natural wind variations.
4. Danger to local residents from air pollution. There are numerous studies that have identified the increase of cases of silicosis in people that work or live near quarries and mines due to exposure to the fine dust generated from such operations.
5. Danger to local road users form the increase in traffic servicing the proposed development. The local roads cannot handle the current traffic from the existing quarries in the area.

This submission is made on behalf of the NSW Farmers Oyster Committee in support of oyster producers in the Karuah River/Port Stephens region.

I oppose the Karuah South Quarry project.
The background of the Karuah South Quarry project is a topic of concern for many stakeholders. This project has raised valid concerns about its potential impact on the environment, including air and water quality, as well as local flora and fauna. Noise and dust pollution are also major concerns that need to be addressed.
In addition to environmental concerns, there are also social implications to consider. The project's impact on the local community and residents, including potential effects on physical and mental health cannot be overlooked.

Economic considerations are another aspect to be taken into account. While the project may bring job creation and economic growth, it is essential to find a balance between these benefits and the potential environmental impacts. Long-term economic sustainability should be a priority.

The potential environmental impact of the Karuah South Quarry project is a major concern that needs to be addressed. Specifically, the potential impact on air and water quality is a crucial concern regarding the Karuah South Quarry project. The extraction and processing of materials can release harmful pollutants into the air and water systems, posing risks to both the environment and public health. These pollutants can include dust, particulate matter, and chemicals, which may contaminate nearby water sources and contribute to air pollution. Addressing these concerns is essential to ensure the protection of the local ecosystem and the well-being of the surrounding communities.
Noise and dust pollution are also significant concerns that must be taken into consideration. The noise from trucks, drilling, blasting can have far reaching impacts on the health of the community and its wildlife
Dust is a serious concern associated with quarrying operations. The Karuah South quarry would undoubtedly contribute to the generation of dust particles, which can pose various health risks, particularly to individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The inhalation of quarry dust can cause or exacerbate respiratory issues, leading to respiratory discomfort, coughing, and potential long-term damage to lung function. Moreover, the dust particles can settle on nearby residential properties, affecting their aesthetic appeal and potentially impacting property values.
In addition to the health hazards, the dust generated by the quarry would also have adverse environmental consequences. The settling of dust on vegetation can impair plant growth and pollute water bodies, negatively impacting local ecosystems.
I am also concerned about light pollution in the area. How will the lighting affect the wildlife. Given the proposed hours of operation and the lighting that is proposed 24/7, I must object to this in that it will interfere with the ambience of the area. Light pollution would have negative consequences for the nocturnal and diurnal wildlife in the area, including owls, tawny frogmouths, macropods, gliders and echidnas that all roam at night and have done so in that area in darkness, free from light pollution.
What impact does the quarry have on koalas, and other wildlife? The continuous noise, dust, and destruction caused by quarry operations disrupt their natural behaviour, such as feeding, breeding, and nesting. The loss of trees and vegetation, often cleared to make way for the quarry, leaves wildlife vulnerable and without essential resources.
Apart from the direct threat to wildlife, the Karuah South quarry poses a broader risk to the environment and its delicate balance. The excavation and mining processes involved in quarry operations contribute to soil erosion, degradation of water quality, and disturbance of the natural landscape.
If approved, how will the quarry affect the ecosystem? The quarry's disruption of the natural landscape, including the removal of vegetation and topsoil, can lead to increased erosion. Sediment runoff into nearby waterways can harm aquatic ecosystems, reducing water quality and affecting the native species that rely on these habitats. Furthermore, the excavation process may disturb underground water tables, affecting the availability of water for both wildlife and nearby communities.
What are the long-term consequences? The long-term consequences of the Karuah South quarry can be devastating. The loss of vegetation, including the destruction of the hill, and the disruption of natural ecosystems can lead to a decline in biodiversity, with ripple effects on the entire ecosystem. Plants and animals that depend on these habitats may be forced to relocate or face extinction, resulting in a loss of ecological balance.
Conclusion
I object to the Karuah South Quarry project; my opposition to the Karuah South Quarry stems from the serious threats it poses to wildlife, and the broader environmental impact it will have on the ecosystem. The destruction of habitat and disturbance caused by the quarry's operation can have long-term consequences that extend far beyond the immediate area. It is crucial to prioritise the preservation and protection of our natural heritage, ensuring the survival of our wildlife and the integrity of our environment.

Hi James,
Please find attached Hunter Quarries submission relating to the Amended Karuah South Quarry Project Application.
Thanks,
Scott

Comment / Message
OBJECTION TO SSD17_8795 AND SSD_8795
I strongly object to the to above projects and these are my reasons why:
-Destruction of flora and fauna (including waterways) in local area
-Health risks to both people, animals and environment
-Increased pollution and traffic congestion
-Noise pollution including sound and vibration

OBJECTION TO SSD17_8795 AND SSD_8795
I strongly object to the to above projects and these are my reasons why:
-Destruction of flora and fauna (including waterways) in local area
-Health risks to both people, animals and environment
-Increased pollution and traffic congestion
-Noise pollution including sound and vibration

Koala Koalition EcoNetwork Port Stephens (KKEPS) objects to the Karuah South Quarry Amended Project as it does not reflect considered and justified planning principles and ignores potential and likely cumulative and combined environmental and social impacts.

EcoNetwork-Port Stephens Inc. and Gloucester Environment Group Inc. object to the Karuah South Quarry Amended Project as it does not reflect considered and justified planning principles and ignores potential and likely cumulative environmental and social impacts. Our submission is supplied as an attachment.

I object to this project.
I object to the project due to the extreme impact to Flora & Fauna
There are ample existing Quarrys that can meet demand.

I object to the proposed Karuah South hard rock quarry. Specifically Karuah South Quarry, amended application (SSD-8795)
I believe it will be a destructive works to the environement including all the flora and fauna. I believe the dust, blasting noise, tainted water, constant heavy vehicle movement and fumes will impact not only ground zero but the surrounding environment (fauna in particular). We already see disappearing natural bush areas forcing our native fauna onto roads and farms. This quarry has already been operational for quite a while. How much more is this company going to take!?! When do we, as custodians of our land say'enough'? This time is now.
I read the ammended EIS. I must say the companies conducting these statements paint this quarry as a faultless operation that will do nothing but good!! There were many counts that I had to laugh at the implausible rationales they gave as to why this proposed quarry was a positive one! One example being that the Flying Fox colonies wouldn't be disturb or put at risk due to habitat loss because 'they can fly away' !! But I guess if the company is paying big money to get an opinion then I understand how this happens.
Secondly, another quarry in this area will mean more blasting. The community will be disturbed by this noise as will fauna (as pointed out above). The dust from both blasting (and the blasting fumes), and heavy earth moving vehicles and rock crushing will enter our atmosphere and move to areas of human population causing possible respiratory issues and dust on and in houses and shops, parks and places of natural beauty, thereby decreasing property value. The natural environment will also suffer as this amount of dust covering leaves will hamper photosynthesis. The water run-off will make its way into natural waterways and into the bay and out to oyster farms. It will have an impact no matter what plans or actions are (said to be) implemented. I wonder if the people making the EIS, whom are so impressed at the positive outcomes that the quarry will bring, would like to live in this area? I think not!

please refer to attachment

Refer Attached PDF and Word Files

SUBMISSION FOR KARUAH SOUTH QUARRY (APPLICATION # SSD-8795)
TRANSPORT AND TRUCK MOVEMENTS
It is the cumulative effect of 5 quarries within 18 minutes of each other and using the Pacific Highway (public road) from Karuah/ Ballickera to Newcastle and beyond to Sydney that is not taken into account.
Karuah South Quarry and Eagleton Quarry’s truck movements plus ARDG’s Stone Quarry’s 344 truck movements per day COMBINED with Boral’s East Seaham Quarry’s current and future movements in relation to its application to extend its operations TOGETHER with the truck movements from Hanson’s Brandy Hill Quarry (when Seaham Road is closed due to flooding or road works) will cause congestion; noise and pollution from diesel particulate. So many additional trucks on the Pacific Highway and Motorway is dangerous for motorists and cyclists.
To get the trucks of 5 quarries (Wedge Rock's Karuah South; Boral’s East Seaham, ARDG’s Stone Ridge, Hanson’s Brandy Hill and Eagleton Quarry) off the Pacific Highway there should be a freight only rail spur line installed between Hexham and Karuah South.
The spur line could run between the freight yards at Hexham to Karuah with a rail sidings north and south of Italia Road. This spur line should be easily accessible for Eagleton Quarry; Booral East Seaham Quarry and ARDG’s Stone Ridge.
The Government owns land from Hexham to Karuah adjacent to the Pacific Highway which could be used for this purpose. The spur line could operate similar to the rail freight lines to and from the coal mines in the Hunter.
There is spare rail freight capacity into Sydney even more so when the Brisbane to Melbourne inland rail project is finished. Transport of quarry products in and around Newcastle and surrounding areas could be from Hexham which is designated an industry hub.
With the 5 quarries having a life of 30 or more years and making billions of dollars the cost of a spur line is affordable (especially as the land should not have to be purchased).
A bridge over the river at Hexham would be costly but such costs were paid for road intersections and flyovers by other extractive industries south of Sydney so they could get their licences as well as the coal mines in the Hunter. A bridge for a rail freight line has lesser structural/ engineering requirements than a public transport line.

I am submitting this objection on behalf of myself and my neighbor Robert Trotter of 64 Mill Hill Cl Karuah, as he has no access to a computer.
Community summary of proposed amendment Wedge rock / PL - Karuah South Quarry
1. EIS site layout
Major issues i- increased noise from crushing plant, gravel handling, equipment, vehicle and plant working
ii- increased dust to Neighbour's and general public
iii- Increased erosion effects to adjacent highway and Neighbour's
2. amended site layout preferred site due to
i- increased distance from Neighbour's and general public
3. proposed works subject to Enviromental controls as to existing gravel works, testing to meet same standards in regard to Noise, vibration, dust and contamination. If this of water courses.
4. if this quarry gets approved, I strongly recommend that they utilize the rear entrance via the Branch Lane as the front entrance will be constantly changing due to the site being quarried, and upgrade the Branch Lane to meet council standard for heavy vehicle use

I am writing to lodge my objection yo the proposed Karuah South Quarry Proposed Amendment SSD-8795 and proposed Karuah South SSD 17_8795.
I object because in my opinion there are enough quarries in close proximity to my property. I have been to the property at Italia Road and seen the amount of gravel and rock to last 100 years. I was also pushed up the road by a truck carrying gravel and my car was smashed beyond repair in June this year (Italia Rd & Pacific Hwy).
I have owned my property for 39 years. Hunter Quarries also have enough operating pits therefore the proposed quarry for Karuah South Quarry and the proposed amendment of Karuah South South Quarry is not necessary and should not be approved under any circumstances. This remaining property should be left unmolested for flora and forner.
My property of 40 acres is under private conservation.