Port Waratah Coal Services - Terminal 4

I object to the development

Firstly - climate change - the worlds greatest public health problem of the 21st century (Lancet 2009) is caused by burning fossil fuels, primarily coal.
Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality
The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains, which will threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island (the former BHP Steelworks site) and in the South Arm of the Hunter River. Too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the site.
The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tones of carbon pollution each year and fuelling climate change.
This project would damage internationally important wetlands that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
An area within the site is currently owned by the National Parks service, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Deep Pond is the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, yet a significant area of Deep Pond, would be lost to this project.
The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

As a healthcare worker I see this as a gross lack of due care.

It is a well known fact that coal dust contributes to the leading causes morbidity and mortality. This is a personal and social cost totally caused by a profiteering venture that makes no apologies nor any contribution to alleviate them (negative aspects). It is ridiculous that as a members of the community and definitely members of humanity, the directors would propose a project that subtracts so much to the quality and health of life not only to their families and friends but it's only plus is monetary profit. This is actually called stealing and as this is on a huge scale a jail term.

The other aspect is to do with contributing significantly to environmental degredation and climate change. At this level it is clearly against both the national interest - we all have to do our share to contribute to the overall national commitment to abate co2 emissions, and overall humanity survival interest. This company will not contribute to the restoration of post disaster events due to increased weather events and hence clearly should be banned from contributing to the cause of them.

I implore you to see it as nothing but that and dismiss this project as such - ridiculous, unworthy, unwanted.

Rebecca Newman
Dept. of Planning
GPO Box 39 SYDNEY
2001

This is a submission objecting to the proposed Port Waratah Coal Services Terminal 4 development in Newcastle (10_0215). The T4 proposal must not be approved due to the significant and unacceptable impacts as detailed below.

LOCAL ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS
The proposed development would result in loss of habitat for 23 threatened species of fauna, including the Green and Golden Bell frog and the Australasian Bittern. It would also result in disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of the population of four migratory shorebirds listed under international conservation conventions. At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties and 15 species of waterfowl (three of which are listed as threatened under the TSC Act) rely on the habitat of Deep Pond and its proximity to the RAMSAR listed wetland. Deep Pond is in fact the only freshwater drought refuge in the Lower Hunter Estuary system. Deep Pond should be protected, and its management should be coordinated with the ongoing conservation efforts in the Hunter Estuary. An area of the development would take place on land previously gazetted as National Park. This area should not be part of the proposed development. Furthermore, the project site includes 18.8ha of Saltmarsh (an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act), 28.9ha of mangrove and 27.3ha of freshwater wetland, 4ha of which are listed as an endangered community under the TSC Act. Offsets cannot compensate for the loss of habitat at the project site. The proposed offset site at Ellalong has been identified as critical for conservation in its own right. Furthermore, the offset site is 50km away from Kooragang Island, which is too far away to provide the ecological function of Deep Pond. Deep Pond provides key foraging and roosting habitat due to its proximity to the RAMSAR listed wetlands in the Hunter Estuary.

IMPACTS ON AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH
The Environmental Assessment downplays the impact of the project on air quality. The EA only considers the impact of increased coal train movements on residencies within 20m of the rail line. However, the impacts of coal dust are likely to extend far beyond these boundaries. More uncovered coal stockpiles will increase the amount of coal dust already affecting Newcastle suburbs. The precautionary principle should be applied to potential health impacts of the T4 project. Approval for the project should not be given until a comprehensive health and air quality study has been conducted across the Newcastle LGA. The health impacts of the coal industry are estimated to be around $2.6 billion across Australia. Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The 4th terminal project would increase negative health impacts in the Hunter region. For this reason alone, the project should not be approved.


DREDGING AND WATER CONTAMINATION
There is no plan to fully remediate the heavily contaminated T4 site. The T4 proposal could therefore cause the leaching of existing toxic material into groundwater and surrounding surface waters via a `squeezing effect'. The result will be pollution of both the neighbouring (National Park and RAMSAR listed) wetlands and the Hunter River. The dredging will have massive impacts including the removal of aquatic habitats and impacts on estuarine habitats via changes to tidal hydrodynamics and salinity. Also, it has the potential of creating stagnant deep holes, altering currents, causing riverbed erosion and releasing pollutants that are currently trapped within the bottom sediments. A study should be conducted to investigate this issue. An increase in shipping will negatively impact harbour water quality with sediment disturbance (some of it contaminated), release of bilge water, more antifouling agents, chemicals and oil spills, and dumping of debris. It will also increase the risk of introduced species. The T4 proposal requires the realignment of the banks of the South Arm of the Hunter River and construction of a `swing basin'. The proposal also requires dredging of the South Arm of the river from its natural depth of 2-4m to 16.2m with 17.8m deep shipping berths along each bank. The area that will be dredged has changed significantly after the State Government gave the dredging approval. PWCS should apply for a new license for dredging, given that the proposal for dredging has changed significantly.

LOCAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS
After construction, the T4 proposal will provide no additional long-term employment. Rather, the 22 extra coal ships per week that the T4 project will bring is likely to push out other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other exports. It is also likely to impact commercial fishing due to the loss of fish habitat and increased contamination from dredging. T4 would facilitate an increase of at least 41 additional coal trains per day through the suburbs of Maitland and into Newcastle. This would increase congestion on the rail lines as well as increasing noise and dust. During the construction period, traffic congestion on roads is also likely to occur. The T4 project would also increase noise, light and dust pollution (mentioned in `Air Quality' above). Noise, vibrations and light pollution from on-site operations will occur 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. IMPACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASED MINING The T4 project would facilitate the development of at least 15 more large coalmines in the Hunter Valley and Liverpool plains. The EA should consider the cumulative social and environmental impacts of these mines. The costs of more mining to the State include greenhouse gas generation, loss of agricultural lands, blasting, noise, air quality, loss of aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage, visual impacts, loss and pollution of surface water and groundwater, damage to aquatic ecology, flora and fauna loss. T4 would provide coal for the equivalent of 15 more large power stations around the world, generating an extra 288 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and fuelling the global climate crisis. Consideration of the impact of the `Scope 3' downstream emissions of coal exported via the T4 project should be included in the Environmental Assessment.

Sincerely,

Vanessa Chambard,
Rue des Abeilles,
07170 DARBRES
FRANCE
00 33 675 759 933

Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality
The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains, which will threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island (the former BHP Steelworks site) and in the South Arm of the Hunter River. Too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the site.
The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tones of carbon pollution each year and fuelling climate change.
This project would damage internationally important wetlands that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
An area within the site is currently owned by the National Parks service, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Deep Pond is the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, yet a significant area of Deep Pond, would be lost to this project.
The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

I object to a new fourth coal export terminal, on the grounds that we should all be working to cut down on coal - not consume more! Australian industry should be pursuing green energy options.

Living in close proximity to the proposed 4th coal loader I most strongly object to its construction. We are already affected by the coal dust and fumes from the other coal loaders and also the dust and diesel fumes from the rail line. This is an absurd proposal and will only harm the residents in this vicinity.

I object to a new 4th coal terminal in Newcastle!!!

Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality
The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains, which will threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island (the former BHP Steelworks site) and in the South Arm of the Hunter River. Too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the site.
The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tones of carbon pollution each year and fuelling climate change.
This project would damage internationally important wetlands that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
An area within the site is currently owned by the National Parks service, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Deep Pond is the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, yet a significant area of Deep Pond, would be lost to this project.
The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

I believe this proposed expansion project will greatly benefit the Newcastle region in relation to employment opportunities.

I fully support this planned coal terminal for Port Waratah Coal Services. I believe it will only strengthen the coal industry in this town, provide more employment in the area as well as stability in a job because coal will always be around. PWCS has already won awards for being the best coal handling facility in the country & i am sure they can continue to do so with this extra terminal.

i believe exporting coal is giving power to the people who are not responsible with the power that is given to them. And we only sell coal to them for our own personal benefit. coal technology is outdated. in a sense we are still cave men cooking the things we need over a dirty fire. in fact we are worse than cave men because a cave mans fire did not cause such large scale disruptions to ecosystems around the world. We really need to stem our growth and use other sources of energy that are not so disruptive to the earths workings. these other sources of energy do present us with a little more inconvenience than the extraction and transportation of coal does but has the great benefit of liberating us from a limited supply of energy. in fact renewable energy can provide us with many more times the amount of energy that coal and other fossil fuels can provide us with. we just have to evolve our social behaviour to allow the politcal systems to establish themselves that enpower the many rather than the few. NOT allowing the coal companies to expand by building the additional coal loading facility is an important step in empowering the wider community rather than only the coal extraction corporations.

* Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.
* Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality
* The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains, which will threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
* The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island (the former BHP Steelworks site) and in the South Arm of the Hunter River. Too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic accidents, seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the site.
* The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tones of carbon pollution each year and fuelling climate change.
* This project would damage internationally important wetlands that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
* An area within the site is currently owned by the National Parks service, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
* At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Deep Pond is the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, yet a significant area of Deep Pond, would be lost to this project.
* The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
* After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.

I am concerned with the disruption of the existing wetlands and associated fauna, flora (with some threatened species) and potential degradation of the RAMSAR areas directly involved within this project area.
The "long pond" every year has black swans breeding here as other birds & aquatic life. I realise that swans are not endangered but they are historically and now part of the natural cycle as are other life cycles not obvious to the naked eye.
This highly visible area is well established as is the mangrove areas there at present.
Will the Hunter River so close to this proposed be effected by contamination / pollution?
Will the further extension of this area degrade /contaminate the northern Ash Island & Fullerton Cove / Tilligerry areas?
All these protected areas are not only a wildlife corridor they are water purification areas for the human population.
My concerns are environmentall y based and I object to this expansion.

I object to this development. I strongly object to any more coal expansion.

This is a submission objecting to the proposed Port Waratah Coal Services Terminal 4 development in Newcastle (10_0215). The T4 proposal must not be approved due to the significant and unacceptable impacts as detailed below.

LOCAL ECOLOGICAL IMPACTS
The proposed development would result in loss of habitat for 23 threatened species of fauna, including the Green and Golden Bell frog and the Australasian Bittern. It would also result in disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of the population of four migratory shorebirds listed under international conservation conventions. At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties and 15 species of waterfowl (three of which are listed as threatened under the TSC Act) rely on the habitat of Deep Pond and its proximity to the RAMSAR listed wetland. Deep Pond is in fact the only freshwater drought refuge in the Lower Hunter Estuary system. Deep Pond should be protected, and its management should be coordinated with the ongoing conservation efforts in the Hunter Estuary. An area of the development would take place on land previously gazetted as National Park. This area should not be part of the proposed development. Furthermore, the project site includes 18.8ha of Saltmarsh (an endangered ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act), 28.9ha of mangrove and 27.3ha of freshwater wetland, 4ha of which are listed as an endangered community under the TSC Act. Offsets cannot compensate for the loss of habitat at the project site. The proposed offset site at Ellalong has been identified as critical for conservation in its own right. Furthermore, the offset site is 50km away from Kooragang Island, which is too far away to provide the ecological function of Deep Pond. Deep Pond provides key foraging and roosting habitat due to its proximity to the RAMSAR listed wetlands in the Hunter Estuary.

IMPACTS ON AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH
The Environmental Assessment downplays the impact of the project on air quality. The EA only considers the impact of increased coal train movements on residencies within 20m of the rail line. However, the impacts of coal dust are likely to extend far beyond these boundaries. More uncovered coal stockpiles will increase the amount of coal dust already affecting Newcastle suburbs. The precautionary principle should be applied to potential health impacts of the T4 project. Approval for the project should not be given until a comprehensive health and air quality study has been conducted across the Newcastle LGA. The health impacts of the coal industry are estimated to be around $2.6 billion across Australia. Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The 4th terminal project would increase negative health impacts in the Hunter region. For this reason alone, the project should not be approved.


DREDGING AND WATER CONTAMINATION
There is no plan to fully remediate the heavily contaminated T4 site. The T4 proposal could therefore cause the leaching of existing toxic material into groundwater and surrounding surface waters via a `squeezing effect'. The result will be pollution of both the neighbouring (National Park and RAMSAR listed) wetlands and the Hunter River. The dredging will have massive impacts including the removal of aquatic habitats and impacts on estuarine habitats via changes to tidal hydrodynamics and salinity. Also, it has the potential of creating stagnant deep holes, altering currents, causing riverbed erosion and releasing pollutants that are currently trapped within the bottom sediments. A study should be conducted to investigate this issue. An increase in shipping will negatively impact harbour water quality with sediment disturbance (some of it contaminated), release of bilge water, more antifouling agents, chemicals and oil spills, and dumping of debris. It will also increase the risk of introduced species. The T4 proposal requires the realignment of the banks of the South Arm of the Hunter River and construction of a `swing basin'. The proposal also requires dredging of the South Arm of the river from its natural depth of 2-4m to 16.2m with 17.8m deep shipping berths along each bank. The area that will be dredged has changed significantly after the State Government gave the dredging approval. PWCS should apply for a new license for dredging, given that the proposal for dredging has changed significantly.

LOCAL SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS
After construction, the T4 proposal will provide no additional long-term employment. Rather, the 22 extra coal ships per week that the T4 project will bring is likely to push out other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other exports. It is also likely to impact commercial fishing due to the loss of fish habitat and increased contamination from dredging. T4 would facilitate an increase of at least 41 additional coal trains per day through the suburbs of Maitland and into Newcastle. This would increase congestion on the rail lines as well as increasing noise and dust. During the construction period, traffic congestion on roads is also likely to occur. The T4 project would also increase noise, light and dust pollution (mentioned in `Air Quality' above). Noise, vibrations and light pollution from on-site operations will occur 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. IMPACTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND INCREASED MINING The T4 project would facilitate the development of at least 15 more large coalmines in the Hunter Valley and Liverpool plains. The EA should consider the cumulative social and environmental impacts of these mines. The costs of more mining to the State include greenhouse gas generation, loss of agricultural lands, blasting, noise, air quality, loss of aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage, visual impacts, loss and pollution of surface water and groundwater, damage to aquatic ecology, flora and fauna loss. T4 would provide coal for the equivalent of 15 more large power stations around the world, generating an extra 288 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and fuelling the global climate crisis. Consideration of the impact of the `Scope 3' downstream emissions of coal exported via the T4 project should be included in the Environmental Assessment.

Sincerely,
B.J. Rossiter

To whom it may concern,

I wish to express my strong objection to this proposal for the following reasons.

The proposal would Destroy rare migratory bird habitat, endangered ecological communities and habitat for nationally threatened species.

Double the greenhouse gas emissions from NSW Coal exports when the International Energy Agency says we only have until 2017 to peak greenhouse emissions then start to drastically reduce them in order to limit global warming to below 2 degrees. Knowing this it would be ludicrous for the government to approve such projects as these.

This proposal would impact severely on local residents who already suffer from noise and dust issues.

I urge the Department of planning to reject this proposal for the above reasons.

I object to any expansion that supports fossil fuel energy.

I OBJECT!

I strenuously object to this proposal for the following reasons:
* Locally, the fourth coal terminal project would see 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland every
day, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments. Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and
contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality.
* The Fourth Coal Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalent of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains which threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting waterways.
* The proposal also carries the risk of mobilising toxic
contaminants on Kooragang Island, the former BHP Steelworks site, and in the South Arm of the Hunter River, and too little is known about the risks to ensure the communities of Newcastle will be protected from toxic seepage and accidents. There is no plan to fully remediate the sites.
* The coal exported would provide the capacity to feed at least 15 more large power stations around the world emitting 288 million tones of carbon pollution each year and fuelling climate change.
* This project would damage internationally important wetlands that provide critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.
* An area within the site is currently owned by the National Parks service, and provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. The proposal will mean loss of habitat and disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population of four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions.
At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat at "Deep Pond" and its proximity to the Hunter estuary Ramsar site. Most of Deep Pond, the only freshwater refuge in the Hunter estuary, would be lost to this project.
* The Environmental Assessment fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern.
* After construction, the coal terminal will provide no additional employment. Rather, it is likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism, fishing and other shipping.
THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!