Port Waratah Coal Services - Terminal 4

Members of BirdLife Northern NSW (a branch of BirdLife Australia, recently formed by merger of Birds Australia and Bird Observers Club of Australia) have serious objections to the proposed Newcastle coal loader PWCS T4 because of its likely irreversible effects on the populations of protected migratory and nationally threatened bird species that rely on habitat in the Kooragang Island site of the proposed development
This project is likely to irreversibly damage internationally important wetlands that provide critical habitat for a number of protected migratory bird species, plus nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern. 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 (Ramsar, Jamba, Camba).
An area within the site (currently owned by the NSW National Parks service) provides irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. 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, and there does not appear to be any suitable alternative to offer as a biodiversity offset. This should mandate refusal of the project.
We support the comprehensive submissions of the Hunter Community Environment Centre and other environmental groups objecting to the proposed Newcastle coal loader PWCS T4. This includes objecting to impacts of expansion of coal mining in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains, which the project is facilitating by nearly doubling the export capacity of Newcastle, and objecting to the impacts due to doubling the greenhouse pollution emissions of the coal exported from NSW.
In addition we deplore and draw attention to the inappropriate decision to rezone land protected under the NSW National Parks Act in order to facilitate this development, signalling complete disregard for Australia's international obligations to protect the habitat of listed shorebird species.
We believe that the Environmental Assessment comprehensively fails to adequately assess the above impacts, and fails to meet the requirements set out by both the State and Federal agencies, and that the proposal represents an unacceptable risk to the Australasian Bittern amongst other species, justifying refusal of the project.
We request that Federal Minister for the Environment Tony Burke give effect to his obligations to protect the habitat of threatened species listed under the EPBC Act, and of shorebirds listed under international treaties such as the Ramsar Convention, and advise the NSW Department of Planning that this proposed development must be refused.
Submission compiled by Beth Williams,
Conservation Officer for BirdLife Northern NSW.
25 The Avenue Armidale NSW 2350 22/4/12

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,
Denise Witt - resident of Mayfield Newcastle - [email protected]

I have a number of serious concerns regarding the proposed fourth coal loader:

Redundant infrastructure
If built, the fourth coal loader will be a redundant piece of infrastructure as soon as the world takes serious action to avert climate change. Building this structure would be a short sighted in a world where drastic action is required to reduce emissions from fossil fuel burning. Building a coal loader that will supply coal resulting in a further 288 million tonnes of carbon pollution every year is not acceptable.

Noise Pollution
The 41 additional coal trains daily that would accompany commissioning of a 4th coal loader would increase the already unacceptable noise and dust pollution for residents in the vicinity of the rail links into Newcastle. As a resident of Tighes Hill, on any night with a northerly breeze, the sound volume of the industrial humming and rumble of the existing coal loaders and trains makes it extremely unpleasant to be outdoors. I believe the noise pollution already exceeds acceptable limits and request that monitoring be put in place to measure this. Noise pollution would only worsen with a further coal loader in the vicinity.

Air quality
I am also extremely concerned about the health impacts of the coal dust already released by existing coal loading activities. My home in Tighes Hill is constantly covered in a thin layer of coal dust. The high level of asthma in the lower Hunter is quite likely linked to the dust that accompanies coal mining and loading activities. Any increase to these activities is unacceptable.

Habitat destruction
The proposed coal loader would result in the destruction of internationally significant wetlands that provide irreplaceable habitat for migratory shore birds. Given that these habitats are threatened globally we cannot afford to allow these to be destroyed to make way for another coal loader.

Loss of economic diversity
Given that the proposed coal loader is not going to provide any additional employment following construction, there will be minimal direct economic benefit from the proposal. Rather, the increased coal shipping activities will only make it more difficult for other port industries such as the tourism and fishing industries. Furthermore the increased mining activity that the coal loader would facilitate would further exacerbate the two speed economy where the expansion of mining is coming at the direct expense of a diverse range of other industries within the Hunter region. When the resources boom plateaus and then contracts, our economy will be hammered more than ever before. We need to build a much more robust and diverse economy, not cash in for the short term with no view to future economic sustainability.

I ask that the proposed coal loader be rejected on the grounds expressed above.

I object to the fourth coal loader being built. Newcastle has far too many pollution problems as it is, and a fourth coal loader will only make Newcastle worse.

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. I think it criminaly negligent to add to the airborn pollution without any monitoring for <.5 micron particles.
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.

HEALTH

Every part of the coal chain has direct impacts on human health. Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Locally, the 4th Terminal project would see at least 41 more coal trains through Newcastle and Maitland everyday, increasing dust related health problems such as asthma and other respiratory ailments.

FOOD SECURITY

The 4th Terminal would facilitate many more large coal mines (the equivalant of at least 15 'mega-pits') in the Hunter and Liverpool Plains which would threaten food and water security by destroying prime agricultural land, irreversibly damaging ground water systems and polluting vital waterways including the Hunter river.

CLIMATE CHANGE

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.

LOSS OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

The 4th Terminal would destroy 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. The 'offsets' proposed in the projects Environmental Assessment fail to compensate for the irreplaceable loss of these unique and valuable ecosystems.

- too many trains
- too much coal dust already
- too much pollution by mining, transporting, loading and burning
- decrease in tourism for the region
- decrease of lifestyle for most people
- decrease of business
There is no way we can accept it.

Too much pollution here and abroad already,
it is not good for tourism in Newcastle and Hunter Valley,
part of the development is National Park,
too many trains already

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 accidents, 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.

Summary of 4th Coal Terminal Impacts
Port Waratah Coal Service's 4th Coal Terminal (T4) is a proposal for a massive new coal
terminal in Newcastle, NSW. If approved, T4 would allow an additional 120 million tonnes
per annum of coal to be shipped out of Newcastle. This would boost existing coal export
capacity by 84%, in what is already the world's biggest coal port.
Impacts on Habitat, Endangered and Threatened Species, and Migratory Birds
- An area within the 4th terminal site is currently National Park. The National Park lands
provide critical habitat for migratory shore birds. National Park lands must not be
included in the proposed development.
- The 312ha project site includes 91ha of valuable native vegetation and 24ha of open
water habitat. The project site is home to 18.8ha of saltmarsh (an endangered
ecological community under the Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC)),
28.9ha of mangrove and 27.3ha of freshwater wetland, 4ha of which are listed as an
endangered community under the TSC Act.
- Loss of habitat for 23 threatened fauna species including the Australasian bittern
(listed as endangered under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation (EPBC) Act), and the Green and Golden Bell frog (also listed as
vulnerable under the EPBC Act).
- 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 of deep pond and its proximity to the RAMSAR listed
wetland.
- Offsets cannot hope to compensate for loss of habit at the site. The proposed offset
site at Ellalong has already been identified as critical for conservation in its own right.
Furthermore, the offset site fails to compensate for the loss of Deep Pond because it
is over 50km away from Kooragang Island. Deep Pond is critical because it provides
key foraging and roosting habitat due to its proximity to RAMSAR listed wetlands in
the Hunter estuary.
- Deep Pond is the only freshwater drought refuge in the Lower Hunter Estuary
system. It is relied upon by at least 15 species of waterfowl, three of which are listed
as threatened under the TSC Act.
- Because of the valuable habitat that Deep Pond provides to numerous threatened
and protected species and its critical function to the nearby RAMSAR listed wetlands,
Deep Pond should be protected and its management should be coordinated with the
ongoing conservation efforts in the Hunter Estuary.
Air Quality
- The Environmental Assessment of T4 downplays impacts on air quality stating: "The
T4 project is not expected to result in any criterion exceedences on any additional
days of the year"1. It defies belief that extra, uncovered coal stockpiles will not increase
the amount of coal dust effecting Newcastle suburbs.
- 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
1
P243 Vol 1 Air Quality report
2
beyond this area.
- The current guidelines are out-dated and fail to account for the findings of recent
health studies which demonstrate that total suspended particles (coal dust) are of
greater detriment to human health than when the T4 guidelines were put in place.
- The precautionary principle should be applied to potential health impacts of the T4
proposal. Approval should not be allowed until a more conclusive health and air quality
study is undertaken for the Newcastle LGA.
Dredging and Water Pollution
- There is no plan to fully remediate the heavily contaminated T4 site. The T4 proposal
will 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.
- 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 reduce access for other
harbour users and 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 `turning circle' or `swing basin' to accommodate the world's
largest ships. 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 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.
- 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.
Social and Economic Impacts on Newcastle and Lower Hunter
- After construction, T4 will provide no additional long-term employment. Rather, T4 is
likely to result in the loss of other economic activities in the port, such as tourism,
fishing and other shipping.
- 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.
- T4 will increase noise and light pollution. Noise, vibrations and light pollution from onsite
operations will occur 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.
- T4 will cause increased traffic congestion during the construction period.
- T4 is likely to have impacts on commercial fishing due to the loss of habitat and the
increased contamination caused by the dredging.
3
Impacts of Increased Coal Mining in NSW
- When completed, T4 would facilitate the development of at least 15 more large
coalmines in the Hunter Valley and Liverpool plains.
- The costs of more mining to the State include: greenhouse gas generation at mines,
loss of agricultural lands, blasting, noise, air quality, loss of aboriginal and nonaboriginal
heritage, visual impacts, loss and pollution of surface water and groundwater,
damage to aquatic ecology, flora and fauna loss.
- Research shows 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. In the Hunter Valley this
impact is all the more prevalent due to the proximity to communities of coal mining,
transport and infrastructure. The 4th terminal project would increase negative health
impacts in the region. For this reason alone, the negative contribution of the project far
outweighs any merits.
- T4 will mean 22 more coal ships would visit Newcastle every week, pushing out other
port users.
- T4 would provide coal for the equivalent of 15 more large power stations around the
world, generating an extra 288

I strenuously object to the proposed expansion (T4) - I live less than 1 km from the proposed new loader, I have 3 young children whose lungs are already exposed to high levels of coal dust brought to us on the nor easterly winds that predominate through summer months in particular. I m naturally appalled that my children could be potentially exposed to ever increasing levels of carcinogenic fine dust particles emanating from the stockpiles of coal on kooragang island.
I get the impression government view communities of the Hunter as collateral damage in the pursuit of profit.

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.

Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality

The proposal for the fourth coal terminal in Newcastle should be rejected outright.

Unacceptable impacts of the development would include:
- 41 more coal trains through Newcastle & Maitland every day, with effects such as increased dust related health problems.
- Enabling development of yet more coal mines in the Hunter Valley at a time when the region needs to build new clean energy industries to provide employment and a sustainable economy after the coal boom and the world a a whole must stop burning coal on the shortest possible timeline.
- Potential disturbance and spills of toxic contaminants on Kooragang Island.
- Damage to internationally significant wetlands that are critical habitat for protected migratory bird species and nationally threatened species including the Green and Golden Bell Frog and the Australasian Bittern.

In addition, the Environmental Assessment for the project fails to meet the requirements set out by both 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.

Regards,
Erland Howden.

I fully support the submission for a fourth coal export terminal in newcastle known as T4.

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 accidents, 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 tonnes of carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang Island 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 National Parks, 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

I'd like to express my opposition to the construction of a new coal terminal in the Newcastle area. The communities in this region is already affected by the coal trains noise and dust associated to the existing three coal terminals, which I understand do not operate at capacity.

The new coal terminal is expected to double the dust and the noise for these communities and destroy rare migratory bird habitat, endangered ecological communities and habitat for nationally threatened species on Kooragang Island. Besides, the new proposed terminal will double the greenhouse pollution impact of the coal exported from NSW.

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.

Thus, I find no justification for the proposed new terminal and a very detrimental impact to our community. I firmly oppose it.

Sincerely,

Julio H. Braslavsky

Coal exporting is already one of the most profitable industries for our region.

We do not need to accelerate the rate at which we use up this fossil fuel. In my experience in the industry, the entire supply chain is grossly inefficient and could be optimised by not increasing exports.

We do not need to drive our dollar up further and destroy the tourism industry

* 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 accidents, 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 tonnes of
carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
* This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang
Island 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 National Parks, 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

* 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 accidents, 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 tonnes of
carbon pollution each year and fuelling global climate change.
* This project would damage internationally important wetlands on Kooragang
Island 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 National Parks, 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