Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

I strongly OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry proposal. This is a quiet
rural residential area where the proposed extraction and processing of
sand will lead to widespread environmental damage, impacting on the
flora and fauna of the area and the lives of not only the local
residents but those in the greater region.

It will cause problems with the additional traffic entering and
leaving the Highway with an upgraded access and create great
disturbance to a quiet scenic bushland area.

This sand mine is likely to severely impact on the surrounding
environment and furthermore is totally unnecessary in this location.
It is an absolute disgrace that the proposal has got as far as it has
and should be permanently quashed henceforth.

I strongly OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry proposal. This is a quiet and
historic rural residential area, which families have called home for
decades. The proposed sand mine would ruin sanctity of these small
farms with noise pollution and will severely affect the agriculture
and animals.
These environmental damages will be irreversible.
The sand mine proposal is simply in the wrong location as the
environment is not In nature with the rural, bushy area and should not
be socially or environmentally acceptable to go ahead.

This development should not be approved - there is simply too many
industrial developments happening in our drinking water catchment
areas !

From
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-09/fears-sutton-forest-sand-quarry-could-jeopardise-waterways/9846832

"The proposed mine does pose substantial and unquantified risks," said
Dr Wright.

Furthermore, apparently, "A section of the Great Western Wildlife
Corridor, the only native vegetated habitat from the Blue Mountains to
Morton National Park, would be cleared and narrowed to 500 metres in
parts. " from the above URL. This is deeply shorted sighted,
irreversible ecological damage for a projected 30-50 years of sand
extraction.

This is a totally unacceptable mine proposal and should be rejected.

I OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal. The "extraction techniques"
of " ripping , pushing, loading and haulage"(EIS Executive Summary)
have no place in the quiet rural, residential setting that is the
proposed site. Mining and its associated activities in this area will
be responsible for irreversible environmental and social damage .

I am NOT in favour of any approvals being granted in relation to the
proposed Sutton Forest Quarry project. It would appear that the EIS
submitted by the proponent is somewhat lacking (and that's being
charitable) in the necessary detail.

Approving any activity such as this within the Sydney water catchment
area is folly - history has shown time and time again that mining and
water does not mix.

This community is already dealing with the environmental horror show
left behind by the Berrima Colliery, and fending off the equally
ludicrous proposed Hume Coal Project.

Protection of the aquifer and groundwater, and preservation of the
wildlife corridor should be of primary concern to all - and the
continued disregard shown by government towards the local community in
this regard will no doubt be reflected at the polling stations in no
uncertain terms.

I strongly urge you to reject this proposal.

My concerns about the Sutton Forest Sand Mine which I strongly oppose
include:
* the impacts on ground water and groundwater dependent species
including Eucalyptus aquatic, Carex klaphakei, Eucalyptus macarthurii,
*the impacts of this huge area of land clearing on the Great Western
Wildlife Corridor which is so vital for minimising the impacts of
climate change on fauna and flora,
* the noise pollution and dust pollution caused by the operation
particularly on a 24/7 basis
* the potential to impact on Sydney's drinking water catchment via
Long Swamp and Lake Burragorang
* the leachates from the proposed landfill impacting on local water
quality affecting local flora and fauna and downstream flown affects

My brother and sister in law purchased a 65 hectare property in Hanging
Rock Road, Sutton Forest next door to the property of The Shrine of
Our Lady of Mercy-Penrose Park approximately 15 years ago. Since
purchase they have steadily developed the property with suitable
accommodation for weekend stays with friends and relatives and use it
frequently over weekends and holiday periods as a holiday farm to rest
and escape the hustle and bustle of City life, both in Sydney and
Wollongong. When visiting the property one can't help but notice the
peace and tranquility of the location and see the wildlife in their
natural habitat.
With the construction and operation of the proposed Sutton Forest Sand
Mine I shutter to think of what the noise level will be with blasting
and excavation of the site with heavy machinery, coupled with the
hours of operation 24 hours/7 days and large B double trucks coming
and going.
As well as the noise, the local residents will have to put up with the
air quality due to the dust levels coming from excavation and damage
to the water quality affecting Long Swamp Creek and the underlying
aquifer.
I could not find any information in the EIS in relation to what the
decibel levels will be during construction and operation of the
sandmine. It appears that little consideration has been given to local
residents who will have to endure horrendous noise levels for the 30
year life of the mine and then have to put up with stench of land fill
into the 42 hectre hole.

I strongly OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry proposal. This is a quiet
rural residential area where the proposed extraction and processing of
sand will lead to widespread environmental damage, impacting on the
flora and fauna of the area and the lives of not only the local
residents but those in the greater region.


To clear a huge stretch of land (63 hectares) in the only vegetated
habitat corridor shows total disregard for the environment. Our native
animals rely on this track of land to move between regions around The
Blue Mountains in the north to Bungonia in the south. Human impact on
native habitats have huge consequences both short and long term.
Mining in large open pit mines is a threat to the biodiversity of this
area and a safe and undisturbed habitat corridor is only way of
protecting our native species. This cannot be another case of human
need and greed to the detriment of the environment
Mining in the Sutton Forest are will adversely affect the biodiversity
of the area. This area is located in the Great Western Wildlife
Corridor and therefore it is important that this area remain untouched
as it is an important vegetated habitat for many of our native
animals. The endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo requires this stretch of
native vegetation for nesting and feeding as it requires very specific
environmental conditions. This cannot be another case of humanity of
wiping out another species.


Lowering the water table at Sutton Forest will adversely affect the
bores on which so many locals depend for agriculture and life as the
mine site would drill below the water table. There is also the added
risk of pollutants from the mine site and associated activities
entering the ground water and directly impacting on the quality of
water. This water flows directly into Long Swamp and its creek. This
area is very fragile where any disturbance in the water level and
quality and the mineral and salt deposits will have disastrous
consequences. The removal of the topsoil and the sandstone to a depth
of 39 metres and then dumping fill into the resultant pit in a rural,
residential area will affect not just the local residents and the
native flora and fauna but on the clean water supply to Sydney as it
is part of the Nepean water catchment area feeding into Warragamba
Dam. Do not allow this destruction to happen to OUR water supply. You
are in the position to make decisions for us. Make sure it is the
ethically and environmentally constructive rather than destructive
one.

There will be a huge impact on tourism through air, sound, water
pollution and the extra heavy traffic generated by the
mine. No one wants to visit a dirty, polluted place that can impact on
their health either immediately or over the long term.
Breathing in dust, such as, silica dust and other finely powdered
materials, can damage the lungs and airways. Both long (over years)
and short term (hours or days) particle exposure have been linked to
health problems The risk to health varies depending on the size and
nature of the dust particles. The EIS gives us lots of figures to
assure us that this is going to be a safe, monitored mine where dust
emissions are below the EPA standard. There are too many variables at
play here.
Any air pollution that affects those who have lived in this clean air
environment is totally unacceptable. Any air pollution that affects
visitors to the area, especially those so close to the mine site, at
the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
is equally unacceptable. Respect for other's established residences
and routines must come ahead of this mine proposal. This is not a
suitable place for this very large mine.

I OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal. Sand mining operations are
out of place in this native bush/ rural/ residential area. The
deforestation, habitat destruction and biodiversity erosion due to a
sand mine in this area can not be considered a viable proposition.

I am submitting my OPPOSITION to the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal.
Sand mining operations are out of place in this native bush/ rural/
residential area. The deforestation, habitat destruction and
biodiversity erosion due to a sand mine in this area cannot be
considered. Mining in the Sutton Forest region will adversely affect
the biodiversity of the area. This area is located in the Great
Western Wildlife Corridor and therefore it is important that this area
remain untouched as it is an important vegetated habitat for many of
our native animals. The endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo requires this
stretch of native vegetation for nesting and feeding as it requires
very specific environmental conditions. This cannot be another case of
humanity of wiping out another species. I urge the Department to
reject this proposal that will see the devastation and destruction of
our Australian unique flora and fauna. It is something Australians are
famous for. Don't kill it.


It is unacceptable to allow a 47 hectare pit (within a 63 hectare
clearing) to a depth of 39 metres below the current water table in an
area that directly drains into Long Swamp Creek. Polluting and
damaging Long Swamp and its aquifer (by overflow and leaching mud and
finings from the pit) will affect not just the local residents and the
native flora and fauna but on a clean water supply to Sydney as it is
part of the Nepean water catchment area feeding into Warragamba Dam.
We should be moving towards cleaning up our waterways rather than
placing extra burden on them. Past experiences from mining `accidents'
and the idea that a company will remediate and fix a problem after an
event is opening the door to more environmental pollution. A wait and
see attitude is just not good enough for the people of NSW and
Australia.



The constant and unrelenting dust created from the 24/7 mining
operation and associated truck activities will seriously impact all
those living nearby or visiting the area. An additional 300+ a day
influx of heavy trucks exiting on to the Hume Highway coupled with the
extra influx from the Penrose sand mine will create unacceptable
levels of not just dust but exhaust emissions. The adverse health
effects of airborn dust (asthma, silicosis, fibrosis, cancer) carried
by prevailing winds across the population centres of the Highlands.

I strongly OPPOSE the proposed sand mine at Sutton Forest. This is a
rural area,a quiet, peaceful area where people choose to live in
harmony with nature. A sand mine has no place here.

I wish to submit my OPPOSITION to the proposed sand mine at Sutton
Forest. This quiet rural area is not the place for a sand mine of the
proposed size. There are far too many impacts environmentally and
socially to accept this proposal.
Polluting and damaging Long Swamp and its aquifer (by overflow and
leaching mud and finings from the pit) will affect not just the local
residents and the native flora and fauna but on a clean water supply
to Sydney as it is part of the Nepean water catchment area feeding
into Warragamba Dam.

It clearly states in the EIS that there is a possible threat to the
endangered ecological community from `land clearing, pollution and
eutrophication, erosion and sedimentation and changes to water tables
and surface flows caused by drainage works or altered flows in the
catchment" 5.6.6.1 is full of `could' and `may' which is a totally
unacceptable potential threat to our environment. We should be moving
towards cleaning up our waterways rather than placing extra burden on
them. Past experiences from mining `accidents' and the idea that a
company will remediate and fix a problem after an event is opening the
door to more environmental pollution. A wait and see attitude is just
not good enough for the people of NSW and Australia.

It is unacceptable to put a mine site right in the middle of a rural
area that is populated or visited by so many, therefore putting their
health at risk. Dust from the mine site poses a serious health threat
to the community. It is well documented that the adverse health
effects of airborn dust include diseases such as asthma, silicosis,
fibrosis and cancer. The winds in this area are very strong and dust
particles will be blown across vast areas of the Highlands posing a
huge threat to not only people who live in the area but to those
visiting. Both long (over years) and short term (hours or days)
particle exposure pose a serious threat. This is not a safe place for
this mine.

To clear a huge stretch of land (63 hectares) in the only vegetated
habitat corridor shows total disregard for the environment. Our native
animals rely on this track of land to move between regions around The
Blue Mountains in the north to Bungonia in the south. Human impact on
native habitats have huge consequences both short and long term.
Mining in large open pit mines is a threat to the biodiversity of this
area and a safe and undisturbed habitat corridor is only way of
protecting our native species. This cannot be another case of human
need and greed to the detriment of the environment
Mining in the Sutton Forest are will adversely affect the biodiversity
of the area. This area is located in the Great Western Wildlife
Corridor and therefore it is important that this area remain untouched
as it is an important vegetated habitat for many of our native
animals. The endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo requires this stretch of
native vegetation for nesting and feeding as it requires very specific
environmental conditions. This cannot be another case of humanity of
wiping out another species.

Sand mining operations are out of place in this native bush/ rural/
residential area. The deforestation, habitat destruction and
biodiversity erosion due to a sand mine in this area can not be
considered. Reject this mine proposal outright.

I object to the proposed Sand Mine in Sutton Forest.

My parents have a working farm in Sutton Forest in the Southern
Highlands. My family and my brothers' families all look forward to our
visits to the farm. Our little children can play in the clean fresh
air. We live in the city with all the noise of traffic and
construction and if this project goes ahead, that noise and pollution
will come to Sutton Forest.

Mum tells me the habitat of the Glossy Black Cockatoo will be
threatened. That makes my cry. They are amazing birds and I want my
children to grow up seeing them in the wild.

Please consider the future of our children when making these
decisions, not just the profit of developers,

I moved to a cottage on this property (Three Linden) a few months ago
from Wagga Wagga to be closer to my mother. I have recently battled
cancer and needed the family support. I am currently on a disability
pension and enjoy the tranquillity of living here, it helps with my
recovery. The owners recently told me that the sand mine was proposed
and I was really disappointed. I've been told that it is a 24hr a day
operation and that there will be more traffic on the highway. As the
mine is only 2 properties over from us, I think I will hear the
machinery and explosions and feel the vibrations. I've been told that
the water quality might be affected which would be terrible because
it's very good water.

This will really affect my quality of life. Please don't let this mine
go ahead, it's going to affect so many people.

How dare you plan to have this enormous sand mine in Sutton Forest!

Clearly it will adversely impact the critical watertable and aquifer,
and ultimately Sydney Nepean water catchment.

Clearly it will impact a fragile bushland corridor, and thus harming
the native fauna and flora.

Pollution, blasting and excessive 4am truck movements are not
acceptable.

Ultimately an audacious plan to bring Sydney waste fill to further
destroy water quality and the Southern Highlands

You might as well bring Sydney waste and fill Bowral Brickpit!!

I object to this proposal and my concerns are: The clearing of a large
area of native bush will critically narrow an already fragile part of
the great western wildlife corridor.

The 47 hectare pit will be excavated to a depth of 39 metres below the
water table. This will dramatically effect the many bores that so many
locals depend on. Also the removal of the sandstone and its critical
biological role in water filtering will result in the probable
polluting of the aquifer. Its also very likely Long Swamp and its
aquifer will be polluted by mud, dust and finings from the quarry. The
water from this system which feeds into the Nepean catchment will be
degraded.

There will be adverse health effects on the Southern Highlands
population. Prevailing winds will carry dust from the quarry
potentially causing increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases.

The quarry will create noise and light pollution 24 hours a day, every
day for its 30 year life. This will destroy critical habitat and the
sanity of locals. It will wreck the tranquility at The Shrine of our
Lady of Mercy at Penrose Park which attracts may thousands of visitors
annually. Also the Remembrance Drive Bruce Kingsbury Memorial will be
destroyed.

There will be a dramatic increase in heavy vehicle traffic. Something
like an extra 400 trucks a day will be added to an already very busy
section of the hume highway

Me and my husband moved to this property in the highlands 3 years ago to
establish a small organic farm, producing fruit, vegetables, eggs and
livestock. We were shocked to hear about the development of the sand
quarry proposed so close to our property and wondered if we had any
future here farming so close to a sand mine.

Our first and foremost concern is the water from our bore,
particularly in light of the current drought. We use our bore water to
fill our water tanks and use it for the livestock on our property as
all the dams are currently dry. On one of the driest continents on the
planet, pristine drinking water essential to human and animal life
should not be used for mining purposes. This mine will affect both the
QUALITY and QUANTITY of the bore water. We are very concerned that the
fill coming in from Sydney will not only affect the filtration system
of the water, but may be contaminated. Unless EVERY truck dumping fill
is tested, there is no way that residents can be confident that the
fill is not contaminated. We're also concerned for the water bottling
business on Hanging Rock Road which uses the underground water.

Our next major concern is that we also offer accommodation on the
property, last financial year's earnings were $18,000 with over 200
nights booked (tax records can be provided). The quarry would severely
impact my business. Many of our guests stay with us as a break from
the city, they come to enjoy a tranquil farm setting. Noise from the
quarry, including blasting, vibrations, extra traffic, equipment
noise, dust pollution and even light pollution will all impact
negatively. Last year two separate guests who are night photographers
came to stay at the property to take photos of the night sky (these
photos can be supplied). With the light pollution, this would not be
possible. One of the delights of foreign visitors who live in big
cities is looking at the night sky. They marvel at it and love trying
to locate the Southern Cross. We have 5 horse stables that we are
considering converting into accommodation but will not if this quarry
goes ahead - who will want to stay at a property with a 24hour mine
next door?

We have had several visitors who have come to visit the Shrine of Our
Lady of Mercy in Hanging Rock Road, which we notice is right next door
to the excavation pit. We have also visited the shrine and sometimes
go to festivals there. I heard that 25,000 people visit there
annually! It would really affect that site and the people who visit it
and this would be a travesty.

We have a vast number of people coming from the city to enjoy and
explore the Southern Highlands. This is a premier tourist destination
and tourism is continuing to increase. The perception that the
Highlands is becoming another Hunter Valley CANNOT happen, this will
impact tourism.

The huge impacts on so many people and so many things far outweighs
any small benefit this mine might provide in employing a few people.
We are passionate about our community and the clean living here. This
mine will contribute very little to our community. We do not want to
be the rubbish tip for Sydney.

Our property is host to many native animals including kangaroos,
wombats, possums, and birdlife. The amount of bush that is to be
cleared for the mine will severely affect habitat for these animals.
We are particularly disturbed to see that the corridor from the Blue
Mountains to Moreton National Park will be severely impacted by the
clearing of the bushland. Add to that the affects the mine will have
on Long Swamp, this will be a detrimental project to both wildlife and
Sydney's water quality. With the amount of endangered species at the
moment, this cannot be allowed to happen for the sake of a few jobs!
Protection of our biodiversity is so important.

We as a community are devastated that this is going to happen. It's
not fair and it's not right. We were here first, these projects should
not happen in places where they will affect the quality of life of so
many people and animals.

Please, please do not allow this mine to go ahead.

I object to the proposed Sutton Forest Sand Quarry.
I extremely concerned about the possible adverse health effects on the
Southern Highlands population. Prevailing winds will carry dust from
the quarry over major population centres. Potentially causing
increases in asthma and other respiratory diseases. Also the clearing
of a large area of native bush will critically narrow a fragile
section of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor. I am extremely fearful
of the plight of the Glossy Black Cockatoos as their habitat will be
effected by this proposed mine.

The massive quarry pit is planned to be excavated to a depth of 39
metres below the water table. The effect of this on the many bores
that locals depend on will be dramatically negative. The Southern
Highlands is currently experiencing a drought, the like of which long
time locals have not previously experienced.. Without reliable rain
residents depend upon bore water for their existence.

The mine will dramatically increase truck movements on the M31.
Its proposed that an extra 400 heavy vehicle movements per day will
move too & from the mine. This is a massive and unacceptable increase
of heavy vehicle traffic on an already busy highway.

My other concerns are clearing a large area of native bush and damage
to critical habitat, pollution of the Long Swamp and it aquifer,
destruction of natural flora and fauna, noise and light pollution and
the disruption of residents amenity

Therefore, my opinion is to object to this project.

Early in 2015 our girl's Pediatritian told us that the levels of
pollution in Sydney could be a cause for her multiple admissions to
hospital.
We didn't think twice. By July that same year we had bought our
property in Exeter and by October we had moved in.
A week before we moved in, we had our last admission to hospital
before we moved.
Since we moved however, that is almost 3 years ago, we have been
admired TWICE!

We object this project because our community has spoken and has lots
of concerns about what it will do to our land, our health, our
properties, our water.
We object this mine/project because we don't want our girl to go
through what she went through during her first 3 years of life.
If her health went backwards, we would definitely and simply sue you.

We hope you understand our worries and concerns.

Regards,

Gareth Mole and Claudia More o

I am submitting my OPPOSITION to the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal.
Sand mining operations are out of place in this native bush/ rural/
residential area. The deforestation, habitat destruction and
biodiversity erosion due to a sand mine in this area can not be
considered.
Lowering the water table at Sutton Forest will adversely affect the
bores on which so many locals depend for agriculture and life as the
mine site would drill below the water table. There is also the added
risk of pollutants from the mine site and associated activities
entering the ground water and directly impacting on the quality of
water. This water flows directly into Long Swamp and its creek. This
area is very fragile where any disturbance in the water level and
quality and the mineral and salt deposits will have disastrous
consequences. The removal of the topsoil and the sandstone to a depth
of 39 metres and then dumping fill into the resultant pit in a rural,
residential area will affect not just the local residents and the
native flora and fauna but on the clean water supply to Sydney as it
is part of the Nepean water catchment area feeding into Warragamba
Dam. Do not allow this destruction to happen to OUR water supply. You
are in the position to make decisions for us. Make sure it is the
ethically and environmentally constructive rather than destructive
one.
To clear a huge stretch of land (63 hectares) in the only vegetated
habitat corridor shows total disregard for the environment. Our native
animals rely on this track of land to move between regions around The
Blue Mountains in the north to Bungonia in the south. Human impact on
native habitats have huge consequences both short and long term.
Mining in large open pit mines is a threat to the biodiversity of this
area and a safe and undisturbed habitat corridor is only way of
protecting our native species. This cannot be another case of human
need and greed to the detriment of the environment

Mining in the Sutton Forest are will adversely affect the biodiversity
of the area. This area is located in the Great Western Wildlife
Corridor and therefore it is important that this area remain untouched
as it is an important vegetated habitat for many of our native
animals. The endangered Glossy Black Cockatoo requires this stretch of
native vegetation for nesting and feeding as it requires very specific
environmental conditions. This cannot be another case of humanity of
wiping out another species.


There are serious health risks faced by those breathing in the
polluted air that will sweep across the Highlands from the prevailing
Westerly winds. A mine in this area would create thousands of airborne
particles which are extremely dangerous to the health of so many
people. It is well documented respiratory diseases can be a direct
result of particles lodged in the lungs either by long or short term
exposure. Keep the air in the Highlands clean and clear. We need it.
There is so much pollution in the big cities that it is essential to
have areas where you can go to recuperate.

This proposal is irresponsible and undemocratic.

As I stated in my opening, deforestation, habitat destruction and
biodiversity erosion due to a sand mine in this area can not be
considered. Too much is at stake.

-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject:
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2018 19:55:42 +1000
From:
To:

I OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal. The "extraction
techniques" of " ripping , pushing, loading and haulage"(EIS Executive
Summary) have no place in the quiet rural, residential setting that is
the proposed site. Mining and its associated activities in this area
will be responsible for irreversible environmental and social damage .

This mine proposal poses extreme threats to our pure underground water
supply. The depth of the proposed mine below the existing water table,
the destruction of the important sandstone filter and the possible
contamination from process plants, workshops and vehicles is a very
real risk and one that should be strongly opposed. Even the slightest
possibility of our pure groundwater being compromised is not
acceptable. I am concerned that the proposed sand mine at Sutton
Forest Quarry will adversely affect the air and water quality in The
Southern Highlands region. Additionally, noise pollution will
infiltrate quiet residential farms and a significant place of worship.
The native flora and flora will be severely affected. Increased
traffic on the Hume Highway will increase to a dangerous level. This
is not the place for this mine. It will destroy many lives, many
native flora and fauna species and will greatly add to the air, light
and dust pollution in this area.

There will be a huge impact on tourism through air, sound, water
pollution and the extra heavy traffic generated by the
mine. No one wants to visit a dirty, polluted place that can impact on
their health either immediately or over the long term.
Breathing in dust, such as, silica dust and other finely powdered
materials, can damage the lungs and airways. Both long (over years)
and short term (hours or days) particle exposure have been linked to
health problems The risk to health varies depending on the size and
nature of the dust particles. The EIS gives us lots of figures to
assure us that this is going to be a safe, monitored mine where dust
emissions are below the EPA standard. There are too many variables at
play here.
Any air pollution that affects those who have lived in this clean air
environment is totally unacceptable. Any air pollution that affects
visitors to the area, especially those so close to the mine site, at
the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
is equally unacceptable. Respect for other's established residences
and routines must come ahead of this mine proposal. This is not a
suitable place for this very large mine.

The traffic accidents in this area are well known. There are many
accidents involving trucks on this section of the Hume Highway. Often
speed and fatigue are the cause. An increase in truck numbers from
this proposal as well as the mine located further South would mean an
increased risk of more accidents. This ill thought out plan of having
trucks and resident's vehicles merging into the Highway just 500m from
the highway service centre is sheer madness. This centre has a number
of fast food restaurants ( one reportedly the busiest McDonalds in
NSW) as well as service stations. It might look good on paper, as a
pretty coloured plan but in reality it is far from it. Cars slow and
change lanes to the left to exit the Highway whilst trucks speed up to
get in the same left lane is a disaster, or a hundred, just waiting to
happen. This traffic plan is just irresponsible and does not put the
public's safety as the number 1 priority.

Reject this proposal on so many issues. This is not the place for a
63ha.large scale coal mine disguised under the word `quarry' .


I OPPOSE the Sutton Forest Quarry Proposal. The "extraction
techniques" of " ripping , pushing, loading and haulage"(EIS Executive
Summary) have no place in the quiet rural, residential setting that is
the proposed site. Mining and its associated activities in this area
will be responsible for irreversible environmental and social damage .

This mine proposal poses extreme threats to our pure underground water
supply. The depth of the proposed mine below the existing water table,
the destruction of the important sandstone filter and the possible
contamination from process plants, workshops and vehicles is a very
real risk and one that should be strongly opposed. Even the slightest
possibility of our pure groundwater being compromised is not
acceptable. I am concerned that the proposed sand mine at Sutton
Forest Quarry will adversely affect the air and water quality in The
Southern Highlands region. Additionally, noise pollution will
infiltrate quiet residential farms and a significant place of worship.
The native flora and flora will be severely affected. Increased
traffic on the Hume Highway will increase to a dangerous level. This
is not the place for this mine. It will destroy many lives, many
native flora and fauna species and will greatly add to the air, light
and dust pollution in this area.

There will be a huge impact on tourism through air, sound, water
pollution and the extra heavy traffic generated by the
mine. No one wants to visit a dirty, polluted place that can impact on
their health either immediately or over the long term.
Breathing in dust, such as, silica dust and other finely powdered
materials, can damage the lungs and airways. Both long (over years)
and short term (hours or days) particle exposure have been linked to
health problems The risk to health varies depending on the size and
nature of the dust particles. The EIS gives us lots of figures to
assure us that this is going to be a safe, monitored mine where dust
emissions are below the EPA standard. There are too many variables at
play here.
Any air pollution that affects those who have lived in this clean air
environment is totally unacceptable. Any air pollution that affects
visitors to the area, especially those so close to the mine site, at
the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy
is equally unacceptable. Respect for other's established residences
and routines must come ahead of this mine proposal. This is not a
suitable place for this very large mine.

The traffic accidents in this area are well known. There are many
accidents involving trucks on this section of the Hume Highway. Often
speed and fatigue are the cause. An increase in truck numbers from
this proposal as well as the mine located further South would mean an
increased risk of more accidents. This ill thought out plan of having
trucks and resident's vehicles merging into the Highway just 500m from
the highway service centre is sheer madness. This centre has a number
of fast food restaurants ( one reportedly the busiest McDonalds in
NSW) as well as service stations. It might look good on paper, as a
pretty coloured plan but in reality it is far from it. Cars slow and
change lanes to the left to exit the Highway whilst trucks speed up to
get in the same left lane is a disaster, or a hundred, just waiting to
happen. This traffic plan is just irresponsible and does not put the
public's safety as the number 1 priority.

Reject this proposal on so many issues. This is not the place for a
63ha.large scale coal mine disguised under the word `quarry' .