Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

I am writing this submission in Opposition of the proposed sand quarry at Sutton Forest. My reason for objections are as follows:

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This rural area is known for its tranquility, a peaceful setting where people choose to live harmoniously with nature. Sand mining operations are incongruous in this native bush/rural/residential setting. The proposed quarry site is located in a narrow part of a wildlife corridor, and the deforestation, habitat destruction, and water pollution resulting from a sand quarry in this area are unacceptable. With two existing mines already impacting our unique flora and fauna, introducing a third would significantly compromise the biodiversity of the region. Australians have witnessed the consequences of human activity on wildlife, driving some species to endangerment or extinction. It's time to prioritise protection over additional harm.

Allowing mining in an area that directly drains into Long Swamp Creek is unacceptable, as it will pollute and damage Long Swamp and its aquifer. This not only affects local residents and native flora and fauna but also jeopardises the clean water supply to Sydney, being part of the Nepean water catchment area feeding into Warragamba Dam. Rather than burdening our waterways, we should move towards cleaning them up. Past mining accidents and the notion that a company will remediate and fix issues afterward open the door to more environmental pollution. The proponent has already demonstrated violations in environmental matters and plans to adopt a 'wait and see, we will monitor' attitude, which is unacceptable to the people of NSW and Australia.

HEALTH IMPACT
The health risks associated with fine dust particles are well understood, yet this proposal puts residents and visitors to the area at risk of diseases such as silicosis and cancer. Being familiar with the strength of the westerly winds due to my family farm in the area, I am aware that no amount of remediation measures will prevent silica dust from being blown over the Southern Highlands.

I urge the Planning Department to prioritise health, quality of life, and respect for those with established residences and routines over this mining proposal.

This quiet rural residential area, where the proposed extraction and processing of sand will occur, is currently a haven for flora and fauna. The venture would result in widespread environmental damage, affecting not only the lives of local residents but also those in the greater region.

Clearing a vast stretch of land in the only vegetated habitat corridor demonstrates a total disregard for the environment. Our native animals rely on this track of land, the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, to move between regions from The Blue Mountains in the north to Bungonia in the south. Human impact on native habitats has significant consequences, both short and long term. Large open-pit mining poses a threat to the biodiversity of this area, and preserving a safe, undisturbed habitat corridor is the only way to protect our native species. This must not be another case of human need and greed to the detriment of the environment.

Sand mining in this area will adversely affect the bores on which many locals, including my family, depend for agriculture and life. There is also the added risk of pollutants from the mine site and associated activities entering the groundwater, directly impacting water quality in the Long Swamp and its creek. This area is exceptionally fragile, and any disturbance in the water level, quality, and mineral and salt deposits will have disastrous consequences. The removal of topsoil and sandstone, followed by dumping fill into the resultant pit in a rural residential area, will impact not only local residents and native flora and fauna but also 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; ensure it is ethically and environmentally constructive rather than destructive.

Inhaling dust, such as silica dust and other finely powdered materials, has been proven to damage lungs and airways, often fatally. Both long-term (over years) and short-term (hours or days) particle exposure have been linked to health problems.

Any air pollution affecting those who live and visit this clean air environment is unacceptable. The Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy is located adjacent to the mine site and is an established place of worship for many visitors. Monitoring air quality in the area is not an acceptable solution; it's a known appeasement strategy and should not be accepted as a resolution to air quality concerns.

Many established businesses in the Southern Highlands heavily rely on tourism. This mine will detrimentally impact the area through air, sound, and water pollution, as well as the additional heavy vehicle traffic on the highways.

I strongly 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 cannot be considered a viable proposition.

I totally object to the proposed sand mine in the sutton forest area for the following reasons
damage to the great western corridor and long swamp ecosystem areas which are a critical part of the ecosystem
contamination of the headwaters that feed the sydney water catchment
long term health risks to residents in near by areas from dust,processing silca and transport
disturbing onsite indigenous heritage rock cave art
lowering the water table
potential harm to endangered flora and fauna

I object to the proposed mine site for the following reasons
Significant damage to wild life corridor between south coast and blue mountains
Risk of run off pollution to the head waters of the sydney water catchment
Lowering of the water table
Noise , vibration, light pollution to locals and wild life

Please refer to the 2 page attachment of objection to the proposal.

The proposed mine will be highly detrimental to local wildlife habitation and migration. It will have a negative impact on the chain of supply of Sydney’s drinking water. It adversely affects numerous properties causing huge personal distress to many families. I vehemently object.

I have written and attached my letter with my concerns about this project.

The proposed Sutton Forest Sand Mine / Quarry is a proposition that is a disgraceful, cynical re-application that I am shocked to hear about as a local resident and Physician.
Subject: Strong Objection to Proposed Sand Mine in Sutton Forest

Dear NSW Government Major Project Assessment Team

I am writing to express my strong objection to the proposed sand mine in Sutton Forest. As a concerned resident and advocate for environmental conservation, I believe that the establishment of a sand mine in this area would have detrimental effects on both the environment and the well-being of the local community.
The basis of my objection includes the following areas:
Environmental Impact:
The proposed sand mine poses a significant threat to the delicate ecosystem of Sutton Forest. Excavation activities would lead to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and disruption of local flora and fauna. We need to protect our habitats and the proposed mine poses a significant risk to the wildlife in this unique corridor of outstanding natural beauty - that is home to wildlife we should be protecting. The potential release of dust and particulate matter during mining operations can further contribute to air and water pollution, affecting the quality of life for both humans and wildlife. This area is also an essential source of water for Sydney / NSW and the delicate balance of this sand source needs to be protected. Building a mine for sand here seems like the most outrageously foolish idea - based on money over environmental / health knowledge.

Water Resources:
Sutton Forest has significant underground water resources that would be adversely impacted by the proposed mining activities. The extraction of sand may lead to changes in groundwater levels, affecting the availability of water for local and NSW residents, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. The potential contamination of water sources during the mining process is a serious concern that cannot be overlooked. This area is a major water catchment area for Sydney. This proposed sand mine would absolutely affect this water catchment area and likely have unintended consequences. We need to protect this area to protect the water table that supplies NSW residents with water. Water security is a major risk for the health of our residents and the wildlife under our care.

Noise and Visual Pollution:
Mining operations often generate significant noise and visual pollution. The constant noise from heavy machinery and trucks can disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of Sutton Forest, negatively impacting the quality of life for residents and wildlife. Moreover, the altered landscape resulting from mining activities may degrade the scenic beauty of the area, impacting its tourism potential.

Traffic Congestion:
The transportation of sand from the mining site can lead to increased traffic in the surrounding areas, causing congestion and safety concerns. The existing road infrastructure may not be equipped to handle the influx of heavy trucks, posing risks to both residents and other road users.

Community Well-being:
The proposed sand mine could adversely affect the overall well-being of the residents of NSW and especially the Southern Highlands by disrupting the social fabric, increasing noise levels, risking pollution and potentially causing declines in property values. The long-term consequences of such disruptions should be carefully considered when evaluating the project's feasibility.
As a Physician I strongly object to this cynical development plan for a sand mine in this area - which I feel would adversely affect the health of people now and well into the future.
In light of these concerns, I urge you to reconsider the proposal for the sand mine in Sutton Forest. I strongly believe that alternative solutions for meeting sand demand can be explored without compromising the integrity of our environment and the well-being of the community and the natural habitats of our wildlife close to Sydney.

I request that a thorough and legitimate (independent - not driven by the planning company) environmental impact assessment be conducted, involving community stakeholders in the decision-making process. Additionally, I encourage the exploration of sustainable alternatives that prioritize the preservation of Sutton Forest's natural beauty and ecological balance.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I trust that you will give careful consideration to the objections raised by concerned residents and take appropriate steps to protect the environment and the community.

Sincerely,
Dr Gary Nicholls
Physician
MBBS FRACGP MRCP(UK) MRCGP BA MA(Cantab)

I object to the Sutton Forest Sand Quarry Project (SSD-6334) because of its environmental impact, impact on biodiversity, damage to the major wildlife corridor . It will spoil a pristine area and create a horrible permanent scar on the landscape.

I strongly oppose the proposed sand mine at Sutton Forest.

Health Risks and Unreliable Monitoring
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. 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 both residents and visitors. Both long and short-term particle exposure pose a serious threat. The idea of the company 'monitoring' air quality is unreliable and not a responsible solution to the problem. One only need look at all of the recent examples of industries self-regulating their own compliance - most fail miserably. A positive action plan, not a 'let's see what happens' attitude, needs to be enforced.

Impact on Family Farm and Local Agriculture
My family owns a farm in very close proximity to this proposed site. The horticultural industry conducted there will be severely impacted not only by the drop in the water table but the abundance of fine particles in the air that settle on leaves, affecting the growth rate. Consideration given to a non-local company intent on destroying what farmers have built over several generations is extremely outrageous and disrespectful.

Water Supply Contamination
To allow any form of contamination to a pure water supply is an environmentally irresponsible decision filled with negative consequences on the land, occupants and habitats which have resided here for generations.

Threat to Biodiversity and Native Habitats
To clear a huge stretch of land 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. Mining in large open pit mines is a threat to the biodiversity of this area, and a safe and undisturbed habitat corridor is the only way of protecting our native species. This cannot be another case of human need and greed to the detriment of the environment.

Appeal to Government and Future Generations
I want to pass on to future generations of my family a world that is sustainable. We as individuals are doing our best to be environmentally responsible. We are a very small link in the chain and are calling on the government to dismiss this environmentally destructive process.

I am a frequent visitor to the Sutton Forrest area having close friends who reside close to the proposed quarry. I am concerned about the visual pollution being imposed on this beautiful bushland area and the destruction of the local flora and fauna.
I am further concerned that the proposed depth of the mining operations will have serious impact on the aquafa and local water supply.

We need to protect our bushland for the native animals and also Sydney drinking water.

My name is Joshua Rathmell, and I firmly believe that there is absolutely no justification for such a large scale industrial development to place a pristine wildlife corridor in peril. My concerns about the local environment (Koala habitat, echidna and kangaroo population, entire long swamp ecosystem) mean I cannot support this project in any way. I am also opposed to it on the grounds of the health of the local human population. Of which myself and my family are apart of. Lastly, the beauty and natural appeal of the area are of huge value to me personally, and a large reason my family has chosen to live on Hanging Rock Road.

It's affecting our native animals and friends who I know love, and care for live in the area, they are deeply distressed by this plan. I object to this private development, profit at the loss of our natures resources. I object to the Suttons Forest sand mine. I am deeply concerned about the wildlife and how they will be affected and damaged by this sand mine.
This mine will destroy native vegetation at this environmentally sensitive location at this point of the Great Western Wildlife corridor. The damage to the wildlife habitat endangering many species who are already classified as vulnerable is irreparable.

Because the paucity of the information provided in the application gives little confidence the impacts associated with the development have been adequately considered and their means of mitigation are significantly wanting. Impacts insufficiently considered and mitigation measures requiring further attention include the following.
_ Inadequate consideration of the noise impacts on residences in or near Berrima adjacent to the Hume Highway. This is because ambient noise levels are relatively low in the area and there are currently no noise attenuation measures in place. The situation will be exacerbated with the additional daily average 250 truck movements. There are insufficient proposals to mitigate novels impacts described in the application.
_ The economic justification of the project is thin. The existing sand mine in the vicinity is hardly producing. The one operated by Benedict on Wombeyan Caves Road is also producing well below capacity. Insufficient justification is provided for the needs of this new pit. Additionally, the damage to local roads caused by the Benedict pit, even operating below capacity is significant and has never been able to be effectively addressed by Wingecarribee Shire Council.
_Information on the post sand mining use, contained within the application is woefully lacking. It lacks detail proposals for how any post sand mining use filling operation will be controlled and how impacts impacts on groundwaters of the potential fill material have not been described in the application.
_ Insufficient information is provided in the application about how impacts on the local amenity will be mitigated. These include dust, odour, noise and visual mitigation.
_The information relating to the mitigation of the impacts of the development on the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, (a region targeted for biodiversity, and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, which is listed as a threatened ecosystem) is scant at best.
In addition above concerns about the impact of the proposal are key circumstances of the case. Principally, the proponent's record in the development and management of similar land uses. The record includes numerous fines for environmental transgressions in multiple jurisdictions. Such a record indicates the proponent does not have the necessary interest or competence in managing a resource extraction operation with sufficient measures in place to conserve environmental and place values during the production phase or the skills necessary to ameliorate any potential long-term impacts.

I strongly object to the Sutton Forest Quarry.
I have been living in this area since I was born, I have been bought up to love, respect and care for this environment. I am a keen bushwalker and consider myself an environmentalist. My mum lives next door to this proposed quarry 13304 Hume Hwy, This is our family home, I am connected to it even though my address is now Nowra. We always gather here for family gatherings, I am here regularly to work the flower farm, to enjoy the bushland and the wildlife that are always here. This Quarry threatens our home and our way of life. The flower farm requires clean fresh air and a reliable clean water supply. Why do these rich Sydney people think they can come and ruin our beautiful peaceful way of life. They clearly do not see the rich environment that supports so many animals, plants and families. They will destroy it. They just see the easily exploited resource of sand that is superficial, easy to extract and close to Sydney, so its cheaper to transport.

It is wrong on so many levels.

I am concerned about:
Health: Dust air pollution
This is 95% silica sandstone. So Ripping, Crushing and processing on site then loading transporting it presents significant risk. The Risk impacts to community health rated “moderate risk” relating to dust, air, silicosis” pg 197-198 which is contrary to what is said else where in the report.
They put in a monitor in neighbouring property but haven’t been back to check it!

Water:
Ian Wright, Alan Lindsay and other Government Dept have highlighted major concerns for the impact this could have on hydrology systems lowering the watertable, even the proponents have written,
“Impact way of life” there is a Medium risk to changes to the quality & quantity of water pg197-198.

Effects this will have on Long Swamp creek and its Ecology
This is classed as a Threatened Ecosystem by the OEH. Damage to Long swamp creek is a real risk with changes to the water flow underground by removing the sandstone that act as a massive filter. Damage from surface water, silt runoff into the swamp and smaller creeks feeding it. But the long term effect of the backfill products, breaking down and polluting the area with contaminants is huge risk. The only mitigating plan is they will monitor the fill coming in!

Noise /Vibration and Light pollution. 24hrs day
Again the only mitigating plan is to monitor! But no mention of action. This will ruin the view of the night sky and disorientate the nocturnal animals.

Damaging the peace & tranquillity of the area
Special note to Shine of our Lady of Mercy, they get a monitor to measure noise, my place which has been identified, that it will have above construction level noise gets no consideration or monitoring.

Environment damage to the Great Western Wildlife corridor 12 threatened or endangered species identified on this property alone, including the koala, Gang Gang, Glossy Black, Powerful Owl
This location is at the most narrow part of the corridor. There are known Koala tracking’s to the North West of the pit. This is now a Threatened Species!! We should be protecting their habitat. I helped plant trees with the “Glossys in the Mist Project” a Wingecarribbee Shire program to help strengthen the habitat for the Gang Gang.

Indigenous Art in the rock shelf.
- It has been deemed Highly significant and culturally important by the Local Indigenous Community and the OEH.
- Very few people knew about it, we used to enjoy walking down there, taking visitors and showing with pride the ancient heritage of this area.

Visible modelling diagram
This quarry will be very visible from the highway and surrounding properties.
Even they acknowledge it will remain very visible despite tree planting mitigation.


Effect on Tourism
This is the Gateway to the Southern Highlands, Tourism plays an important part of our economy.
With-in 8-10km radius. There are at least 20-30 Air B&B type accommodation, there are Several Wineries and Restaurants and thousands of visitors come to the area for the Church services at the Shine of our lady of Mercy. They do spend money in the area.
If we extend the radius to 14km which captures Exeter & Sutton Forest the number would more than double.
Many more Jobs are generated by this tourism in this area than would be by having a quarry.
Sutton Forest, We do not want to be known for having one of the largest sand quarries in Australia.
EPA history POOR. At least 24 fines in NSW since 2012 , currently 33 charges in VIC We don’t trust them Nor should Government departments with this level of disregard for regulations.

I am connected with this land, it is special, it needs protecting. These amendments do little if NOTHING to mitigate the risk of damage. They are merely words to appease the DPE. Please reject this quarry.
Daniel Ryan