Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

The natural wildlife in this corridor will be drastically impacted as well as the quality of life for the residents for a substantial time. Quality if life and enjoyment of the environment will be substantially impacted and local resident personal risk will be substantially impacted with the major changes to street and main road traffic due to dangers from heavy truck usage.
This is not appropriate to diminish the quality of life for residents for corporate profit.

I object to the proposed sandstone mining project.
I have serious concerns for the wildlife and environmental impacts. This project should NOT go ahead!

I am writing to submit my opposition to the State Significant Development application by Tranteret Pty Limited (Tranteret) to be located at 13300 Hume Highway, Sutton Forest NSW.

Tranteret Pty Limited (proponent) has put forth a State Significant Development application to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE). Their request pertains to the construction and operation of a Sand Quarry for the purpose of an extractive industry that will extract 1 million tonnes per annum of friable sandstone and would extract from a total resource of approximately 34 million tonnes.

My objections highlight important considerations that should be thoroughly addressed and evaluated during the project's planning and approval process to ensure the well-being of the community and the environment.

The submission highlights numerous concerns, with the RTS report and accompanying documents generating more queries than they resolve. Some of the purported "new" mitigation measures pose direct threats to the community and road users, demonstrating a lack of genuine consideration for the residents of this area. For these reasons, I strongly advocate for the rejection of the proposal.

As a long time visitor to the area I strongly oppose the above project due to:

- the risk of contaminated water runoff and local surface and groundwater pollution,

-destruction of habitats at the most fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a region targeted for biodiversity, and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, which is listed as a threatened ecosystem.

-endangering threatened fauna and flora species identified on site and surrounds,
air and water pollution with serious health, farming and environmental consequences,
polluting the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment,

-long term health risks to neighbouring and Highlands residents from dust through mining and high-grade silica rock processing and transporting,

-disturbing on-site indigenous heritage rock-cave art, deemed highly significant by the OEH and local indigenous communities

-pollution damage to surrounding bushland, crops, gardens, solar panels and residences

-removal of sandstone with its critical role in the ground water hydrology of the wider area,

-lowering water table an undetermined and unpredictable amount affecting local water supplies,
noise, vibration and light pollution.

-traffic safety and emissions involved with up to 344 trucks a day (250 average), 24/7 for the next 30 years leaving and entering the Hume Highway,

-the visual horror of a 110-hectare pit replacing native bushland and farmland,

-there is no need for this mine as nearby Green Valley sand mine extracts token amounts just to keep its licence active.

Dear Sir/Madam.
I’m writing as a very concerned resident of Sutton Forest to lodge my strongest possible objection to the High Quality Group’s proposed sand mine at Sutton Forest. This mine if its approved will devastate our region due to its far reaching highly negative impacts.
Particularly worrying is the potential pollution of the headwaters of the Sydney catchment. The possible contamination of the catchment caused by the mines various activities is a risk not worth taking.
The clearing of 110 hectares of native bushland would create irreversible damage to the regions biodiversity in a critical part of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor an area that is not only a haven for threatened species but is vital to maintain ecological balance. The damage to Long Swamp a unique and already threatened ecosystem must be given very serious consideration. The removal of sandstone which is integral to the groundwater hydrology along with the risk of aquifer pollutionis a dire concern for the community’s health and for environmental sustainability.
There are considerable health implications for the community. The processing of high silica content sandstone along with continuous dust from both mining and transport activities represent serious long term health hazards. The tranquility of the area will be smashed by vibration, noise and light pollution 24/7, 365 days a year. Further the proposed 340 daily truck movements to and from the mine poses significant traffic safety risks. Also the visual impact of the mine area with its vast pit in an area of beautiful native bushland will have very negative impact on tourism and the local economy.
The project will disturb significant indigenous heritage sites of both local and national importance, this must not be allowed to happen.
I would also like to note that the track record of the High Quality Group raises serious doubts about its ability to adhere to any environmental standards. With a history of multiple EPA penalties the question must be asked can this Company be entrusted with a project of this size and sensitivity.
In conclusion this project, the Sutton Forest sand mine contradicts all the principles of sustainable development and responsible environmental management. It represents a severe risk to our environment, our health and community well-being.
For all the reasons i’ve stated above i implore the Department to reconsider and reject this proposal and to protect the Southern Highlands invaluable assets. Please do not approve this project.

It is a serious environmental issue

I have attached my submission, Word Doc 231202SandQuarrySubmission

The proposed project is completely inappropriate for the area and if it were to go ahead it would have dire consequences for both the local community and environment.

-environmental concerns
-biodiversity threat
-dust pollution

Biodiversity threat and dust pollution

+ environmental concerns
+ biodiversity threat
+ dust pollution

I strongly object to the Sutton Forest Sand Quarry Project (SSD-6334).
My main concern is the irreversible environmental damage such a project would do to Long Swamp, an Endangered Ecological Community listed both federally and in NSW. I am also concerned about the removal of a large area of native bushland to make way for the project.
Long Swamp, adjacent to the project area, is a highly significant ecosystem, and extremely rare. It is already vulnerable to the effects of agriculture and climate change, but mining to a depth of 40 metres below the water table could see it destroyed rapidly, as the water table is interrupted and the hydrological conditions altered. The many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna could be lost.
The bushland to be cleared is part of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, which is already fragmented in this area. Environmental groups, Government Departments, Wingecarribee Shire Council and concerned landholders are working hard to protect and maintain as much remaining bushland in this area as possible, as well as increase the area of bushland through mass plantings. The Quarry project would be a major blow to this effort.
Another concern is the fact it is in the headwaters of Sydney's water catchment, which must be protected.
I think this project is unacceptable and should be rejected.
Katherine Thompson
President, Penrose Swamps Conservation Group Inc.

Our family is a direct stakeholder by owning land that boundaries on the other side of long swamp creek.
This project should not go ahead given that this was already objected to once before I find it hard to believe that the idea can be entertained again.

In our opinion the studies are inaccurate and out of date with houses planned to be built with some already built on the other side of long swamp creek which the presented studies have not allowed for. I have attached a letter that outlines our family and neighbors concerns in more depth regarding this project.

This project will not only affect the native flora and fauna but also create potential problems for businesses, family’s and people using the highway. The majority of them being local businesses that are small businesses owned and operated by locals within the community and family’s that are local that choose to live in this wonderful community.

This is a community that our family want to move into out of Sydney. If this project goes ahead we may as well stay in Sydney as the approval of this quarry will make it like Sydney with the noise, lights, pollution and dust.

Thank you for reading and taking the time to understand our concerns and for considering them in your decision.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.

Regards,

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. 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.
As a father, my wife and I do our utmost at home to protect our environment. We are instilling in our children positive environmental attitudes and knowledge, a belief that their actions will make a difference, a sense of their responsibility and role in caring for their environment. I want to pass on to them 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 don't agree with this project.

SUTTON FOREST SAND QUARRY

I am writing to express my strong OBJECTION to the proposed sandstone quarry development in our Southern Highlands Community. The ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH AND SAFETY issues associated with this project indicate that it should not be given approval. My objections are around the following areas of concern.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOSYSTEM DESTRUCTION :

• The proposed quarry poses a significant risk of water run off leading to aquifer pollution, endangering local water sources and ecosystems.
• The chosen site lies in the most fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, posing a direct threat to the biodiversity and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem.
• The development jeopardises threatened fauna and flora species, including crucial koala habitat with potentially irreversible consequences.
• The quarry poses a direct threat to the headwaters of the Sydney Water Catchment risking water quality and supply for the region.
• The removal of sandstone critical to the groundwater hydrology of the wider area could have cascading effects, including the unpredictable lowering of the water table with potential local water supply consequences.
• The visual impact of a 110 hectare pit replacing native bushland and farmland is an irreversible degradation of a scenic landscape and destruction of precious habitat.


HEALTH AND SAFETY :

• If silica rock is processed on site, there must be risks to anyone near or within the area of possible contamination of airborne silica dust, the dangers of which the whole of society is aware – this is an unacceptable risk.
• The impact of an average of 250 trucks per day entering and leaving the Hume Highway cannot be understated. The increased risk of accidents is undeniable.
• 24/7 operation of this site will have a devastating impact on nearby residents and those on the roads on which trucks will travel. The noise, vibration and light pollution pose a direct threat to local residents and wildlife.

CONCLUSION :

This proposed development will have long term, catastrophic impacts and does not warrant the destruction of the environment and local community-based wineries and farmland at the expense of neighbouring residents’ health and well-being, especially in light of the existence of the nearby Green Valley sand mine. There must be a consideration of all these detrimental impacts as against the financial gains to be made by a company which has some questions about compliance with the EPA. So much to lose for the community for the financial gain of just one company – not a good enough reason to approve this development and force the community to accept the many risks involved.

Submission on the Sutton Forest Quarry Project.
I strongly object to this destructive mining project and consider that it must be disallowed. I
have many concerns, including:
Environment;
This mine will destroy 110 hectares of native vegetation at this environmentally sensitive
location at this critically narrowest point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor. The ensuing
dust, noise, light pollution that will be continuous for 30 years, will irreparably damage the
wildlife habitat, endangering many species whose survival is are already classified as
vulnerable.
Water;
This open−pit mine will excavate 39 metres below the current water table and lower the aquifer.
Toxic Pollution
Mining processes and the replacement of sandstone with backfill and toxic finings will pollute
the adjacent Long Swamp, permanently damaging the Nepean/Sydney water catchment. The
huge water license requirement means diverting precious water from agriculture to industry.
Director with Poor Compliance Record;
The company proposing this sand mine has an appalling track record with the EPA in NSW. The company now also operates in Victoria and is already facing 33 new EPA charges. Patrick Hallinan, the company director, is not a fit and proper person to be running such an operation as he has demonstrated that he has little regard for government regulations.
THIS MINE MUST NOT GO AHEAD.
Regards
Christine Goodwin

The issues are:

- environmental destruction through water runoff and aquifer pollution,

-location at the most fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a region targeted for biodiversity, and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, which is listed as a threatened ecosystem.

-endangering threatened fauna and flora species identified on site and surrounds,
air and water pollution with serious health, farming and environmental consequences,
polluting the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment,

-long term health risks to neighbouring and Highlands residents from dust through mining and high-grade silica rock processing and transporting,

-disturbing on-site indigenous heritage rock-cave art, deemed highly significant by the OEH and local indigenous communities

-pollution damage to surrounding bushland, crops, gardens, solar panels and residences

-removal of sandstone with its critical role in the ground water hydrology of the wider area,

-lowering water table an undetermined and unpredictable amount affecting local water supplies,
noise, vibration and light pollution.

-24/7 disturbing the peace and tranquillity of local residents,
-wildlife and The Shine of Our Lady of Mercy, a large church and monastery on the mine boundary,

-traffic safety and danger with up to 344 trucks a day (250 average), 24/7 for the next 30 years leaving and entering the Hume Highway,

-the visual horror of a 110-hectare pit replacing native bushland and farmland,

-there is no need for this mine as nearby Green Valley sand mine extracts token amounts just to keep its licence active.

This would be an environmental disaster if allowed. This area is a very fragile point of Great Western Wildlife Corridor and a quarry would threaten beautiful fauna and flora species. I visit my family - in - laws property which is very close to this intended quarry - it is a very special place where I love to see mobs of kangaroos pass through and other wildlife such as echidna enjoying their home. To consider destroying their homeland and the amenity of my family's peaceful lifestyle is beyond comprehension. Added to this personal impact is the enormous consequence of the big picture - causing air and water pollution which is in everybody's interest to protect us from further damage. For example - millions of people rely on keeping the Sydney water catchment headwaters free from pollution. We already have the Green Valley sand mine; there is no need for this quarry so please listen to reason.

Sand Quarry – Sutton Forest – Objection

I strongly object to this project proceeding. The project makes little sense in terms of long term planning for this area and also makes little sense in terms of operational impacts on the local environment and local residents (current and future). I make the following points:

o The area has an established long term spring water extraction industry drawing water from Long Swamp Creek and deeper aquifers recharged by this and neighbouring creeks where surface water is filtered through the sandstone strata. This is a valuable and clean long term business with low societal and physical impact. The spring water businesses are at high risk of permanent closure by the advent of the sand mining pit.

o The proposed mine with a 60m deep pit jeopardises the water table level and recharge flows. This will certainly affect the Long Swamp vegetation, wildlife and potentially the spring water businesses. There is no mention of hydrology studies to establish a baseline dataset, to understand the porosity/ permeability of the sandstone strata, to monitor drawdown levels, quantity and quality of water within the sandstone and importantly threshold levels where operational action, including cease work, can be imposed.

o Water table drawdown within low permeability material extends a considerable distance from the well, in this case a pit. Adjacent properties and farms face declined or eliminated bore water from the lowered water table level.

o Backfilling the pit with waste material subject only to “monitoring”, rather than detailed compliance with a tight specification, risks gross contamination of this valuable water resource. Any contamination arising from the massive amount of backfill will take, potentially, centuries to migrate through the fill and the sandstone such that current downstream water quality is restored. It is effectively permanent damage.

o Water from all sources will have to be pumped from the pit and will be contaminated by routine operations – silt, oil, diesel and rubber tyre fragments from truck and shovel operations. While this can be managed with pollution traps, the evolving terrain of the pit bottom profile, and therefore drainage paths of contaminated water, makes effective contaminated water management extremely problematic and intermittent. This has not been properly addressed in the proposal.

o Sandstone is not a rare commodity in NSW, especially sandstone of a lower and variable quality that can be crushed down to sand particle sizes. A mine located in the wider Marulan area for example would be a better plan given the large and established quarries in that area and the availability of skilled labour and maintenance support for the industry. Importantly Marulan has the Main Trunk railway.

o Bulk commodities such as this should be transported by rail. Much of the material from the existing Marulan quarries are hauled by rail. Currently 3000 tonne trains haul material safely and routinely into the Sydney basin where trucks take product “the last mile”. Road transport should be limited to local distribution as the Hume Highway is already very busy day and night.

o In the long run surely the Hume Highway corridor from Campbelltown to Goulburn will become residential and light industrial. There is enormous pressure on the Wingecarribee Shire currently and expansion of the Southern Highland towns and villages is inevitable over coming decades. Connectivity is central to population growth and the existing Hume Highway and the Main trunk railway are prime attractants for planned growth. Having a new mine in the middle of the area is not sensible when remembering that a sand mine has effects far beyond its boundary fence with near constant dust, noise, water pollution, light pollution and heavy road traffic increments impacting on quality of life for people living kilometres from the mine location. This is no place for an open pit sandstone extraction and processing plant.

o The issue of wide area impact is important as it includes real and serious health impact issues. Moving the extraction process from blasting to ripping does not mitigate the dust problem. The action of ripping lifts airborne dust from machine tracks as well as the ripper and blade operations. Open air stockpiles, front end loader bucket loads and conveyors are also subject to wind dispersion and westerly winds in this part of the Southern Highlands particularly in July, August and September. Water cannons to spray the stockpiles are of limited and variable utility and in any event wet or damp sand may be undesirable to customers and transport operators (and vehicle users on the Hume Highway).

o By definition the sand and dust will contain silica. The threat of silicosis surely needs no amplification – it is lethal. Particularly in the westerly winds the low micron dust particles will easily reach the villages of Exeter and Bundanoon. South easterly winds will have silica dust settling on Canyonleigh.

o My understanding is that the proponent has a poor record with Victorian EPA and has been fined a number of times. This could indicate that the proponent takes compliance loosely and accepts that fines are just a cost of business. In other words the EPA fines are included in the cost of product and therefore passed along the supply chain to the end consumer. This is disgraceful business practice, is avoidable cost inflation and a demonstration of productivity decline rather than improvement. This is not the type of future we should be encouraging and certainly not authorising.

o If this unfortunate proposal is to be approved the transport plan shown uses existing overbridges to turn vehicles from north to south and vice versa. The original plan of a dedicated overbridge is preferable as it can be teamed with long entry queue lanes to allow heavy trucks to reach highway speeds before blending with through traffic. Importantly it also minimises additional traffic around the very busy Sally’s Corner Road Service Centre with its extensive food and fuel facilities and therefore extensive people movements. The quarry trucks will all be truck and trailer and have blind spots and manoeverability challenges.

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on this matter.