Sutton Forest Sand Quarry

see attachment

This proposal has no merit as far as the environment is concerned. Pristine bushland would be impacted. Underground aquifers would likely be adversely affected. Our biodiversity would be under threat. Should this proposal be approved, then processing is proposed to be 24 hours a day with all the attendant noise and light pollution. Heavy trucks taking the sand out in the order of several hundred truck loads a day (!) would severely intrude on the Hume Highway with the heightened risk of accidents. Utilisation of the overpass at the Illawarra Highway interchange to facilitate a U-turn would create increased risk, plus excessive noise.

Nearby residents have been informed of this proposal very late in the day. Not good enough. This is the second time the local community has had to object to this monstrous proposal. I do not understand why we have to got through it again.

I am extremely concerned about the health and environmental impacts that this proposed sand mine/Quarry. Being a resident of Canyonleigh now for 3 years , I have come to appreciate the delicate nature of our local flora and fauna. The biodiversity in this area is fabulous, however we already see the impacts of development in the amount of wildlife killed on our roads and the impact of land clearing on local wildlife populations. The size of this mine would mean a massive increase in the traffic on our already damaged and narrow roads and would no doubt lead to countless animal deaths. The noise and the lights would deter local native wildlife, not to mention the impact to residents. We can already hear freeway noise in the distance and this would be louder, closer and be in operation 24hrs a day.
Our air quality, water quality and water tables would all be impacted. The waterways effected are important not only to locals but to the Sydney catchment. The health risks would be awful as silica particles will be released causing irreparable lung damage and possible fatalities. There is no treatment for silicosis!
I am very concerned for my children, especially my asthmatic son who could potentially be affected by the air pollution from the operations, the sand and the increase in truck pollution.
This area is too valuable to lose, please consider my objection!

I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposal for the Sutton Forest Sand Quarry.

I am writing on behalf of the properties 2950, 2952, 2954 and 2956 Canyonleigh Rd, Canyonleigh, NSW 2577. I am the owner of one of these properties. This opposition is on the grounds of noise pollution, visual impact and night-time light pollution.

Firstly, I note that according to the noise level prediction in Appendix O, there were no noise predictions taken near our properties, which lie within 1.5km north of the proposed quarry. The next closest noise monitoring site (Appendix O, Figure 2.1, Site 42A) to our properties is 2.3 km north of the proposed quarry. This noise monitoring site (42A) is located behind a hill, while our properties are generally on a south facing slope - toward the proposed site, with no hill in the way (See Image 1 - Google Earth overlay of our properties against noise monitoring sites). The approved housing areas on each property are not located behind this hill, and lie facing the proposed quarry.

Likewise, while noise mitigation efforts have been taken to the east of the proposed site in the form of a bund, there are no noise mitigation plans to the north of the site.

There are currently newly built, under construction, and planned residential houses on these properties that are unaccounted for in the updated proposal.

I am concerned that if approved, noise levels from the site will unreasonably disturb the quiet of my property.

(Image 1)
Similarly, in Appendix S - the visual impact assessment, we note that our properties with newly built, under construction, and planned residential houses are less than 1.5km away from the proposed development, while the nearest closest observers point (Appendix S, Figure 2.1, Site 46) is 2.9 km away. Our properties were ignored by the visual impact assessment, despite an available access road being present for over three years. Likewise, the computer-modelled zone of theoretical visibility shows that the majority of each of our properties are covered by hundreds-tier of visible modelled points (Appendix S, Figure 2.1).
Current, under construction, and planned housing sites all lie within this zone. Please see Image 2 – Google Earth overlay of our properties against the computer-modelled zone of theoretical visibility.

I am concerned that if approved, the proposed quarry will unreasonably visually impact my property.
(Image 2)
Lastly, Appendix S, Part 4.4 does not properly address night-time light pollution concerns. The Hume Highway is not illuminated on the section bordering the proposed site, and there is currently not a significant resulting glow. The local night sky around the properties 2950, 2952, 2954 and 2956 Canyonleigh Rd is dark in the areas facing towards the proposed site. Constellations are clearly visible in this sector of the night sky - this is important to the intrinsic beauty and value of my property. Local glow from the proposed quarry will negatively affect the night sky – this was not taken into satisfactory account from the amended proposal.

I am concerned that if approved, the proposed quarry will unreasonably impact the darkness of the night-sky above my property.
**Images 1 & 2 are Enclosed within the attached document**

The project threatens a vulnerable part of the Great Western wildlife corridor by clearing acres of bushland and jeopardises the Long Swamp adjoining it. It also has unknown effects on the hydrology of the area which is significant locally as well as for Sydney catchment. There is also no need to create s further quarry as an existing one exists at Green Valley that is operating far below its capacity.

see attachment

see attachment

see attachment

I object to the revised development application for the Sutton Forest Sand Quarry. It will destroy a unique part of regional NSW, destroy habitat for endangered threatened wildlife and the quality life for surrounding residential properties. it will shatter the peaceful tranquility of the adjacent Shrine of our Lady of Mercy Penrose Park. It will also present a serious health risk to residents near and far in the form of airborne silica particles and dust. The sand quarry should not be approved.

It is with a sense of urgency and alarm that our community again faces the resurrection of the Sutton Forest sand-mine proposal. This represents a threat to the very fabric of our beloved community and the pristine environment of the Southern Highlands. Five years ago, the community rallied against this proposal, and today, we find ourselves once again at a crossroads where our collective voices must be heard to protect our homes, our heritage, and our natural surroundings.
Our concerns regarding this proposal have not waned, and despite the proponents' responses to our previous objections, the alterations presented remain minor at best. The potential approval of this project could unleash devastating, long lasting and irreversible impacts upon our local environment. This would inevitably jeopardize the delicate balance that sustains our community in terms of residents, potential residents, visitors and the environment.

The proposed sand mine is to be situated just south of Sallys Corner, approximately 16.5 (km) south-west of Moss Vale, encompassing a staggering 271.8 acres of land, comprised primarily of native bushland. At a time when the world is being impacted by and struggling to address the effects of climate change, I find this level of wanton destruction of our environment, absolutely appalling. This expansive project aims to extract sandstone up to 60 metres below ground level, descending well beneath the water table, which is completely unacceptable. The proponent intends to extract silica rock and despatch up to a maximum of 860,000 tonnes per annum, which will be processed on-site, involving continuous crushing and transporting operations 24/7 for an anticipated 30-year period.
Given the extensive research into the dangers of silica dust and the increasing bans on engineered stone products, this operation would pose an unacceptable level of risk not only to the community but also the surrounding environment of native vegetation and farming practices. The quarry, once emptied, will be filled with waste material, despite assurances to the contrary, transforming it into Sydney's newest landfill site. The sheer scale of this operation is alarming, dwarfing even the considerable size of Hi-Quality's existing operations at Windemalla and Menangle, and infringing upon the tranquillity of our rural-residential community.

The numerous alarming issues associated with the proposed sand mine include:

Health Risks: Long-term health hazards including a multitude of respiratory issues, resulting from the mining and high-grade silica rock processing, are a serious concern. It is only recently that a ban has been placed by several companies, on the use of engineered stone products containing silica. It has been linked to several deaths amongst tradespeople and has been labelled as the ‘new asbestos.’

Wildlife Corridor and Long Swamp Ecosystem: The mine's location endangers the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a crucial and significant region for biodiversity, and the unique Long Swamp ecosystem, a threatened entity.
Endangerment of Fauna and Flora: Threatened species in the vicinity face heightened risks which could potentially lead to endangerment or worse still, extinction.

Air and Water Pollution: The potential for serious and irreversible health, agricultural, and environmental repercussions loom large and cannot be mitigated or ignored, despite assurances to the contrary by Hi-Quality. The prevailing westerlies typical of this area, would carry the mining and silica dust for kilometres, over surrounding town and village populations.

Environmental Destruction: The project threatens irreversible harm through water runoff and aquifer pollution. The atrocious track record of the mining company, Hi-Quality, only serves to compound the Highland community’s grave concerns. With 24 penalties from EPA NSW and facing 33 new EPA charges in Victoria, Hi-Quality and its director, Patrick Hallinan, appear to be unreliable operators, incapable of adhering to governing regulations.

Contamination of the Sydney Water Catchment: Pollution in the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment poses an unacceptable risk. The Southern Highlands plays a crucial role in supplying clean and uncontaminated water to Sydney. It is essential that we protect the pristine environment in this region to ensure the safety of Sydney's drinking water. The release of pollutants into the local environment poses a significant threat to the quality and safety of the water supply, affecting the health and well-being of millions of residents in the greater Sydney area.

Hydrological Impact: The removal of such huge quantities of sandstone for the next 30 years, threatens the critical role it plays in the wider area's groundwater hydrology.

Water Table Concerns: The proposal's impact on the water table remains undetermined, by excavating to a depth of 60 metres, it is posing risks to local water supplies, in addition to farming and other agricultural activities, particularly the nearby vineyards.

Indigenous Heritage: The disregard for on-site indigenous heritage, particularly rock-cave art deemed significant by the OEH and local communities, is troubling. Such blatant disregard for these irreplaceable and significant heritage items would be tantamount to environmental vandalism.

Pollution Damage: Bushland, nearby vineyard crops, gardens, solar panels, and residences may suffer irreparable harm. This is in addition to fragile ecosystems, hundreds of flora and fauna species such as koalas and the greater glider. It also places the tourist dependent livelihoods of surrounding residences at considerable risk.

Noise, Vibration, and Light Pollution: The proposal for round-the-clock operations, will disturb the peace, tranquillity and general amenity not only of residents and visitors, but also wildlife, and the spiritual sanctuary of The Shine of Our Lady of Mercy. There does not appear to be any consideration of light pollution and its detrimental effects on flora, fauna and ecosystems. No lighting specifications nor light spill assessment have been included in documentation. For a 24/7 operation with an intended duration of 30 years, this data is essential.

Increased Heavy Haulage Vehicles and Traffic Safety: The substantial increase in truck movements poses a significant risk to public safety, particularly with 24/7 operations for the next three decades. The designated turn in and turn out for heavy haulage vehicles onto a 110 km speed zone on the Hume motorway presents an unacceptable safety risk to the truck drivers and additionally, the travelling public. The proposed quarry is expected to bring a significant increase in heavy haulage vehicles along the Hume Motorway and could potentially impact local roads as well. This not only poses safety risks for residents and other road users but also places a burden on taxpayer funds to maintain and repair these roads. Mention is made in documentation, of 19 metre long semi- trailers, constantly accessing these roads. The increase in traffic congestion and noise pollution will further detract from the region's pristine environment and its appeal to tourists.

Visual Impact: The visual blight of a 110-hectare quarry replacing such a huge tract of native bushland and farmland is distressing. This represents the equivalent of 271.8 acres or 271 football fields, which is enormous.

Impacts on Tourism: The Southern Highlands' economy heavily depends on its thriving tourist industry. Visitors flock to the region for its picturesque farms, charming home and farm stay accommodations, enchanting wedding venues, and world-renowned vineyards. The proposed quarry, with its potential environmental hazards and unsightly open-cut mining presence, will undoubtedly deter tourists and harm local businesses. This could result in a devastating economic downturn for the entire region, impacting the livelihoods of countless residents and contributing to unemployment numbers. Local employment agencies are already struggling to fill job vacancies, so the likelihood of the mine providing substantial local employment would be nothing short of miraculous. Mine employees would largely consist of transport drivers from other areas, mostly Sydney, thereby circumventing any local employment opportunities.

Unnecessary Mining: The proximity of the Green Valley sand mine, extracting minimal amounts to maintain its license, questions the necessity of this mining proposal.

This sand mining endeavour threatens to destroy the natural beauty of Sutton Forest and surrounds. It is imperative that the community’s concerns against the intrusion of this destructive venture into our environmentally sensitive and populated area are both recognised and validated. Our community deserves better than to bear the brunt of a project that serves the interests of a Sydney developer while inflicting irreversible damage on our environment and quality of life. There is no benefit to the community from this proposal, only enduring destruction for decades to come and irreversible health impacts.

For the sake not only of ourselves, but future generations, we must endeavour to preserve the unique charm and ecological richness of our Southern Highlands. It is critical that we protect our homes, livelihoods, community and the environment, from the encroachment of short-sighted development such as the Sutton Forest Quarry. This gargantuine mining proposal threatens the very essence of what makes our Southern Highlands so unique and desirable.
Kind regards,
Sharan Kennedy.

Please see comment page attached.

I have a broad objection on environmental grounds. I will update my submission later.

I feel this project would be detrimental to the area. We can predict what will happen in the long term, based on past experience with mines and the devastation left behind but the result is inevitably much, much worse. More noise, dust, heavy vehicle dangers and environmental damage. If we don't stop now, then when?

I have serious concerns about the effects on the aquifer and the nearby Long Swamp ecosystem. There will be adverse effects and it's too late once the damage is done. We must protect our delicate bushland habitats and not let them be whittled away by greedy developers with bad environmental records.

I am concerned about many aspects of this proposal, including:
* loss of vegetation and habitat, including impact on several vulnerable species through the reduction of fauna corridor
* draw down of groundwater to the detriment of farm wells and reserves of water for Sydney's water supply
* potential alteration of flows to watercourses on the site, affecting aquatic habitat and vegetation
* creation of excessive dust and 24 hour truck traffic that will detract from the Southern Highlands as a tourist destination and impact the enjoyment of the area by local residents, while being detrimental from health and safety perspectives
* poor track record of the applicant with respect to environmental compliance
* concern that, if approved, progressive rehabilitation will not be effective and restoration incomplete
* dubious that environmental credits will compensate for the environmental damage that will occur
* previous applications for coal and sand mining in the SH have been refused for many of the above reasons and this proposal would appear similarly flawed.

This affects wildlife and birdlife dramatically, please reconsider.

Submission concerning the Sutton Forest Sand Mine.

I am writing to you with enormous concern about the possibility that the Sutton Forest Sand Mine may be trying again to have their mine approved. After five years of no action after a huge community protest against this mine proposal it is frightening that it may resurface. Mine proponents appear to be submitting responses to the strong community opposition to the plan in 2018.

The mine is in a predominantly native bushland area and it will be mining sandstone up to 60 metre below ground level. This would lead to continuous truck activities for a considerable length of time in a rural/residential area in the Southern Highlands. This mine will be located in a very fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor endangering biodiversity in the area and causing environmental damage through water runoff and aquifer pollution. It will also be particularly dangerous for our flora and fauna species especially effecting a crucial koala habitat. Pollution in a farming area will affect the health of the community especially from dust from high-grade silica rock processing. This latter issue has been in the forefront of the news over the past few months and is of great concern to everyone in the area. Damage to the surrounding bushland and residences and noise pollution will have huge effects on the people who reside close by the mine.

It will be visually devastating and the mine is not needed as nearby Green Valley sand mine extracts token amounts just to maintain its licence. It should also be noted the mine company concerned ‘Hi-Quality” has a bad track record with many EPA NSW penalties and 33 new charges in Victoria. This raises seious concerns about their ability to accept and adhere to government regulations.

Christina Smith

I object to the project because:
* Of HI Quality and company director, Patrick Hallinan’s, concerning record of 24 EPA NSW penalities and 33 Victorian EPA charges,
* It is a danger to the Great Western Wildlife Corridor,
* It threatens fauna and flora species,
* Of its threat to air and water pollution,
* Of its pollution to Sydney’s water catchment,
* Of the noise, pollution and vibrations which will disturb the peace and tranquillity of local residents, wildlife and the church and monastery which is on the proposed mine boundary,
* Of the long term health risks to neighbouring and Highlands residents,
* Of the traffic safety and danger leaving and entering the Hume Highway.

This project must not proceed.

I strongly object to the proposal for reasons including:
1. The inevitable environmental destruction of an ecologically sensitive area, including through water runoff and aquifer pillage and pollution.
2. The location of the proposed mine is at the most fragile point of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, a region reknown for biodiversity. The unique Long Swamp ecosystem is listed as a threatened ecosystem. This should be reason enough to deny the proposal in this location.
3. The destruction of vegetation, soil structure and habitat during the establishment works of the site and ongoing works will obviously endanger threatened fauna and flora species identified on site and surrounds.
4. Inevitable air and water pollution with serious health, farming and environmental consequences, many of which may not yet be known.
5. Pollution of the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment.
6. Potential long term health risks to employees, staff, neighbouring and wider-area residents from dust through mining and high-grade silica rock processing and transportation. Silica dust toxicity is now well-known.
7. Inevitable disturbance of on-site indigenous heritage rock-cave art, deemed highly significant by the OEH and local indigenous communities.
8. Pollution and damage to surrounding bushland, crops, gardens, solar panels and residences.
9. The removal of a material (i.e. sandstone) critical to the quality of groundwater hydrology of the local and wider areas.
10. The lowering of the water table to an undetermined and unpredictable amount affecting ecoystems and local water supplies.
11. Substantial noise, vibration and light pollution around the clock, which will interfere and impact on habitat and wildlife as well as human impacts on the immediate and wider areas.
12. Increased risk and heightened danger of traffic accidents and congestion in an area of the Hume Highway already notorious for motor vehicle accidents. Up to 344 trucks a day at all hours of the day and night for the next 30 years in this location is an absurd proposal.
Lastly, but not least, the mine company “Hi-Quality” has an appalling record with 24 EPA NSW penalties and, now that it has established in Victoria, it and the company director, Patrick Hallinan, already face 33 new EPA charges. This is not a fit and proper operator that can be trusted to abide by governing regulations. This alone is reason enough to deny the proposal.
A mine like this has no place in any environmentally sensitive or populated area.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing as a concerned resident of the Southern Highlands to vehemently oppose the proposed Sutton Forest sand mine by Hi-Quality Group. This development, poised to devastate our region, demands urgent reconsideration due to its far-reaching negative impacts.

Environmental and Ecological Damage:
The proposed clearing of 110 hectares of native bushland for mining activities poses an irreversible threat to our region's biodiversity. This area, a critical part of the Great Western Wildlife Corridor, is not only a haven for threatened flora and fauna but also vital for the ecological balance. The disruption of the Long Swamp ecosystem, a unique and threatened entity, cannot be overlooked. The removal of sandstone, integral to the groundwater hydrology, alongside the risk of aquifer pollution and water runoff, is a dire concern for our community's health and environmental sustainability.

Pollution of Sydney's Water Catchment:
Of particular concern is the potential pollution of the headwaters of the Sydney water catchment. This catchment is a lifeline for millions, and its contamination would have catastrophic consequences for water quality and public health in the wider Sydney region. The irreversible damage that could be caused by the mine's activities is not a risk that can be taken lightly.

Health and Community Well-being:
The health implications of the project are alarming. The processing of high-grade silica rock, coupled with incessant dust emissions from mining and transportation activities, presents long-term health hazards. The noise, vibration, and light pollution, extending 24/7, will disturb not only the tranquillity of our residents but also the serene environment of significant local sites, including The Shine of Our Lady of Mercy.

Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Concerns:
The project threatens to disturb significant indigenous heritage sites, including rock-cave art, which are not only of local but of national importance. These sites must be preserved as a testament to our rich cultural heritage.

Environmental Compliance and Corporate Responsibility:
The track record of Hi-Quality Group raises serious doubts about its adherence to environmental standards. With a history of multiple EPA penalties, it is questionable whether such a company can be entrusted with a project of this magnitude and sensitivity.

Local Economy and Traffic Concerns:
The proposed influx of up to 344 trucks daily poses significant traffic safety risks. Furthermore, the visual impact of a vast mining pit in place of our native bushland will undoubtedly deter tourism, a key contributor to our local economy.

In conclusion, the Sutton Forest sand mine represents a severe risk to our environment, health, and community well-being. It contradicts the principles of sustainable development and responsible environmental stewardship. I implore the Department to reconsider this proposal and protect the invaluable assets of the Southern Highlands.

Thank you for considering my earnest plea. We have until December 4th to make our voices heard, and I trust that the Department will make a decision that favors environmental preservation and community welfare.

Sincerely,