Submission provided electronically

My husband & I do not support this project in its entirety as
1) OCC has bulldozed the initial application for the RRC at the Euchareena Rd site.
2) Now 10 years on OCC is still changing things around; they do not appear to know where they are at.
3) The 'new' plan of the Euchareena Rd site is almost impossible to read on the 'net'. When viewed it does not show the initial dams; are they still there?? Neither are the proposed road/building changes.
This proposed modification application seems to be very rushed onto display.

Please find attached submission from Hunter Business Chamber.

I support Orica'spropossal to modify development consent for the Ammonia flaring systems and the expansion of the nitric acid tank on Kooragang Island on the following grounds
the ammonia flaring systems should negate the need for fugitive emissions of ammomia using a system proven in other plants around the world.
the additional nitric acid storage will enable Orica to produce more ammonium nitrate to meet market demand and should reduce the need for frequent startups and shutdowns which will benefit the local community.

I support Orica's proposal to modify Development Consent for its expansion project invilving the ammonia flaring system and the nitric acid tank expansion on the following grounds:
the flaring system will overcome the problem of fugitive ammonia releases to the environment and has been proved effective in other locations.
the extra nitric acid storage wil alllow Orica to produce needed ammonium nitrate to supply demand while reducing the need for frequent startups and shutdowns which will benefit the local community

Firstly, it is of great concern that Letter box notification of this Development modification was not distributed to a larger part of the Newcastle community as the consequences of approval will certainly impact on the whole city. To expect the community to be fully aware and able to successfully participate in an objection process at this time of the year is unreasonable. To increase the size of the tank five times greater than the original application does not place this application as a Modification. A new application should need to be submitted with all the necessary health, safety and environmental checks. Orica's safety record in Newcastle is appalling and the history of incidents such as West, Texas highlight some of my major concerns for this development within our city boundaries.

I object to this development proposal from Orica.
The Orica record at Kooragang has clearly demonstrated that Orica can not be trusted to operate safely at the Kooragang site and within the close proximity to the city of Newcastle. To even contemplate the proposal which will allow Orica to store 10,000 tonne of nitric acid and multiply the flare stacks across the river from our city and the beachside suburb of Stockton is ludicrous. It is time that governments realised that operations such as the Kooragang site do not belong within the neighbouring limits of any Australian city. Government planning can not successfully have it both ways, that is; by further expanding operations such as Orica Kooragang while at the same time attempting to stimulate and rejuvenate cities such as Newcastle to be a smart, vibrant and healthy city in the hope of attracting greater future population and citizens.

I oppose the plans to install ammonia flares and increase the storage capacity of the nitric acid tank as detailed. The impact on the surrounding communities - all established long before industrial development on Kooragang Island - will in no doubt be considerable.

There are significant issues including:
- Fumes produced by the flares, and Ammonia gas, should they not function correctly
- Light from the flares, possibly during evening hours
- Increased risk of fire spreading from the flares if they malfunction
- Noise from the flares as they burn
- Increased risk of explosion, and increased devastation, should it occur as it has in some other plants around the world
- Increased volume of Ammonia and other chemicals that could possibly leak into the water system
- Increased noise from the construction of the flares and tanks
- Increased noise from the subsequent increase in production

Moreover, prior to this proposal, there has been no community consultation, whatsoever. No explanation of the risks, or even dissemination of plans. With only a two-week exhibition, it really is quite absurd.

I find it sickening to think Orica is even considering expanding their operations after such a blatant disregard for the law regarding adequate safeguards, as demonstrated in several past incidents.

Please do not let this proceed.