Coalpac Consolidation Unacceptable

Authority says Coalpac’s proposal too noisy for residents

After carefully reviewing documents, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has stated it cannot

support the Coalpac Consolidation Project, proposed by Coalpac Pty Ltd, due to the unacceptable

noise impacts it will have upon residents.

The NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure called on the EPA to review the related

Environmental Assessment for the Project and stated within its submission:

(the EPA) cannot support the project as is currently proposed for the following reason:

1. The EPA considers that the potential for unacceptable noise impacts upon both rural

residents and the residents of Cullen Bullen is too great based on the assumptions in the noise

modelling of the proposed 24 hours a day/7 days a week operations.

“Cullen Bullen residents have been repeatedly told by Coalpac Pty Ltd that it holds the interests of the

residents in the highest regard and yet has laid down a proposal that threatens their livelihood,” says

Justin McKee for the Blue Mountains Conservation Society.

The EPA’s submission also noted:

Even with all the extensive noise mitigation in place the noise modelling predicts adverse

impacts at 9 locations during the day and 36 residential receivers at night.

“Coalpac ashamedly told residents in a public meeting earlier this year that their lifestyle would not be

compromised and this project was good for the town.”

In further outlining its position, the EPA wrote:

The EPA has concerns with the proponent’s commitment and ability to fully and effectively

implement the required noise mitigation measures based on previous experience at the site.

“Coalpac Pty Ltd has a history of being unreliable on mitigating noise issues in the past. It is

encouraging to see the EPA standing firm against repeat offenders within the mining industry.”

The cost implications for the presented mitigation (Section 4.4) would be extensive; no cost

estimates and no timetable have been put forward for mitigation implementation.

“The owners of Coalpac have been trying to sell the company since October 2010. The sale would be

gigantically more profitable if this project is approved. Comments from the EPA highlight that Coalpac’s

focus is on profit and not the lives of people living in Cullen Bullen,” concludes Mr McKee.

Media Contacts: Justin McKee 0404 824 020 Link to EPA submission: http://bit.ly/NZPjaR

HOW DIRTY IS YOUR COAL MINE?

Forget the Carbon Tax and the family roast, the Association recently got out the calculator to find out  what impact the Charbon Coal Mine is having on our atmosphere.

Charbon is an apt name for this carbon polluter -a high altitude mine located between Kandos and the tiny town of Clandulla on the western side of the Great Dividing Range. It was established over 50 years ago to fuel the local cement works but has now expanded greatly, producing 1.3 million tonnes of coal each year. Most of this is sent by train to Port Kembla for export to Asia.

When combusted, this releases 3.12 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere which is the equivalent of adding just over 2 million new cars to the roads!

If you add all the diesel fuel they use to dig up the coal, that's a lot of greenhouse gas pollution.

Now Centennial Coal will have to pay a tiny percentage of their profits to the government for the privilege of fouling our airways. It's doubtful that this will be a disincentive for them but whichever way, we are the ones who pay with a degraded environment.

Cobbora Mine Public Meeting

The proposed Cobbora mine has major impacts on water supply to the Mudgee region. Possible coal trains are another big concern. If you want to find out more about these issues come to the meeting this Thursday 5th July.

The (w)Hole Story video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMvCSvogO8k

If you missed the action in Mudgee when the Association along with six other community action groups joined forces to oppose any more mining in our region then don't fret! Click on the above link for a video documentation of the day.

And stay tuned for the next event currently being organised by volunteers with The (w)Hole Story.

The Sky Is Pink

Josh fox has released a short follow up film to his award winning 'Gasland' and you can view it here:

The Sky Is Pink

It's all about the water.

Lue Action Group Newsletter – Blackmans Gully Mess & More

LAg Newsletter Issue 2 – Blackmans Gully Mess & More

Read all about it here (PDFDownload: LAg Newsletter Issue 2):
Update on impact of Kingsgate mine exploration on local environment, more fact about lead impact on health and environment, invitation to public meeting and more…

 

Click on text to enlarge

A Cautionary Tale

King Coal Dethroned

We live in hope! The statistics in this article are encouraging anyway - worth a read. http://theconversation.edu.au/king-coal-dethroned-6977 If the statistics are correct (and sources quoted appear reliable) it also shows just how much influence the media can have on perceptions and how you can't rely on (some) newspapers as your only source of information.

Lodge a submission objecting to the Coalpac Consoldation Project.

Time is running out ! 

 

The cut off date is Friday 1st June 2012. 

 

It's very important we get hundreds if not thousands of individual submissions in on this issue and influence the decision making process. So tell everyone you know to invest five minutes to help you save a beautiful part of the iconic Gardens of Stone. 

 

Here's what to do. 

 

Fill out the form half way down this page with your personal information:

http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=4332 

 

In the box that has the heading 'submission' you need to include a statement saying that you object to the proposal and some reasons why. Here's an example: 

 

Re: Coalpac Consolidation Project: Application No: 10_0178

I support the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage's wish to add the Ben Bullen State Forest to the conservation reserve system as a matter of priority; it is an area with outstanding natural values.

I object to the Coalpac Consolidation Project entirely for the following reasons: 

• Rehabilitation of open-cut coal mines is incapable of restoring the original biodiversity and geodiversity of the Gardens of Stone Reserve Proposal. 

• This mine would destroy the habitat of over 400 native plant species.

• Our iconic lyrebird uses the sides of pagodas in this area to nest and raise its young. Mining will completely remove its food habitats in the valley below.

• The community will be locked out from a very large part of public land for at least 21 years. I expect to be able to access public land freely. The NSW Government would effectively be allowing the privatization and liquidation of public land if it approves this proposal.

• If approved, the mine would scalp all biodiversity from hundreds of hectares of public land within the Ben Bullen State Forest.

• The project proposes to kill 19,200 vulnerable Eucalyptus cannonii, trees and this is unacceptable.

• The project is likely to produce acid mine drainage that will impact on local streams for many decades. It may also produce elevated levels of heavy metals that will also kill aquatic life. This is occurring right now with one of Coalpac's old mines, the Canyon Colliery Mine, which is contaminating streams with unsafe levels of zinc and nikel impacting the Heritage-listed Grose Valley. 

• Coalpac has put forward a biodiversity offset package that is inadequate. Coalpac cannot replace critically endangered habitat and open-cut mining should avoid these rare environments. 

• This mine would destroy the habitat of 35 mammal species, 15 of which are listed under the EPBC Act. 

• Habitats for 12 bird species threatened under the EPBC Act including the Regent Honeyeater, Tiger Quoll and Powerful Owl will be completely removed.

• There will be increased threats to the health of children attending Cullen Bullen Public School because of the open-cut mining nearby.

• A minimum 5km buffer zone excluding open-cut mining should be established around the town of Cullen Bullen to protect its social values and amenity.

 

 

More suggestions for bullet points can be found here: 

http://www.bluemountains.org.au/gc-submission-guide.shtml 

 

Thank you for your time and contribution to to this important campaign. 

 

Please do not hesistate to contact me with any questions directly to help you get your submission lodged:

0404 824 020

 

Kind Regards

 

 

Justin McKee

Blue Mountains Conservation Society

M: 0404 824 020

Social Impacts of Coal Rush

Last night's Four Corners program highlighted the negative impacts of the coal rush on the town of Moranbah in Queensland which was purpose built for coal mining families in the 70s but is now being swamped by Fly In Fly Out workers as the nearby coal fields ramp up production.

Women are scared to go out after dark because rape and attempted rape is up 95%.

What sort of country are we creating for our children? How will they benefit from this boom?

http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2012/05/25/3510948.htm

In the news: ICAC and coal exploration licence tender process

Members of the Obeid family, including the former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid, expressed interest in buying a Denman farm nearly three years before an Obeid family friend and financial adviser was granted a coal exploration licence over the property.

Read the story here: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/obeid-family-looked-at-land-on-coal-lease-20120522-1z1ri.html#ixzz1veWwkR63

See also: Looking at Eddie Obeid links in coal deal (The Telegraph, 24 May)

BIMBLEBOX

Come and see Bimblebox!
 
How do we respond to massive change in our own backyards?
This is a doco you don’t want to miss.
 

 Screening in Mudgee Sunday 3 June and Rylstone Thursday 7 June, Bimblebox is a beautifully filmed documentary about how a small regional community is dealing with the massive and rapid expansion of the coal and coal seam gas industry – threatening to change forever the region’s landscape and livelihood.
 
‘This documentary isn't just about Bimblebox Nature Refuge – it's about landholders all over Queensland and New South Wales ...’   
Bimblebox explores the huge Australian coal export industry from the grassroots up. With music by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, the film features many prominent members of the debate against coal expansion in Australia including Guy Pearse (Global Change Institute), Ove Hoegh-Guldberg (University of Queensland) and Matthew Wright (Beyond Zero Emissions).
 
Club Mudgee (Soldiers Club)
99 Mortimer Street Mudgee
2.30 pm Sunday 3 June

Rylstone Memorial Hall
Louee Street Rylstone
6.30 pm Thursday 7 June

Entry: gold coin donation

For more information about Bimblebox visit http://bimbleboxdocumentary.com/
Organised by the combined community groups of the Mid-Western Region.
For updates and more information visit www.midwesterncommunity.org.au <http://www.midwesterncommunity.org.au>

DRILLING RIG OPEN DAY

DRILLING RIG OPEN DAY

                                          The drill rig that is currently being used on Mt Vincent

Many of you may not be aware that Centennial is using a different drill rig to that which we saw last July. The new rig also has a different water usage regime. So you might want to come to one of the open days Centennial is holding next week at the former Mt Ilford Winery (1159 Mt Vincent Rd).


You need to ring 63 588 340 to register your attendance. You have 5 sessions to chose from:


Thursday 24 May 8.30-10.00am and 2-4pm


Friday 25 May 8.30-10.00am and 2-4pm


Saturday 26 May 9-11am


You must wear closed-in shoes and long trousers. You will also have to take part in an induction process for OH&S, and only 4-6 people will be escorted to the drilling rig at any one time.



While we understand the need for only small numbers at a time at the actual drill site, it does mean each one of us has to think to ask every possible questions to ask. That’s the advantage of a public meeting; we can all hear everyone else’s questions, which often prompts us to think of further questions.



To assist us all in gaining the maximum benefit from these open days, you might like to post your questions here on the blog (or email it to us at runningstream2850@gmail.com) then we can all go to the open day with a full set of questions. Your Association later will post a report with hopefully satisfactory answers to all the issues that are raised.

LAST DAY FOR SUBMISSIONS ON 4TH COAL LOADER

Only hours left to make a submission about the proposed 4th coal loader in Newcastle. The plans beggar belief.

You can make a submission here:

Email to: plan_comment@planning.nsw.gov.au

 Or submit online: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=4399

Here is the submission your Association has made. Feel free to use it:

Objection to Proposed Fourth Coal Export Terminal in Newcastle 

Project Title: Port Waratah Coal Services Terminal 4 

Application No: 10_0215 

Our Association wishes to object to the proposed Fourth Coal Export Terminal in Newcastle. The supposed “benefit” of this is far outweighed by the costs: the costs to the environment, the health of the community, the social and economic fabric of the community. It should not go ahead. Detailed are below our some of our reasons for our objection. 

Impacts on habitat, endangered and threatened species, and migratory birds 

- Part of the 4th terminal site is currently National park. The National park lands include critical habitat for migratory shore birds that needs to be protected. National park lands must not be included in the proposed development. 

- The 312 ha project site includes 91ha of valuable native vegetation and 24ha of open water habitat. In particular: 18.8 ha of saltmarsh (an endangered ecological community under TSC Act) 28.9ha of mangrove and 27.3 ha of freshwater wetland of which 4 ha are listed as an endangered under the TSC Act. 

- 

- Loss of habitat for 23 threatened fauna species including Australasian bittern (Endangered, EBPC Act) and the Green and Golden Bell frog (Vunerable, EBPC Act). 

- Loss of habitat and the disruption to an ecologically significant proportion of a population for four migratory shorebird species listed under international conservation conventions. At least 11 species of migratory birds recognised by international treaties rely on the habitat of deep pond and its proximity to the RAMSAR listed wetland. 

- Off sets cannot hope to compensate for loss of habit at the site. The proposed off-set site at Ellalong has already been identified as critical for conservation in its own right. It is also approximately 50 km away from Koorigang Island, therefore fails to compensate for the loss of Deep Pond, which provides key foraging and roosting habitat due to it s proximity to RAMSAR listed wetlands in the Hunter estuary. 

- Deep Pond is the only freshwater drought refuge in the Lower Hunter Estuary system. It is relied upon by at least 15 species of waterfowl of which 3 are listed as threatened under the TSC Act. 

- Due to high value habitat and the protected species dependant on it, plus its key relationship with the nearby RAMSAR listed wetlands, Deep Pond needs to be protected and management coordinated with the ongoing conservation efforts in the Hunter Estuary. 

Air Quality 

- The environmental assessment downplays the effect the 4th terminal would have on air quality stating “The T4 project is not expected to result in any criterion exceedences on any additional days of the year”1. It defies belief that the uncover coal stockpiles for a coal loader of the size of T4 will not increase the amount of coal dust effecting Newcastle suburbs. 

1 P243 Vol 1 Air Quality report 

- The project does not plan to implement best practice for dust control measurements. Best practice would be not to have any stockpile. 

- The EA only considered trains to affect residencies within 20m of the rail line. This is does not represent an adequate assessment of the air quality impact of increased coal transport as a result of the 4th terminal. 

- The current guidelines are outdated and fail to account for the findings of ongoing health studies which demonstrate that total suspended particles (coal dust) are of greater detriment to human health than when the guidelines were put in place. 

- The precautionary principle should be applied to potential health impacts of the T4 proposal. Approval should be not be allowed until a more conclusive health and air quality study is undertaken for the Newcastle LGA. 

Dredging and water pollution 

- There is no plan to fully remediate the heavily contaminated T4 site. The T4 proposal will therefore cause the leaching of existing toxic material into groundwater and surrounding surface waters via a ‘squeezing effect’. Result will be pollution of both the neighbouring (National Park and RAMSAR listed) wetlands and the Hunter River. 

- An increase in shipping will negatively impact harbour water quality with sediment disturbance (some of it contaminated), release of bilge water, more antifouling agents, chemicals and oil spills, and dumping of debris. It will also reduce access for other harbour users and increase the risk of introduced species. 

- The T4 proposal requires the realignment of the banks of South Arm of the Hunter River and construction of a ‘turning circle’ or ‘swing basin’ to accommodate the world largest ships. The proposal also requires dredging of the South Arm of the river from its natural depth of 2m to 4m to 16.2m with 17.8m deep shipping berths along each bank. 

- The dredging will have massive impacts including the removal of aquatic habitats and impacts on estuarine habitats via changes to tidal hydrodynamics and salinity. Also potential of creating stagnant deep holes, altering currents, causing river bed erosion and liberating pollutants which are currently trapped within the bottom sediments.i 

- The EA fails to deal adequately with the impact of the massive dredging necessary for T4. The approval for South Arm dredging, given by the previous State government, should not be relied on for a significantly different proposal. 

Social and economic impacts on Newcastle and Lower Hunter 

- There is no additional operational employment associated with the T4 Project 

- Loss of other economic activities in the port, like tourism, fishing and other shipping. 

- The project would facilitate an increase of at least 41 additional coal trains per day through the suburbs of Maitland and into Newcastle. This Increases congestion on the rail lines, noise and dust. 

- Noise and vibration from site operations 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. 

Increased traffic congestion through construction period. 

- Impacts on commercial fishing are expected from the loss habitat and contamination.ii 

Impacts of increased coal mining in NSW 

- The completed project would facilitate the equivalent of at least 15 more large coal mines in the Hunter Valley and Liverpool plains. 

- The Costs of more mining to the State include: Green House Gas generation at mines, loss of agricultural lands, blasting, noise, air quality, loss of aboriginal and non-aboriginal heritage, visual impacts, loss and pollution of surface water and groundwater, damage to aquatic ecology, flora and fauna loss. 

- Research shows the health impacts of the coal industry estimated at $2.6 billion Australia wide. Pollution from coal affects all major body organ systems and contributes to the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. In the Hunter Valley this impact is all the more prevalent due to the proximity of coal mining, transport and infrastructure to communities. The 4th terminal project would facilitate a massive increase to health impacts in the region, for this alone the negative contribution of the project far outweighs any merits. 

- 22 more coal ships visiting Newcastle every week, pushing out other port users and the potential investment of other port industrial, commercial, tourism opportunities. 

- The 4th terminal would provide for the equivalent of 15 more large power stations around the world, meaning an extra 288 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year fuelling the global climate crisis. 

Overall 

- The strategic need for the project does not justify its approval. The current pace of coal mining expansion in the Hunter region is already coming at a cost to the environment and human health that far outweighs the benefit of royalties it provides in return. 

- The 4th terminal project depends on further mines and expansion of existing mines that are not guaranteed to occur. The upgrading of PWCS exiting terminals and the new NCIG 3rd terminal (to 211 million tonnes total from 89 million tonnes in 2002) can already accommodate for a large increase in coal exports from Newcastle. 

- To approve additional export infrastructure (to 331 million tonnes in total) and destroy the ecological values of the T4 site takes no account of the potential decrease in the commercial viability of coal sales in the future. 

Protect Gardens of Stone – Say No to open cut mining!

 The Gardens of Stone are a truly amazing area and if you havent visited yet, put it on your must do list! It is apalling to realise some of it may be destroyed by open cut mining, so if you have some time this Saturday, make a statement and participate in this rally in Springwood.

 Public Rally 11am Saturday 5th May 2012, Springwood NSW


Protect Gardens of Stone – Say No to open cut mining!

Where: Town Square, 180-184 Macquarie Road, Springwood

What: A peaceful rally of Blue Mountains residents and other members of the community who object to open cut mining in the Gardens of Stone area, North-West Blue Mountains NSW.

Entertainment: A short performance by Ecopella, an a capella choir

Speakers: Cate Faehrmann - Greens MLC, Trish Doyle, Labor's spokesperson for the Blue Mountains, Justin McKee – Campaigner, Blue Mountains Conservation Society

Note: Roza Sage, Member for Blue Mountains has been invited to speak or provide a representative for the NSW Government; no RSVP has been received at 2nd May 2012.

Why: NSW environment groups have proposed that some 40,000 hectares of the visually stunning Gardens of Stone be protected within the State’s conservation reserve system. Mining companies have lodged applications with the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure to open-cut mine in the area proposed for conservation.

The Gardens of Stone is named because of its sandstone rock formations (pagodas) and the abundance of native wildlife that lives there. A large proportion of it remains unprotected from high-impact activities such as open-cut mining.

The ‘Coalpac Consolidation Project’, is on exhibition for public comment until 1st June 2012. If approved, the Project would destroy 843 hectares of habitat for over 400 native plant species, 35 native mammal species and 12 threatened bird species. Large amounts of dust will be unleashed into the atmosphere, increasing the level of small particles existing within close proximity to the town of Cullen Bullen and its Public School. This is overwhelmingly against the public interest. so come and support the rally

Running Stream Joins Thousands at Rally

Association members joined with around 5 thousand people from both country and city regions who rallied outside Parliament House yesterday to demonstrate their opposition to the O'Farrell Government's Draft Regional Land Use Plan. Marching alongside members of the CWA, who were protesting for the first time in their 90 year history, the group backed the NSW Farmers Association call for a reassessment of the Draft Regional Land Use Plan.

Marching behind some whip cracking kids, the crowd chanted the rally cry; 'Save our water, save our land, country and city, united we stand'. And it was exciting for members to be part of this movement for the preservation of our precious resources.

Farmers Association President Fiona Simpson encouraged the assembled crowd to make a written submission in addition to the personal one that they were making by being present at the rally.
Information about submissions can be found on their website (http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/)

Submissions close on May 3 so if you care about you land and water, please take a minute to let your feelings known.

The Nature Conservation Council of NSW has also compiled the following points which you may use in your submission:

Submission Guide: Have your say on mining and coal seam gas expansion

Take action today to protect water, wildlife and local communities from the impacts of mining and coal seam gas development. 

In the lead up to the state election, the NSW Liberals and Nationals promised to protect ‘critical agricultural and environmental assets’ from the impacts of mining and gas development.

They promised to introduce strategic regional land use plans that would identify ‘sensitive areas’ that would be off limits to mining and coal seam gas.

They promised to protect strategic agricultural land and areas of high conservation value.

To date, they have comprehensively failed to deliver on that promise.

The draft land use plans recently released by the NSW Government do not place a single square inch of the state off limits to mining and coal seam gas.

The draft land use plans fail to provide certainty for local communities, and do not provide clear legal protection for water, wildlife and natural areas.

Please take ten minutes to write a personalised submission in response to the draft land use plans, setting out your concerns about the impacts of mining and gas, and calling on government to take real action to protect local communities and the environment.

Submissions are due by 5.00pm on Thursday, 3 May.  

You can send you submission by email to srlup@planning.nsw.gov.au.   

To download the draft regional land use plans and aquifer interference policy, visit: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/regionallanduse.

If possible, personalise your submission with information about you and your local community.

Points that you may wish to make in your submission:

·       I am deeply concerned about the impacts of rapidly expanding mining and coal seam gas development on our wildlife, water, farmland and local communities.

·       I strongly support the protection of sensitive natural areas and strategic agricultural land, and call on you to honour your election commitment to place these areas off limits to mining and gas development.

·       The draft land use plans for the Upper Hunter and New England North West do not reflect the balance between mining, agriculture and conservation promised in your election policy. I am concerned that these draft plans set a very poor precedent for other regions across the state.

·       The draft plans fail to deliver certainty for mine-affected communities, and do not provide meaningful protection for wildlife and natural areas.

·       I am deeply concerned about the lack of clear legal protection for areas of high conservation value. Mapping the most important natural areas in the state, only to allow them to be destroyed by mining, is totally unacceptable.

·       The mapping of high conservation value areas in the draft plans is overly conservative, and fails to identify many important terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

·       I urge you to withdraw the draft land use plans, and replace them with plans that:

o      clearly identify sensitive areas that are off limits to mining and gas, including important wildlife habitat, strategic farmland, drinking water catchments and urban areas.

o      provide a clear legal mechanism to guarantee protection of high conservation value lands, through regulations or an environmental planning instrument.

o      apply to exploration licence applications and renewals, recognising the very real impacts of exploration activities on land, water and wildlife.

o      protect public lands, including state conservation areas and state forests, from open cut mining and coal seam gas development.

o      establish a one kilometre buffer around rivers, national parks and nature reserves.

o      establish a five kilometre buffer around residential areas, schools and nursing homes, to protect local communities from health impacts and risk of industrial accidents.

o      properly manage cumulative impacts of mining and gas development on the environment, water and public health.

·       The draft aquifer interference policy is entirely inadequate, and must be strengthened substantially to provide real protection for our precious groundwater resources.

·       I strongly support a moratorium on CSG exploration and extraction, until such time as we have the science, strategic planning and regulatory framework to guarantee protection of water resources, public health and the environment.

RALLY TOMORROW!

Just a reminder about the important rally in Sydney tomorrow being organised by the NSW Farmers Association (http://www.nswfarmers.org.au/ourlandourwater). The RSWUA will be there from 11.30 am so please join us and look for our banner on corner of Elizabeth and Martin Place.

The rally has been organised in response to the severely inadequate draft Land Use Plan that has been released by the O'Farrell Government in New South Wales.

Submissions to the Plan are due by Weds 3rd. We urge all members and supporters to make a submission. Below is info from Lock the Gate which you can use, or use the template we sent you last Monday. Remember to add a sentence about our rich basalt soils and permanent water that need to be protected for future generations. Every little bit helps!

The NSW Government has released its draft plans to deliver on its Strategic Regional Land Use Policy. This policy was an election promise during the 2011 State election. At the heart of the election policy was this statement: “The NSW Liberals and Nationals believe that agricultural land and other sensitive areas exist in NSW where mining and coal seam gas extraction should not occur”  This had led many to believe, a belief never corrected by the Government, that areas would be ruled out for mining and coal seam gas development in NSW. Sadly, this promise has not been kept. The Lock the Gate Alliance rejects the idea that the Government can protect our most important food producing and sensitive environments and the water sources that supply them without ruling out mining and coal seam gas exploration and production in these areas. These land use plans will fail to create a sustainable future for farmers and the environment. There is an urgent need for the community to reject any land use plans that don’t rule out future coal, gas and other mining in these important areas. You can help by making a submission against the plans. Making your own submission doesn't need to take long. Even a signle statement of objection is enough to force the Government to respond to your concerns. This template submission can be used to help you make your own (the best option) or can be signed directly and posted in (option 2). Or you might like to use some of these points of objection: A moratorium should be put in place on any new coal and gas exploration and development whilst the Strategic Regional Land Use Plans are fixed and then applied in other areas, and while outstanding scientific questions are assessed. A clear prohibition of all exploration, mining and petroleum production on productive agricultural land. A 'Gateway' process in these areas is not supported.  The definition of strategic agricultural land must be broadened to capture allproductive agricultural land, not just the best of the best. All mining and petroleum projects should have to undergo a full cost benefit analysis and social impact assessment prior to any approvals.  A process should be introduced to enable local communities and landholders to be able to say no to mining and petroleum exploration or production. Submissions close on 3 May. Send or email your submission to: Director, Strategic Regional Policy NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure GPO Box 39, Sydney NSW 2001 Email to: srlup@planning.nsw.gov.au Every submission counts so even a short email now can make a huge difference in the future.

CHEMICAL INFORMATION

It's scary to think that chemicals may find their way into our pristine water system but here is some information on those likely to be used in the drilling that is taking place on Mt 
Vincent. These details are not given in the minutes of the Inglenook CCC meeting (see previous post).  However we note that already there are five new chemicals being used, that were not discussed at the CCC meeting.

SOME NOTES ON DRILLING ADDITIVES FROM CCC MEETING 22 MARCH 2012 

At the previous CCC meeting there had been a request to see the MSD (Material Safety Data) sheets for the chemicals used in the drilling mud. In response we were given a presentation by Jesse Percival (new geologist on Inglenook Project) and were told the MSD sheets are available on the Australian Mud Company Website at http://www.amcmud.com/msds.html and http://www.amcmud.com/asia-pacific-product-data-sheets.html 

The main points of the presentation are below, with my comments/afterthoughts in italics

• Additives are put into the water to increase its viscosity (ie thickness). This allows it to “support” the hole so that the sides don’t collapse, and makes it easier to bring up the discarded material produced by the drilling. 
• The mix of additives will vary according to what kind of strata they are encountering and what stage of the drilling they are at: ie just boring down or actually taking a core sample.
• There was a lot of consultation with Australian Mud Co to get the best additives, in particular trying to use naturally occurring substances and at a high dilution rate ie very low amount, generally less that 1%. However if it is a high volume of drilling mud used, it may still be a significant amount of the additive that is on site, and may enter the environment. We asked several times for an indication of the kind of volume/amount of additive that might be use, but were not given a figure, not even an indicative range. 
• The MSD sheets will be made available to the landholder when drilling takes place. 
• We were told the MSD sheets show dilution rates and give information on proper handling. I have checked the sheets and they do not seem to give the dilution rates on the MSD sheet, so you have to go to the second website which is a product guide. 

Below is the list of additives we were given, with some of the dilution rates. Many of these are used in food products. There may be changes to this list, for example if a better product becomes available. Forgot to ask what the mechanism would be for notification of any changes/additions to this list.

AMC-PAC-R  at 0.02%	CR-650 at 0.05%	Aus Gel
BIO VIS Xtra	XAN BORE at 0.2%	Soda Ash at 0.025%
EP Bit Lube at 0.8-1%	WELL CLEAN at 0.5%
Pool grade Chlorine	BIOCIDE at 0.5%

AMC-PAC-R: Produced from cellulose, the most abundant polymer in nature and a major component in wood and cotton; •Increases water viscosity; •Reduces water loss; •Dilution rate is typically 0.2% 

BIO VIS Xtra: Produced from Guargum, a naturally occurring material and commonly used as a filler in food and weight loss products; •Increases water viscosity; •Dilution rate is 0.2%

EP Bit Lube at 0.8-1%: A blend of biodegradable vegetable oils and emulsifiers; •Improved penetration rates and extends life of the diamond drill bit; •Contains preservatives to extend shelf life. Similar preservatives are used in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications; •Dilution is typically 0.8-1%

Pool grade Chlorine: Used to clean up the drill hole and removes wall cake that has formed; 

•Used in a variety of applications including swimming pool disinfection and potable water treatment; •Used in correct concentrations it does not pose an environmental hazard.

CR-650: •Improves core recovery and provides lubrication; •Contains anionic polyacrylamide which is widely used within the agricultural industry as a soil stabiliser; 

•Dilution is 0.05%

XAN BORE: Maximises cuttings transport and hole cleaning; •Contains Xanthan Gum which is derived from a natural substance;•Xanthan Gum is typically found in a variety of common food including commercial salad dressings and ice cream; •Dilution rate is 0.2%

WELL CLEAN: Assists in the clean up of the drill hole; •Also widely used in the food industry; •Dilution rate is typically 0.5%

BIOCIDE: Used for the prevention of bacteria build up in drilling fluids; •Dilution rate is typically 0.5%

Aus Gel: This product is used for hole cleaning, specific applications where permeable sections or poorly consolidated caving formations can be troublesome; •Contains bentonite clay which is a naturally occurring mineral and poses no harm to the environment; •Bentonite has a diverse range of applications including cosmetics, toothpaste, beer and wine.

Soda Ash: Sodium Carbonate; •Used to adjust pH to increase effectiveness of muds; •Used in potable water treatment and used in cleaning products; •Dilution is 0.025%

We were assured that the drilling additives used are generally no different to those used in drilling for water bores for stock and domestic use; that drilling additives are selected according to the drilling conditions, and generally only used when poorly consolidated formations are encountered; and that all waste will be removed from site and appropriately disposed of by a licensed contractor.

Note: At the first drilling site last week, five chemicals different to those given at the CCC presentation were seen. These chemicals  are AMC Universal, Aus plug, Aus-cet Xtra, Water Conditioner, and Gypset 15. 

MINUTES OF INGLENOOK CCC

The Inglenook Community Consultative Committee met last month to discuss developments with Centennial Coal's exploration of the Running Stream/Mt. Vincent area.

Below are the draft minutes. We note that already there are five new chemicals being used that were not discussed at the meeting. This raises questions about the credibility of Centennial's community consultation process.

 Draft Minutes of Inglenook Exploration Project Community Consultative Committee Meeting 

Date and time: Thursday 22/03/2012, 10:00am 

Location: Charbon Green Meeting Room, Charbon Coal Mine Present	Margaret MacDonald-Hill (MMH)  Julie Moloney (JM)  Sarah Jardine (SJ)  Cr John Webb (JW)  Esme Martens (EM)  Jolieske Lips (JL) Neva Lilley (NL) Beau Preston (BP) John Sandona (JS)  Jesse Percival (JP)  Thomas Dubos (TD)  John Brunton (JB)	Chair  Office of Resources & Energy, Mineral Resources  Office of Resources & Energy, Mineral Resources  Midwestern Regional Council (MWRC)  Inglenook Community Representative  Running Stream Water Users Association &Inglenook Community Representative  Inglenook Community Representative  Centennial Coal  Centennial Coal  Centennial Coal  Centennial Coal  Centennial Coal
Apologies	Cr Ray Thomson (RT)  Mitchell Clapham (MC)	Lithgow City Council  Inglenook Community Representative
Welcome and Introduction	The Chair welcomed all attendees to the fifthInglenook CCC meeting and introduced Jesse Percival, Environment and Community Coordinator-Projects and Thomas Dubos, Project Geologist, Inglenook Project, from Centennial Coal and Sarah Jardine from Office of Resources & Energy.
Declarations of Interest	MMH noted her position as Independent Chair appointed by the Minister for Energy & Resources. She is also a Member of the Mine Subsidence Board & Ministers’ Arbitration Panel.  JL as owner of mineral rights in relation to the Inglenook EL  NL’s family as owners of mineral rights in relation to the Inglenook EL.
Confirmation of previous minutes	The minutes were confirmed as a true record by NL and seconded by JM.
Business arising	The Chair noted the last presentation was sent with the previous meeting minutes.  The Chair informed the committee that Roff O’Shea is the Department of Premier & Cabinet's Regional Coordinator for the area which includes the Inglenook Project Area in response to an enquiry made about the role by MC at the third CCC meeting.  BP confirmed that all meeting minutes and presentations will be placed on the Centennial Coal website by a date to be confirmed as the website is currently being redesigned.
Presentation by Jesse Percival	JP provided a presentation on drilling additives which could be used on the Inglenook Project.. The Chair requested a copy of the presentation for CCC members. A discussion was held by Committee members on drilling additives and their possible effects at Inglenook, including the  concentration rate of chlorine to be used. Centennial Coal will provide the concentration rate.
General Business	A description of the Drill Rig to be used at Inglenook.  JS advised it is a similar rig to the one used by Interdrill. An above ground sump system is to be installed instead of the Pit Bull installation for water recirculation employed by Interdrill.  JL asked about the possibility of an open day to come and see the new rig working.  Centennial Inglenook envisages an open day would occur sometime in May with a date to be confirmed.