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May 9, 2013
Issue 20
Wallarah 2 coal mine environmental impact statement released allarah 2 Coal Project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was released for public exhibition on Friday, April 26.
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The EIS detailed several aspects of Wyong Areas Coal Joint Venture’s proposal, which included the extraction of up to five million tonnes of coal per year for up to 28 years using underground long wall mining methods, the construction and operation of a range of associated infrastructure such as a rail spur, coal stockpiles, ventilation shafts, and a gas drainage and capture system, the transportation of coal from the mine by rail, and finally the progressive rehabilitation of the site. The proposed underground mine is around 5km northwest of Wyong, with surface facilities at Tooheys Rd and Hue Hue Rd. The mining area is predominantly situated underneath Wyong State Forest. Planning and Infrastructure directorgeneral Mr Sam Haddad said that the Department had required the applicant to thoroughly address a range of key issues, such as the potential impacts of the mine on water resources, biodiversity, heritage, air quality, noise and traffic and transport. A previous proposal for the Wallarah 2 coal
mine was refused in 2011. “While the previous application was refused, the mine company, like any other applicant in NSW, is legally allowed to lodge a new development application and have it considered on its merits,” Mr Haddad said. “The Department’s assessment will be very thorough and will closely scrutinise a wide range of issues. “It is expected that the project will be determined by the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC). “It will also require approval from the Commonwealth Government. “I encourage all interested members of the public to review the EIS during the exhibition period. “I know local residents have already raised a number of concerns, including potential impacts on water resources and biodiversity. “Now is the chance for local communities to formally have their say on the new proposal. “Public submissions are always a key consideration in the department’s assessment and the company will also
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be required to respond to all the issues raised,” he concluded. At the conclusion of the public exhibition period the applicant will need to address all issues raised in the submissions and the proposal will undergo a merit assessment by the department before a recommendation is made to the PAC. Wallarah 2 Coal project manager Mr Kenny Barry said that the public exhibition of the EIS would provide an opportunity to gain community feedback and address any concerns surrounding the project. “The team at Wallarah 2 views community feedback as a highly valuable resource and we respect that every member of the public has the right to know what’s going on in their local region,” said Mr Barry. “During this phase, members of the public will be able to ask questions, raise any issues and receive definitive answers regarding the Project. “We also see it as a chance to address any misconceptions that may be circulating in regards to our proposal,” he added. Throughout the public
Proposed 40 year extraction plan
exhibition of the EIS, Wallarah 2 Coal Project will be holding a series of community consultation sessions in May and June this year. “We encourage interested parties to come along to our
consultation sessions to voice any feedback and find out more about the Project and how it seeks to benefit the Central Coast community, while protecting the region’s water resources,” Mr Barry concluded.
The EIS documents will remain on exhibition until Friday, June 21. Media release, 24 Apr 2013 Mark Skelsey, Department of Planning and Infrastructure Media release, 24 Apr 2013 Patrick Southam, GSG Counsel
The Central Coast