Airly Coal Mine Expansion

Without Airly mine our family and many other families would have to relocate, making life very stressful.
The support that Airly mine gives to the community is priceless.
We hope that Airly mine is a part of our life and community for a very long time!

Due the to local coal industry lay off the extention on Airly would help the local economy and local jobs and me myself am one of those people that would possibly benifet from this as I was previously an Airly employee and am still unable to find permanent work in the area

My concern with the proposed extension of this mine is that of how this extension will affect the current WATER SUPPLY of the Capertee Valley and its people.The proposed bore is excessive deep and will have major concerns for the local farmers,home overs and hobby farmers.there water supply will be affected and cause hardship as most bores in the area are no where near the dept of the proposed mine bore.
The expected pollution of the water supply as well as the affect on creeks rivers and gullies is unacceptable.
We want the mine to be used for production but not as a major detergent to all the other landowners and occupiers of property within the valley

Being a 50 year resident and close personal neighbour of the mine, and now a tenant of Centennial Coal with close relations employed by Airly Coal, I offer my support for approval for the extension application.
Having had a mining lease and a pastoral lease over much of the Genowlan Mountain area since 1961, I have a long established relationship and knowledge of this area. I have raised my four children in the Capertee area and they have attended the local school, I am lucky enough to have two of my children still living within the township and have some of my grandchildren now attend the school.
Being a conservationist and having an interest in preserving the local area including Airly Village, through consultation with Lithgow City Council's Heritage Group it was planned for myself to overseer the partial restoration of suitable old structures utilising free labour of weekend detainees from Bathurst Gaol, a plan that was unfortunately voided by the National Parks and Wildlife Service with declaration of the Mugii Murum-Ban State Conservation Area. Since the first road/track construction in 1967 we have been aware of the possible removal of the beautiful trees and bushrock in this area, we were advised by Lands Department in Orange to leave the incredibly tight switchbacks near Pappys Pass to deter any logging in the future. In 2003 in conjunction with the Lands Department and myself, a fence and gate were constructed across Genowlan Mountain to protect the endangered plant the Genowlan pultenea. I have also a vested interest in Local Aboriginal history and have spent a lot of time researching and have located an extremely rare Aboriginal quarry and ochre pits. This attitude of conservation is echoed by the hundreds of visitors to this area including the Local Wiradjuri people, Scouts, Army cadets, Orienteering groups, Geological students, Geocaching groups, Bird watchers, Hang gliders, School excursion groups, four wheel drive users as well as many other groups that have enjoyed this location and who share this vision of protecting this beautiful place while still being available for all, including the elderly and the disabled, to access and enjoy the pristine scenery.
With the continued upgrade, maintenance and extensions to the road/ track network courtesy of Airly Coal through this magnificent scenic country we have anywhere from 800 to 1000 four wheel drives visiting yearly. Having discussed this coal mine with many of these people very few have objected, all agree to the simple proviso that it must be looked after. Many of these are repeat visitors over 20 years and their opinion must be very valid as they have feet on ground experience for many years unlike most of the un-informed "duplicated letter opponents" that are used as pawns for self-serving protest greenie groups.
In the early 1970's declaration of a National Park had a devastating effect on local towns; Ilford, a town previously with two cafes/service stations now has none, Glen Davis- formally a town with a service station as well as a general store, Capertee had two garages and two general stores and a thriving timber industry. K.Ford the timber man had to close with a total 69 timber related jobs lost, this also had a roll on negative effect of the communities of Kandos and Rylstone.
In the late 1970's and early 1980's, coal exploration was carried out employing approximately 10 locals including myself, this money was spent locally, work included drilling off-siding and extensive road building. In 1987 there was the opening of a trial mine, followed by a Boxcut in 2000. With the commissioning in 2009 of the current mine, a great surge of optimism returned to the community with employment opportunities and the natural follow on with ancillary services, such as contractors, cleaners, earth moving contractors and local businesses including the local hotel and garage. During this time Airly Coal and its contractors supported the Capertee Public School, The Capertee Fire Brigade, Capertee and District Progress Association as well as businesses in the town both financially and practically. Kandos, Rylstone and Lithgow also all benefited from this activity, with raised employment opportunities and increased money in the local economy, unfortunately economic factors caused a shut down and the moth balling of the mine. Since the reopening of Airly Mine in March 2014 the community, especially the Kandos and Rylstone areas (who have suffered greatly in recent times with the closure of the Cement Works and Charbon Colliery) have a great relief. To date expenditure on the Airly Mine has been over $150 million dollars.
I have had personal dealings with various community groups over many years and one in particular that I have been a member of for approximately for about 5 years is the Capertee Valley Alliance (CVA). This group was set up for the betterment of the valley to lobby for safer and better roads, better community facilities and with such things as the recent excellent upgrading of Pearsons Lookout. It was not set up as a voice for commercial environmental groups such as the Colong Foundation and Blue Mountains Conservation Group, with their flock of duplicated "sign here and post" your long held convictions, to protest for the mostly retired non-permanent residents whom seem in discussions to have little comprehension of the industry. My outspoken criticism of the "economic greenie" lack of interest in the truth can be verified by apologises to me still on the internet.
I consider the only harmful effect of this mine was the taking the grazing ground of three hungry horses.
I fully support the Centennial Coal's Airly Mine Extension plan, as I believe that our district and country needs this.

I work at Airly colliery. I have worked and lived in the Kandos area for the past eight years. In my time I have seen the demise of the cement works and the underground at Charbon colliery which has caused the loss of hundreds jobs in the community. This obviously had a flow on effect for businesses and schools. Airly colliery has been great as it has allowed many of us to stay in the community and have a workplace close enough to promote a good work life balance.

At Airly I have been part of a workforce committed to mining in a sustainable way causing minimal impact to the surface.

The Airly mine extension should be approved as I believe the benefits to the surrounding communities are undeniable and the environmental impacts are minimal.

To whom it may concern,

My husband is currently employed at Airly Colliery, previously employed at Centennial's Charbon Colliery in Kandos. Our family resides in Kandos.

I strongly support the Airly Colliery extension project as I believe that the community and economic benefits of the project outweigh any potential environmental harm.

Since relocating to the local area a few years ago, I have seen Kandos Cement, Charbon Colliery, Wallerawang Power Station and, most recently, Angus Place Colliery close. These significant cuts in local job numbers have forced many families to relocate, or take up fly-in-fly-out jobs in other states. This has negatively affected local businesses, schools and the housing market - not to mention causing considerable stress for local families and individuals. As such, the jobs retained and new jobs created by the Airly Extension Project are sorely needed in this area.

Underground mining, particularly partial extraction, and panel and pillar methods (as proposed by Centennial) are designed to minimise any impacts on the surface. Furthermore I understand that Centennial has committed to limiting subsidence to 125mm. As such, the beautiful cliffs and pagodas of the Mugii Murum-Ban SCA will be retained - whilst an important and valuable resource is extracted.

Unfortunately technological advances have not yet provided a large scale reliable, efficient and cost effective alternative to coal fired power stations. Until an effective alternative is found, we require coal for domestic power stations and for export. Unless, of course, you are one of the lucky few that live off-the-grid in an entirely mud brick or timber house!

Airly mine is very important, not only for myself and my family but also for many other families within the area.
I am very fortunate to be employed at Airly mine and hope to be for as many years as possible.
Without Airly mine I am certain that my family and I would have to sell up and relocate as there is very limited jobs available within our area, with the closing of many local businesses like Kandos Cement Works, Charbon Coal mine and Ironwood saw mill.
As an employee of Airly mine I know that the proposed mining methods are designed to have a very low impact, as this method of mining is in practice at the moment.
I have also been involved in sporting teams sponsored by Centennial Coal and without their support it would not have got off the ground. The local community values the support they are given.
I feel that without Airly mine our towns and communities would struggle meaning the possibility of increased mental health issues.
Many professionals such as teachers and nurses are married to Airly coal miners, I know this first hand as my wife is an SLSO at Kandos Public School, and if they have to relocate then our community will lose said skill base as well.
Airly mine has a major impact on my families future, it is a very important part of our lives and hope that it stays that way.
Yours sincerely
Coal miner
Ray Thorn

I have grown up on a part time basis at Ilford since I was 5 years old and have deep connections with the area and the community
and I am a current land holder in the area, sharing the beauty of this part of the country with my children.
I strongly oppose the extension of the Airly Mine project.
I visit the Valley often and am aware of its uniqueness that should be protected for future generations.
The EIS does not properly address the agriculture and tourism industries in the valley and the EIS is quite dismissive of the impact that mining will have on the permanent water supplies on the mesas. The proposed washery and the extra 100 meg water licence that Centennial was somehow granted (despite Office of Water cutting back their original application by 100 megs) causes great concern as we do not believe the full amount of the licence can be sustainably drawn from the ground water resource.
I can't understand why we are expanding our coal production as our climate is warming and we are running out of water. Why on earth would we consider polluting our existing water supplies ?


Regards,
Emma.

Water is of major concern. We are aware that the hydrology expert Dr Pells has stated "It should be understood that even in areas of first workings, where there is small subsidence and there are small surface strains, there will be impacts on groundwater systems and base flows to streams". Any reduction in flows to the creeks will impact all the industries in the valley.
The EIS is quite dismissive of the impact that mining will have on the permanent water supplies on the mesas. It suggests that all creeks are ephemeral. While this is mostly true, the Grotto is known to always have water in the pool below the slot canyon. There are also seeps and springs on other parts of the mesas. The EIS states on p.42 that there is a `lack of water' on Genowlan Point, but bushwalkers know there are in fact seeps and drips available, just as Aboriginal people would have used them.

The EIS is totally inadequate in its evaluation of the heritage significance of the mine area regarding both the cultural and biophysical heritage. The pagoda rock formations and slot canyon areas are of great value.

This is one of the last employers in the district employing directly & indirectly around 150 people. That is approximately 40 family's rellie on the mine to live. Never mind schools-shops-service stations -car dealers ex. These ridicules decisions by the government to not give approval for mining extensions is destroying our community .It seams all the government is interested in is listing to is a lot of unemployed greens & retired lifestyles whom most of don't live any wear near hear

I have work in the coal industry for the last 15 years & started at Airly in March 2014. Since being at Airly I have not seen a coal mine that is not more aware of its impact on the local environment & its commitment to have as minor impact as possible.
Airly coal not only employs around 60 people (which is very valuable for the community) it is also a strong supporter of local events.

I would like to see the Airly Extension Project be approved as it will help ensure my employment and many other people from the local communities as well as enabling more opportunities for employment within the company.
If the Project was not approved and I was made to find other employment I would be forced to leave with my family the district to locate employment as at the moment work is very limited in the area.

This area needs more jobs, very important this gets the go ahead.

I write this submission in support of the project. I have worked at the site and in the district in the past, in environmental management roles. The statistics presented in the EIS and management planning regime support the following comments.
The economic and social impacts of NOT approving this project would be significant locally and regionally. This project is vital to the viability of the Mine as a business employing local people and supporting local contractors and suppliers.
Environmental impact will be minimal.
Current infrastructure is utilised.
Subsidence management mitigation will minimise surface impacts - they will be difficult to measure. Groundwater management is well covered.
Rehabilitation of a degraded grazing landscape is ongoing and will leave the site in far better condition once mining is completed.
Cumulative impact is minimal, with no further coal mining in the Valley expected. Limestone quarrying is hydrogeologically .unrelated

Thank you for considering this submission.

To Whom it May Concern
My husband and I have grave concerns regarding Airlie Mine. We are small farmers who've been in the valley for over 4 years now, living here full time. We derive our income from cattle.
As you should know the rainfall in the valley is not that great, we personally are in a rainshadow, so receive probably a little less than average in the valley. We are reliant on underground water to feed our stock, so reliable clean water is a necessity for us. We have a creek running through our land, but there's almost no water in it and it certainly isn't "running". Added to that we can't use it for stock water.
Our concerns are the mines contaminating our water supply making it unusable. They keep trying to convince us that won't happen, but I'm afraid I'm a little too old and cynical, and been around a little too long to believe these companies whose main concern is their bottom line.
We have chosen to live out of the city in what we believe to be a most beautiful part of Australia. We'd like to keep it that way if possible and I see no reason not to. This area is a tourist destination for many "birders" who come in from all over the world to find and watch our magnificent array of birds. If the birds leave so do the tourists who come here. Can Lithgow afford to lose the money these foreigners bring into the community?

The mining and coal industry in the local area are paramount to its existence. I have been working in heavy industry and mining for my entire working life during this time I have been well provided and have never been directly affected by such industry that I have deemed detrimental to myself my family or my surroundings.
With current loss of jobs in our local area in the mining sector I applaud any expansion to the Airly project and look forward to what it can bring to the local communities.


regards Sean Millsom

I'm afraid Lithgow will not survive without out it... I love this town but we need industry to survive...

PROJECT SSD_5581 AIRLY MINE EXTENSION
My name is Fiona Sim, I am the president of Running Stream Water Users Association, a community organisation dedicated to maintaining and protecting the water resources of the Running Stream/Ilford area, between Lithgow and Mudgee NSW. Our organisation strongly objects to the extension of the Airly Mine. Centennial Coal's EIS gives the impression that there are few residents affected by the mining, and there is no substantial community in the valley. In fact, there are over 1000 ratepayers in the Capertee Valley and many members of the RSWUA have properties bordering the Airly Mine. Furthermore, we are aware of the Capertee Valley's uniqueness and believe that it must be protected for future generations.

The EIS has a number of shortcomings: The impacts on water are not fully accounted for; it is not transparent about the actual percentage of coal extraction; it does not properly address the agriculture and tourism industries in the valley; the heritage values, both human and geophysical are not properly recognised; and there are gross inadequacies in the botanical survey.

Water
Water is of major concern. Hydrology expert Dr Philip Pells has stated: "It should be understood that even in areas of first workings, where there is small subsidence and there are small surface strains, there will be impacts on groundwater systems and base flows to streams". Any reduction in flows to the creeks and groundwater will have an impact on all the industries in the valley.

The EIS is dismissive of the impact that mining will have on the permanent water supplies on the mesas. It suggests that all creeks are ephemeral. While this is mostly true, the Grotto is known to always have water in the pool below the slot canyon. There are also seeps and springs on other parts of the mesas. The EIS states on page 42 that there is a `lack of water' on Genowlan Point, but bushwalkers know there are in fact seeps and drips available, just as Aboriginal people would have used them.

The proposed washery and the extra 100 megalitre water licence that Centennial was somehow granted (despite the Office of Water cutting back their original application by 100 megalitres) is of great concern as we do not believe the full amount of the licence can be sustainably drawn from groundwater resources.

Water pollution is a major environmental issue associated with the current mining activity at Airly and will be of even greater concern with the proposed mine extension. The current operation is already generating waste water that is highly saline and polluted with ecologically hazardous metals and nutrients (eg, sulphur, iron and other heavy metals). Already this year there have been two instances of the sediment dams overflowing, and the EIS documentation indicates that larger volumes of waste water are likely to be discharged to local waterways from three discharge points as part of the extended mine operation.

Subsidence
Extraction techniques and the percentage of coal extracted from beneath different geological formations have been shown to lead to significant subsidence. However, the EIS is not at all specific about this. It is difficult to work out what the percentage extraction will be under the different zones (ie, cliff edges, talus slopes, the mesas that contain the slot canyons and the pagodas).

The extraction plan should be made available for public scrutiny. Centennial must be required to uphold its commitment to take only half of the coal under the whole of the State Conservation Area to protect biodiversity and avoid pagoda and cliff collapses, and this percentage must be reduced under the more sensitive areas.

Agriculture
The EIS does not give full value to the important agricultural industries in the Capertee Valley. There are several large-scale farms; up to 4450 ha in size and over 6000 head of cattle are produced each year. In addition, there are goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, bees and poultry. Crops include lucerne hay, olives, saffron, fruit and vegetables, and native plants. All of this agricultural production depends on water, which could be severely compromised by both the mine's extraction of water for the washery, and through even minor subsidence.

Heritage significance
The EIS is totally inadequate in its evaluation of the cultural and biophysical heritage significance of the mine area. The pagoda rock formations and slot canyon areas are of incalculable value. The site is immediately north of the World Heritage Area. We understand the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Advisory Committee has indicated that it would seek at a future time to add the Mugii Murum Ban State Conservation Area to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed - assuming its outstanding natural heritage values have not been damaged. This area is of national and international significance. Accordingly, the precautionary principle should be applied to ensure the protection of the area and to minimise possible disturbance to the State Conservation Area.

The EIS inference that the heritage of the oil shale ruins is only of local significance is wrong. These ruins are already on the state heritage list, so clearly the claim that they are of only local significance is nonsense. Furthermore, they were listed by the National Trust in July 2014. It is concerning that this sort of error is made in the EIS. The Airly Village ruins and the Grotto should be fully protected.

Lastly, the whole assessment of impacts on Aboriginal and European heritage is premised on the statement that subsidence will be limited to between 0 and 10 millimetres. This statement is given nowhere else in the EIS and appears to be untrue. This calls into question the conclusions in regard to impacts on Aboriginal and European heritage.

Slot canyon misrepresentation
Page 39 of the EIS states that narrow, deeply-incised gorges are quite common throughout the Blue Mountains. This is true of gorges but quite untrue of slot canyons such as the Grotto and Valley of the Kings. Slot canyons are mainly limited to the north-west edge of Wollemi National Park and the Gardens of Stone. The extent of slot canyons in this area is arguably of international significance. The Grotto is thus not just another gorge: it is a slot canyon, a significant landform on the national and international level.

Tourism
The EIS does not recognise that the Capertee Valley already has a significant tourism industry with over 17 tourism operations in the valley, ranging from bed & breakfasts, holiday houses, a wedding and events venue/wellness retreat, to an annual festival with more than 3500 visitors. It is also one of the top bird watching areas in the world. These are industries that are sustainable well into the future (unlike the mine) and have the potential to grow significantly. The Capertee Valley is a unique part of Australia, with outstanding scenic and ecological qualities, right on Sydney's doorstep and thus highly accessible to both national and international tourists.

Rejects stockpile
The EIS is vague about exactly how such stockpiles will be treated, merely giving three examples of how they could be treated. This is totally inadequate. The stockpiles need to be totally covered to eradicate dust, which would contaminate waterways and the pristine air quality of the valley.

Given the concerns listed above, we do not believe the proposed extension to Airly Mine should go ahead.

I am a concerned resident of the Running Stream/Ilford area, which adjoins the Airly Mine, and I strongly object to the extension of Airly Mine. Centennial Coal's EIS gives the impression that there are few residents affected by the mining, and there is no substantial community in the valley. In fact, there are over 1000 ratepayers in the Capertee Valley. Furthermore, the Capertee Valley is unique and I believe that it must be protected for future generations.

The EIS has a number of shortcomings: The impacts on water are not fully accounted for; it is not transparent about the actual percentage of coal extraction; it does not properly address the agriculture and tourism industries in the valley; the heritage values, both human and geophysical are not properly recognised; and there are gross inadequacies in the botanical survey.

Water
Water is of major concern. Hydrology expert Dr Philip Pells has stated: "It should be understood that even in areas of first workings, where there is small subsidence and there are small surface strains, there will be impacts on groundwater systems and base flows to streams". Any reduction in flows to the creeks and groundwater will have an impact on all the industries in the valley.

The EIS dismisses the impact that mining will have on the permanent water supplies on the mesas. It suggests that all creeks are ephemeral. While this is mostly true, the Grotto is known to always have water in the pool below the slot canyon. There are also seeps and springs on other parts of the mesas. The EIS states on page 42 that there is a `lack of water' on Genowlan Point, but bushwalkers know there are in fact seeps and drips available, just as Aboriginal people would have used them.

The proposed washery and the extra 100 megalitre water licence that Centennial was somehow granted (despite the Office of Water cutting back their original application by 100 megalitres) is of great concern as we do not believe the full amount of the licence can be sustainably drawn from groundwater resources.

Water pollution is a major environmental issue associated with the current mining activity at Airly and will be of even greater concern with the proposed mine extension. The current operation is already generating waste water that is highly saline and polluted with ecologically hazardous metals and nutrients (eg, sulphur, iron and other heavy metals). Already this year there have been two instances of the sediment dams overflowing, and the EIS documentation indicates that larger volumes of waste water are likely to be discharged to local waterways from three discharge points as part of the extended mine operation.

Subsidence
Extraction techniques and the percentage of coal extracted from beneath different geological formations have been shown to lead to significant subsidence. However, the EIS is not at all specific about this. It is difficult to work out what the percentage extraction will be under the different zones (ie, cliff edges, talus slopes, the mesas that contain the slot canyons and the pagodas).

The extraction plan should be made available for public scrutiny. Centennial must be required to uphold its commitment to take only half of the coal under the whole of the State Conservation Area to protect biodiversity and avoid pagoda and cliff collapses, and this percentage must be reduced under the more sensitive areas.

Agriculture
The EIS does not give full value to the important agricultural industries in the Capertee Valley. There are several large-scale farms; up to 4450 ha in size and over 6000 head of cattle are produced each year. In addition, there are goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, bees and poultry. Crops include lucerne hay, olives, saffron, fruit and vegetables, and native plants. All of this agricultural production depends on water, which could be severely compromised by both the mine's extraction of water for the washery, and through even minor subsidence.

Heritage significance
The EIS is totally inadequate in its evaluation of the cultural and biophysical heritage significance of the mine area. The pagoda rock formations and slot canyon areas are of incalculable value. The site is immediately north of the World Heritage Area. We understand the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Advisory Committee has indicated that it would seek at a future time to add the Mugii Murum Ban State Conservation Area to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed - assuming its outstanding natural heritage values have not been damaged. This area is of national and international significance. Accordingly, the precautionary principle should be applied to ensure the protection of the area and to minimise possible disturbance to the State Conservation Area.

The EIS inference that the heritage of the oil shale ruins is only of local significance is wrong. These ruins are already on the state heritage list, so clearly the claim that they are of only local significance is nonsense. Furthermore, they were listed by the National Trust in July 2014. It is concerning that this sort of error is made in the EIS. The Airly Village ruins and the Grotto should be fully protected.

Lastly, the whole assessment of impacts on Aboriginal and European heritage is premised on the statement that subsidence will be limited to between 0 and 10 millimetres. This statement is given nowhere else in the EIS and appears to be untrue. This calls into question the conclusions in regard to impacts on Aboriginal and European heritage.

Tourism
The EIS does not recognise that the Capertee Valley already has a significant tourism industry with over 17 tourism operations in the valley, ranging from bed & breakfasts, holiday houses, a wedding and events venue/wellness retreat, to an annual festival with more than 3500 visitors. It is also one of the top bird watching areas in the world. These are industries that are sustainable well into the future (unlike the mine) and have the potential to grow significantly. The Capertee Valley is a unique part of Australia, with outstanding scenic and ecological qualities, right on Sydney's doorstep and thus highly accessible to both national and international tourists.

Rejects stockpile
The EIS is vague about exactly how such stockpiles will be treated, merely giving three examples of how they could be treated. This is totally inadequate. The stockpiles need to be totally covered to eradicate dust, which would contaminate waterways and the pristine air quality of the valley.

Given the concerns listed above, I do not believe the proposed extension to Airly Mine should go ahead.

I am a concerned resident of the Running Stream/Ilford area, which adjoins the Airly Mine, and I strongly object to the extension of Airly Mine. Centennial Coal's EIS gives the impression that there are few residents affected by the mining, and there is no substantial community in the valley. In fact, there are over 1000 ratepayers in the Capertee Valley. Furthermore, the Capertee Valley is unique and I believe that it must be protected for future generations.

The EIS has a number of shortcomings: The impacts on water are not fully accounted for; it is not transparent about the actual percentage of coal extraction; it does not properly address the agriculture and tourism industries in the valley; the heritage values, both human and geophysical are not properly recognised; and there are gross inadequacies in the botanical survey.

Water
Water is of major concern. Hydrology expert Dr Philip Pells has stated: "It should be understood that even in areas of first workings, where there is small subsidence and there are small surface strains, there will be impacts on groundwater systems and base flows to streams". Any reduction in flows to the creeks and groundwater will have an impact on all the industries in the valley.

The EIS dismisses the impact that mining will have on the permanent water supplies on the mesas. It suggests that all creeks are ephemeral. While this is mostly true, the Grotto is known to always have water in the pool below the slot canyon. There are also seeps and springs on other parts of the mesas. The EIS states on page 42 that there is a `lack of water' on Genowlan Point, but bushwalkers know there are in fact seeps and drips available, just as Aboriginal people would have used them.

The proposed washery and the extra 100 megalitre water licence that Centennial was somehow granted (despite the Office of Water cutting back their original application by 100 megalitres) is of great concern as we do not believe the full amount of the licence can be sustainably drawn from groundwater resources.

Water pollution is a major environmental issue associated with the current mining activity at Airly and will be of even greater concern with the proposed mine extension. The current operation is already generating waste water that is highly saline and polluted with ecologically hazardous metals and nutrients (eg, sulphur, iron and other heavy metals). Already this year there have been two instances of the sediment dams overflowing, and the EIS documentation indicates that larger volumes of waste water are likely to be discharged to local waterways from three discharge points as part of the extended mine operation.

Subsidence
Extraction techniques and the percentage of coal extracted from beneath different geological formations have been shown to lead to significant subsidence. However, the EIS is not at all specific about this. It is difficult to work out what the percentage extraction will be under the different zones (ie, cliff edges, talus slopes, the mesas that contain the slot canyons and the pagodas).

The extraction plan should be made available for public scrutiny. Centennial must be required to uphold its commitment to take only half of the coal under the whole of the State Conservation Area to protect biodiversity and avoid pagoda and cliff collapses, and this percentage must be reduced under the more sensitive areas.

Agriculture
The EIS does not give full value to the important agricultural industries in the Capertee Valley. There are several large-scale farms; up to 4450 ha in size and over 6000 head of cattle are produced each year. In addition, there are goats, sheep, alpacas, pigs, bees and poultry. Crops include lucerne hay, olives, saffron, fruit and vegetables, and native plants. All of this agricultural production depends on water, which could be severely compromised by both the mine's extraction of water for the washery, and through even minor subsidence.

Heritage significance
The EIS is totally inadequate in its evaluation of the cultural and biophysical heritage significance of the mine area. The pagoda rock formations and slot canyon areas are of incalculable value. The site is immediately north of the World Heritage Area. We understand the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Advisory Committee has indicated that it would seek at a future time to add the Mugii Murum Ban State Conservation Area to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area once mining has been completed - assuming its outstanding natural heritage values have not been damaged. This area is of national and international significance. Accordingly, the precautionary principle should be applied to ensure the protection of the area and to minimise possible disturbance to the State Conservation Area.

The EIS inference that the heritage of the oil shale ruins is only of local significance is wrong. These ruins are already on the state heritage list, so clearly the claim that they are of only local significance is nonsense. Furthermore, they were listed by the National Trust in July 2014. It is concerning that this sort of error is made in the EIS. The Airly Village ruins and the Grotto should be fully protected.

Lastly, the whole assessment of impacts on Aboriginal and European heritage is premised on the statement that subsidence will be limited to between 0 and 10 millimetres. This statement is given nowhere else in the EIS and appears to be untrue. This calls into question the conclusions in regard to impacts on Aboriginal and European heritage.

Tourism
The EIS does not recognise that the Capertee Valley already has a significant tourism industry with over 17 tourism operations in the valley, ranging from bed & breakfasts, holiday houses, a wedding and events venue/wellness retreat, to an annual festival with more than 3500 visitors. It is also one of the top bird watching areas in the world. These are industries that are sustainable well into the future (unlike the mine) and have the potential to grow significantly. The Capertee Valley is a unique part of Australia, with outstanding scenic and ecological qualities, right on Sydney's doorstep and thus highly accessible to both national and international tourists.

Rejects stockpile
The EIS is vague about exactly how such stockpiles will be treated, merely giving three examples of how they could be treated. This is totally inadequate. The stockpiles need to be totally covered to eradicate dust, which would contaminate waterways and the pristine air quality of the valley.

Given the concerns listed above, I do not believe the proposed extension to Airly Mine should go ahead.