BlueScope Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct

It was stated in the Impact Statement that "an increase of 430,000 tonnes of plates to 600,000 tonnes of plates (per year). The key identified pollutants are Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide generated for use by the coke ovens .. for both the Base Case and the Project Class, the 100th percentile 1-hour SO2 predictions slightly exceed the assessment criteria at locations to the south-east of PKSW, as well as elevated terrain to the north-west. This change is considered small".
No increase in sulphur (which everyone knows is a horrible pollutant) should be allowed. Its damaging to the health of people and to the environment. This should not ever be increased however small they state it will be.

As the govt for planning, environment and water, Mr Chris Bowen, is trying to stop high emitters due to climate change, I fail to see how this project could go ahead considering the increase in nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere

Given the small amount of employees that Bluescope employs now, the project will not give Illawarra residents any long term employment.

A few weeks ago Bluescope reported (in the Illawarra Mercury) that they were no longer going ahead with plans to upgrade. This left us with the impression that we did not have to write a submission - only to be told that it was going ahead. The NSW Govt Planning and Environment did not give the Illawarra community enough time to respond. Also the planning portal was down for several days as I tried to access it (kept saying this project did not exist). I think that the community should be given more time to respond.

I support this project. As a former employee of the Plate Mill and a continuing employee of BlueScope I know the benefits this upgrade will have for the Company as well as manufacturing and the Australian economy overall.

The project to create a modern manufacturing asset such as this is a future investment in local industry supporting the development of renewable energy infrastructure in Australia, essential for our future. Supporting the realization of this project supports local industry and jobs and would be fantastic for the Australian Manufacturing Industry. Undertaking this project is a significant commitment from a prominent and leading Australian manufacturer.

I support the project because it will see significant benefits to the local economy, a reduction in GHG emissions and support ongoing and new FTE employment in the local region.

RE: BLUESCOPE STEEL – ASMAP PROJECT
APPLICATION NUMBER: SSD-50268731

I object to the current proposal for the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731

The reason for the objection is that the current Environmental Impact Statement, Preliminary Hazard Analysis, Air Quality Impacts Statement and Contamination Statement do not adequately cover established risks and hazards relating to the release of Highly Toxic and Carcinogenic Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF created and released during the high temperature Steel Making Process.

The addition of furnaces and increase in production will increase the release of these highly toxic contaminants to residents in areas within a 10km radius of the proposed Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct.

Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF are Bioaccumulative in nature and have been linked to the causes of Cancer. The Illawarra region has long history of noted cancer clusters – especially amongst the migrant workers and disadvantaged residents living ‘in the shadow’ of the Steelworks precinct.

In recent times the release of these highly toxic gases have repeatedly exceeded the EPA licence limits of Bluescope Steel. Lic No: 6902. Bluescope Steel has been fined by the EPA for these breaches.

Given Bluescope Steels history of Toxic Dioxin and Furan emission exceedances it is imperative that this issue be addressed for the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731.

There is no statement or detail in the proposed Environmental Impact Statement, Air Quality Impact Statement or Contamination Statement or Hazard and Risk Report relating to the possible excessive release of highly toxic Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF in surrounding residential areas due to increased production.

No provisions have been made in the current proposal for the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731 for the FUTURE REMEDIATION of Residential areas within the vicinity of the Bluescope Steel Plant due to the BIOACCUMULATION of Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF.

There is great concern amongst residents that the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731 will result in continued Bioaccumulation of Dioxins and Furans.

The issue of Bluescope Steel Dioxin / Furan license breaches and subsequent exposure and Bioaccumulation of Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF in surrounding residential areas has been raised many times with Councillors and the Lord Mayor Bradbery at the Wollongong Council Community NF7 meetings during 2020 and 2021 and also with the EPA, Bluescope Community Consultative Committee and the previous Minister for the Environment, Matt Keane.

These documents and communications are all ON THE RECORD.

Given the total lack of detail the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731 Environmental Impact Statement, Air Quality Assessment and Contamination Statements regarding the release of of Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF in surrounding residential areas I ask that;

1. The proposed Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731 does not proceed until a COMPREHENSIVE and FULLY INDEPENDENT report by a Dioxin Furan SPECIALIST be submitted to verify the safety of the release of highly toxic Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF to residents within a 10km radius of the proposed Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731.

2. That a FULLY INDEPENDENT Health & Safety MEDICAL REPORT be provided that verifies there is NO CURRENT or LONG TERM health effects from long term exposure to Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF due to the exposure of waste gases to Residents within a 10 km radius of the proposed Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731

3. That STATE-OF-THE-ART INDEPENDENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING be implemented within a 3 km radius (not currently available ) Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731 to verify Data relating to emissions of Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF Dioxin at all times.

4. That an INDEPENDENT REPORT by a noted Dioxin / Furan emissions specialist be provided that verify that there is NO LONG-TERM Bioaccumulative danger to Residents within a 10 km radius from the release of Dioxin of Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF emissions from the proposed Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731

Given the LONG TERM CONCERNS of residents of exposure to Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-P-dioxin 2,3,7,8 and Dibenzo Furans PCCDF from the Bluescope Steel Plant it is surprising that there is very little detail in regards this issue in the submission for the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application No. SSD-50268731.

This is a great concern to residents living in residential area surrounding the proposed Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP).

An approval of the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) Application proposal without a comprehensive report and analysis of the release of highly Toxic Dioxin and Furan emissions will perpetuate the current belief that these dangerous emissions are being ignored not for critical infrastructure requirements but simply for COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE.

The addition of a more advanced DIOXIN REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY processes such as Activated Lignite Technology would go some way in alleviating the risks of harmful Dioxins and Furans exposure to residents living in the vicinity of the Advanced Steel Manufacturing Precinct (ASMAP) and should be mandated before approval.

Franco Marinelli
Lake Heights Resident.

Appears to be a sensible and well founded project.
Not sure about the efficacy of the 'hot box', the design and modelling of this will have to be reviewed.

Bluescope's platemill upgrade will boost our economy many ways like more manufacturing, more people on job and more growth and sustainable future for our country..so as a member of local community i support this venture and as we know bluescope have a remarkable role in forming or developing of the entire Illawarra region.

Brings/keeps jobs in the Illawarra.
Secures domestic capacity to make steel and upscale to increasing demand
Helps ease reliance on overseas suppliers - we need more manufacturing to be done in Australia

Australian industry needs to be more proactive to maintain viability in the world markets. The proposed upgrade to Port Kembla Steelworks can only improve our capability to manufacture world class steel products and provide employment for thousands of people.

It could also provide the heavy steel to create the Bushranger army vehicles, steel sections for wind towers etc.

While steelmaking is a heavy industry, I believe its future lies in transforming the process to a more sustainable green energy.

I totally support the project which will inject money into the local economy and support steelmaking into the future.

Support project

This project will mean more Australian steel will be able to be produced and supplied to green energy and other such projects. This can only be good for the economy and the environment.

Supporting the project for continued operations.

I believe the plate mill upgrade project is good for our community. During the construction phase many people will be employed. This upgrade also results in 18 permanent positions being created. The largest benefit is the reduction of GHG emissions by 39% with the upgrade to the walking beam furnace.

This is a great project that would deliver many benefits to BlueScope, its employees and the wider community. I strongly support this project.

Great project to boost Australia's manufacturing capability to support future infrastructure projects including the ability to manufacture plate required for Wind turbines and other green energy projects.
I feel Bluescope creates some of the cleanest and safest steel in the world as proven by their responsible steel certification.
The Illawarra is a thriving largely due to our local manufacturing industry. Not investing in and expanding the steelworks will lead to the decline of the area.

Steel production is a critical industry to support our national sovereignty and a key part of supporting our local communities. With significant shortfalls of key building and infrastructure materials predicated for the foreseeable future, any increase in steel plate production capacity is a good thing for Australia, NSW and Wollongong.

Modern Manufacturing capability maintained in Australia and in particular the Illawarra

The Plate Mill Moderation Project will have a significant benefit to BlueScope's existing operations and the community more broadly. By undertaking the upgrades, the Plant will have a 39 per cent reduction in GHG emissions, benefit the local economy with a project value of over $200M, and will create additional new FTE positions.

Hello,
As a relatively recent local resident (4 years) raising a family in the Port Kembla area, I am concerned about the projected increases in air pollution forecast through this project. I can smell the sulphur dioxide in the area and am concerned about the lack of air quality monitoring data being collected in the suburbs closest to the south of the Bluescope location.

Prior to any approvals for this application, it is appropriate, sensible and fair to ask for:
- Independent (i.e commissioned through government, not Bluescope) air quality impact assessments for the surrounding suburbs (inc Port Kembla, Warrawong, Cringila, Lake Heights, Primbee)
- A re-commissioning (after the recent de-commissioning) of the Warrawong Air Quality Monitoring station ASAP, to understand the current levels. The Warrawong Station was de-commissioned after 3 consecutive years of air pollution levels exceeding acceptable levels. It should be urgently re-commissioned to establish a baseline from which to accurately measure current levels, and any future increases.
- No approvals to any project that foreshadows increased air quality pollution, until independent modelling has been completed and independent data collected over a minimum 12 month period, with concurrent analysis being undertaken to monitor Bluescope production during that period ( i.e cross-checking production with air quality pollution levels).

Given the dire medium-long term consequences of increased air pollution to the surrounding populations, I request that all measures above are undertaken as soon as practicable to ensure that current levels are full understood, and future modelling is detailed, independent, accurate and for all surrounding/potentially impacted areas.

Thanks

The residents of Primbee support a transition to Green Steel. We do not support any increase in air pollution in the Port Kembla Industrial area. Any proposed changes to production at Bluescope should only proceed if there is a net decrease in air pollution and contaminants. If necessary production should be managed to allow hydrogen steel production in periods of low coal based steel production emissions.
Primbee residents oppose any increase in steel production.

An increase in residential density in the Illawarra has created a conflict between aging industrial assets and the health of the general population. During decades of reduced production at BHP/Bluescope and the likely closure it was reasonable to increase residential dwellings and population. Given the fact that Wollongong/Shellharbour are now bustling metropolitan areas and our knowledge of the health impacts of pollutants has improved it would be reckless to increase steel production or expand industrial activity in such close proximity to two large (and growing) cities.
A comparison with areas like Whyalla and Gladstone reveal that Wollongong/Shellharbour no longer remains an area where heavy polluting industry can continue to expand. Bluescope often promote figures such as employing 1.5% of the population of Wollongong. That means 98.5% of the population breath in the pollution emitted each day for the benefit of a minority. This is akin to smoking a cigar in a crowded cinema. Today we know better.

Wollongong council state that we reside in a “livable city”. They need to push this point as we have had many die from the effects of pollution thanks to Bluescope and others. It is important that Wollongong remains a livable city. A 16% increase in air pollution is not acceptable. No increase in air pollution in the Illawarra is acceptable.

Bluescope admit in their EIS that they will exceed allowable standards in the south. Given there is no NSW government air monitoring directly south of the steelworks we do not have a baseline and there will be no way to keep them accountable.

No production or emission increases should be allowed period. But especially not if we are not even in a position to determine the current state of air quality and the impacts from this project. Until the NSW government re establishes an air monitoring station in Warrawong we should not be accepting any projects from Bluescope. Private equipment is not a substitute for public monitoring with easily accessed public data. Bluescope would employ over 100 people with technical knowledge equivalent too, or exceeding that of EPA and DPE employees. This makes any measurements taken by Bluescope with their own equipment biased and unreliable.

In addition we would make the following points:

1. EIS provided by Bluescope is not accurate. It suggests noxious smells do not extend past warrawong/lake heights. As residents we know from experience noxious smells are common in summer months in Primbee and can even extend to Shellharbour city.
2. Acid rain. The latest report from UOW (some years ago now) measured that the pH of rain in Wollongong is 4.8. Normal pH is 5.6. Damaging acid rain is 4.5 and lower. This means additional industrialisation and urbanisation will likely lead to acid rain. No approval should be given for any increase in pollution from industry until further acid rain studies are conducted.
3. Sensitive populations. Primbee and many other suburbs nearby have large amounts of people classes as sensitive populations. The area surrounding Port Kembla has higher rates of asthma and respiratory disease when compared with the national average. The pollutants identified in the EIS are known to increase the rates of respiratory disease and also increase the likelihood of sudden respiratory symptoms such as asthma attacks. They are also suspected to increase autoimmune disease flares. Long term exposure may lead to various types of cancer and inflammatory diseases.
4. No state government air quality monitoring directly south of industrial area. Warrawong air monitoring station was decommissioned after 3 consecutive years of exceeding annual pollution levels. Current air monitoring stations at Wollongong, kembla grange and Albion park do not give accurate estimates for warrawong, port kembla, Primbee, cringila and windang. No increase in pollution levels should be approved until baseline air quality can be ascertained in the suburbs south of port kembla industrial area.
5. Leukaemia cluster in Port Kembla/Warrawong in 1990s still unclear in direct cause. Due to the release of benzene’s it is likely the cause was a large emitter in the industrial area. This has not occurred since output has decreased at port kembla. An increase in pollutants to previous levels may cause an increase in leukaemia cases.
6. Bluescope has been responsible for multiple breaches in licences and serious pollution incidents. They are a major risk to the local environment and the health and wellbeing of residents. No increase in production should be approved until they are free from breaches for an agreed upon timeframe.

We respectfully submit that no projects from Bluescope are considered until the above points are satisfactorily addressed.

When they are we support a transition to Green Steel with net reduction in pollution only.