Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
As a concerned citizen who values the natural riches of Lake Macquarie and the right of
local residents, visitors and wildlife to clean air and water as well as the reduction in climate
change threats posed by coal extraction, I oppose this project and ask that proper
environmental impact studies are done.
Having lived near and travelled through the local area, I do not want to see local air quality
further impacted by transporting and burning coal.
Any increase in pollutants entering waterways is a huge concern and this project needs to be
thoroughly examined for even the slightest possibly of contamination from this proposal.
Subsidence is a very real risk and I would like to see robust investigation of how this project
would mitigate or prevent this. After seeing the subsidence issues in other mining areas, I
can see no likelihood that this project would not also cease such issues.
Climate change is the single biggest issue the world faces. The extraction and burning of
even more fossil fuel is NOT the way forward. This and other extraction projects should NOT
be allowed to proceed.
Yours sincerely

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am a fitness professional who has clients doing virtual workouts in Lake Macquarie area
along with family living there. I have immediate concerns about the health of all those living
nearby from increased particle pollution and the associated risks to drinking water with metal
containments . I have lost family members who died from coal related diseases in a most
painful way. Can you imagine the distress of not being able to get enough oxygen in due to
lung cancer and other lung diseases? I am very concerned the fact that there has not been
a proper and thorough environmental assessment completed. We also need to consider
long term effect on people health of the cumulative effect of emissions from these mines on
the climate which also has a big effect on peoples health and the health of our native
species both flora and fauna.
Yours sincerely
Patti Wilkins

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am an ecologist who has lived and worked in the region in which the mine is proposed. I
have seen some of the harm caused by subsidence. I have seen my home, garden and car
coated with fly-ash from the nearby coal power plant. I have read of the exceptionally high
levels of respiratory illness in the region, apparently caused by emissions from coal-fired
generators. I have spent a lot of time walking beside the lake, and kayaking on it. I am aware
of some of its ecological and cultural values. I would not want to see it harmed by further
coal mining.
I am concerned about human health damage arising from the mining and transporting of the
coal, and its combustion in local power plants. I am aware that coal combustion generates
dangerous fine particles and mercury pollution. I am also very concerned about the
worsening of climate warming through the emissions generated by mining and burning of the
coal.
I am concerned about the potential harm to aquatic life arising from discharge of
contaminated water from the mine and washing operation were it to enter Swindles Creek
and Lake Macquarie. I am aware of some of the significance of the aquatic fauna of the lake,
and that recreational fishing is an important activity in the area. I would not want to see those
values further threatened by the proposed project.
I am concerned about mine subsidence and have seen its effects in the Lake Macquarie
region (terrestrial) and elsewhere. I am aware from other underground mine proposals and
their scrutiny, that subsidence is difficult to predict, and that miners have often argued it is a
low risk, only to be proven wrong once mining has been approved or even years after mining
has ceased. I am aware of at least two such proposal that have recently been rejected and
did not proceed in part because of the significant risks to biodiversity arising from
subsidence. If reliable information about risks and consequences can't be provided, the
precautionary approach should result in the proposal being rejected.
The extraction and combustion of more coal is unjustified in light of the extent of carbon
pollution to our atmosphere and the severe consequences arising from climate disruption.
We are already seeing that harm ahead of earlier IPCC predictions, with revised forecasts
now brining forward harms that were otherwise predicted to occur decades from now. The
project must fully disclose all climate pollution associated with every aspect of mining,
processing, transport and ultimate use of the coal so that decision makers can see these
figures clearly. But for my purposes, any further use of thermal coal in particular, is
unjustifiable, and there is rapidly diminishing need for metallurgical coal given alternative
options.
Yours sincerely

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I object to any further production of coal as it is a big polluter and we are racing against time
to save the planet.
I am against any coal mine expansion anywhere, coal needs to be left in the ground as it
helps to destroy the earth.
Yours sincerely

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I have many friends who live near Lake Macquarie and Vales Point Power Station. I am very
concerned that the pollution caused by the coal mines will cause them a lot of respiratory
problems. I am also concerned about the water quality of Lake Macquarie and that anyone
who swims or does any form of recreation on it will suffer ill-effects because of the coal
mining underneath.
Please consider all the likely impacts relating to air quality and health. Including:
• the nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), coarse and fine particulate matter
(PM10 and PM2.5) and mercury pollution created by burning the coal extracted from
these mines at Vales Point Power Station,
• the health impacts of this air pollution: cardiovascular effects including heart disease
and stroke, respiratory illness like asthma in children and newborns being born with
low birthweight, and
• the potential pollution from coal trucks taking the coal to the Port of Newcastle every
day.
This is not healthy for the community or my friends who live there.
I am afraid that the potential impacts of contaminated water being discharged from the
sediment dams into Swindles Creek, which then discharges directly into Lake Macquarie, is
not adequately addressed in the Environmental Impact Study.
Also, the EIS that has been undertaken does not adequately assess the potential impacts of
the Project on local biodiversity, particularly the ecology of Swindles Creek.
I am also very concerned about subsidence that may occur from the underground mining. I
know this may cause two significant potential negative impacts:
impacts to biodiversity, especially on the foreshore, seagrass, and benthic organisms; and
impacts to buildings and roads.
I am concerned that the subsidence assessment provided to you does not include a detailed
assessment of the potential subsidence effects and impacts of the Project. Also, I believe
that the assessment does not evaluate the adequacy and results of past monitoring or the
potential impacts to ecological receptors above the mines, such as Lake Macquarie, in the
event that subsidence exceeds predicted levels.
The Environmental Impact Study provided does not adequately address potential
subsidence impacts and I believe that the Department must require further information from
Delta Coal in order to thoroughly assess and determine the Project.
Unfortunately, the Delta Coal plans to extract an additional 9.5 million tonnes of coal if the
Project is approved. This is disastrous for our country which is already reeling under the
impact of climate change. This coal mine will worsen the effects of climate change and
should be prevented. I would like to see my grandchildren having a happy and healthy
future.
3
The greenhouse gas assessment estimates that if the Project is approved there will be an
additional 25,350,157 tonnes CO2-e of greenhouse gases emitted (Scope 1, 2 and 3).
In reviewing the GHG assessment, I believe that the:
The feasibility of capturing and burning the fugitive methane emissions caused by mine
depressurisation should be evaluated to reduce GHGs.
The estimate of GHG emissions does not attempt to quantify gases liberated by the mine
depressurisation systems that are not captured by the mine ventilation systems.
The Environmental Impact Study provided fails to assess the likely impacts of GHG
emissions from the Project in contributing to climate change and climate harms. I seriously
object to the Project on the basis that Australia’s GHG emissions must be urgently reduced
by 74% by 2030, while the Project would instead increase Australia’s emissions by 25 million
tonnes over the next 7 years. This will destroy my grandchildren's future.
It is time to understand that there is no conflict between saving our grandchildren's future
and our economy. If Australia plans strategically with solar and wind power our economy
would benefit greatly as will our climate, our grandchildren and our planet.
Yours Sincerely
Lynette Ryan

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am a great grandmother and I fear for the future of my family and everyone else's families if
we continue to use fossil fuels, we must not have any any new mines or extensions to
existing mines if we are to keep our planet habitable, we are already feeling the effects of
climate change with first bush fires and then flooding at an unprecedented level.
Lake Macquarie in particular is already suffering from high rates of asthma, chronic lung
conditions and low birth weights caused by the use of coal. To protect our environment this
project must not be allowed to go ahead.
The EIS must consider the impacts of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter
(PM10 and PM2.5) and mercury pollution caused by the burning of coal. It also needs to
consider the health impacts mentioned previously. There is also the problem of
contaminated water ending up in Lake Macquarie.
Yours sincerely
Elizabeth Honey

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am a medical specialist with a young son. I care deeply about the environment and the
environmental legacy he will inherit. It simply isn't good enough for our generation to say
'fossil fuels are cheaper' or ' transitioning to renewables is too difficult'. In addition, there
concerns specific to this proposal including the real risk of water contamination.
The risk of contaminated water being discharged into Lake Macquarie via the sediment
dams and Swindles Creek, and the disastrous impact this will have, has not been adequately
addressed. Time and time again modelling (by developers or industry) fails to take into
account more severe weather with 1 in 100 year events now taking place every 5 years or
less.
There is also the very real possibility of land subsidence and sink holes. As with the water
contamination, the effect this will have on local biodiversity cannot be understated.
Finally, with all new fossil fuel projects, Australia is moving further away from achieving its
GHG emissions target. We are a relatively wealthy country and should be doing more heavy
lifting in this area. We cannot expect good relations with our Pacific neighbours (who are
being courted by China and view us as contributing to their lands being swallowed by the
sea) and we will continue to be shunned by the International community unless we do more.
And this starts with not approving any new fossil fuel projects.
Yours sincerely
Claire Hooper

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am an environmental scientist and I'm concerned about the degradation of the environment
around Lake Macquarie. Human population in the area has also increased over the years
and therefore more people are exposed to any mining particulates that may cause reduced
air quality. It is unacceptable that any pollutants be added to the lake system.
We cannot continue to add CO2 to the Earth's atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels,
as it causes disruption to Earth's weather systems.
I believe sustainable management of Earth's systems is paramount, and allowing further
development of a coal mine is the wrong decision.
Living locally with my family, I am concerned about particulates that may be pumped out into
the atmosphere during the mining, transportation and burning processes of coal.
I am also concerned about the damage done to biodiversity from land clearing and water
quality in Lake Macquarie and surrounding waterways.
I am concerned about any further mining of coal that will be burned adding further gases to
an already overburdened atmosphere.
Yours sincerely
Linda Mathew

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I worked at the international level of the resources sector with the highest representatives to
learn of the growing failure of fossil power use, and as I write emissions continue to rise
though GHG presence, a potent heat holding factor, has increased 50 per cent since the
start of industrial use of fossil power, a mere 300 years ago, less than a blink of an eye, for
this type of change.
Climate change – because of the greenhouse gases released from mining another 9.5
MILLION TONNES of coal. which is known to cause so many other impacts and risks to not
only our way of life, but ejection from the biosphere upon a radical resetting. The paradox is
that as per capita use of power soars, then on a population of 8bln, up from only 2bln at
WWII's end, the governing factor is to go as lightly as possible, to maximise the closed
systems of Earth, which maximise stability, which is endangered in a number of ways.
Humankind's activities should be moved away from interfering practices. See the next three
categories. The status and work of the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, a scientific body, with a solely economic role, to protect the US economy,
thus, of the US Dept of Commerce, to make the point, warns there is no room for any
expansion of fossil power. It is irrelevant that breach is not enforceable in Australia but,
rather, that warnings are to be heeded.
I am particularly concerned about the following aspects of the Project.
Air quality and health – Delta's proposal exposes the Lake Macquarie community to even
more toxic air pollution as the coal from the mines is burned at Vales Point Power Station,
Water and the environment – because of discharges of dirty mine water into Lake
Macquarie, and heating of the water as average temperatures continue to rise,
Subsidence, or land sinking – from underground mining.
Yours sincerely
Graeme Tychsen

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I recently went for a family holiday in the Lake Macquarie area and I was amazed at what
appeared the sublime, pristine beauty of it. Imagine my horror when I learned that families
and holiday makers are actually living side by side with the coal mines and Vales Point
Power Project that pollute the land, water and air. Most of all I am concerned that these
projects significantly increase emissions that cause climate change that adversely affects
everyone on the planet, including where I live in Mosman.
In this submission, my particular concern is the polluting effect of coal on life- sustaining
water summed up with the of following verse from my poem The New Cooee March:
Once pristine streams desist diseased and dead,
Defiled by banes from washed coal bled.
Yours sincerely
Andrew C Fraser
Poet

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I’m an a grandmother and am extremely worried about the future of my grandchildren. The
Delta application to expand the Chain Colliery coal mine will greatly impact the local
communities in many ways including health and pollution. It also adds to climate change.
Please don’t endorse this project.
I’m worried about contamination water and the environmental impact of this project.
Yours sincerely

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am a retired teacher and mother of two wonderful young adults, one of them a biologist. I
am deeply concerned about Delta Coal mining beneath Lake Macquarie. It is well known that
the mine has a very negative effect on air quality and that it exacerbates climate change due
to the production of greenhouse gases. It also poses a risk to water quality due to the
release of heavy metals into water catchments. Now Delta Coal's plan to mine under Lake
Macquarie adds the risk of sinking underneath areas of the lake.
In a nutshell, Delta Coal mines pose a very serious threat to the health of the environment
on which we all depend and to human health.
The environment belongs to all and should be cherished and protected for future generations
to enjoy. It does not belong to Delta Coal mines nor to our generation, but to our
grandchildren.
Yours sincerely
Isabel Cueva-Fernandez

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
As a frequent visitor to Lake Macquarie, with friends living in the area, I am distressed about
the health issues that increased mine activity would create, on top of the current concerns
that exist in the community. Coal mines produce particles that are airborne and can create
serious breathing issues. In addition, the coal to be burned at the Vales Point Power station
would clearly exacerbate this.
Above all, I am very strongly of the opinion that no new fossil fuels should be extracted as of
now. This has been made eminently clear by the IPCC, which states quite unequivocally
that we have no more time to reduce our emissions, and that no new fossil fuel extraction is
acceptable if we wish to avert climate catastrophes, of the sort that are already occurring.
Yours sincerely
Gabrielle Duigu

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
To Whom It May Concern,
Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on the Delta's Chain Valley Colliery
Consolidation proposal. I am writing to object to the project.
It is with profound sadness that yet again another project is being suggested that will only
result in further degradation of the environment and air quality of the region. The increased
amount of CO2 that will be emitted into the atmosphere will only add to planet heating
therefor accelerating the climate changing event which is occurring now and well into the
future. It is estimated that the proposed project will release 25million tons of greenhouse
gasses. This will do nothing to help reduce greenhouse gas emission by 2030.
I'm concerned that bio diversity will be heavily impacted by this proposal. This cannot be
allowed to happen. The environment is already under a lot of stress.
I'm concerned that ground water quality will be impacted. Water used in mining operations
is highly polluted. When released into creeks and lakes it will adversely affect the
environment and biodiversity.
Peoples health and well being must be of top priority and this proposal will only add more air
impurities into the atmosphere. It simply is not aceptable for peoples health to be
compromised in this way for the sake of profit which will largely be sent out of Australia.
For the reasons outlined above, I strongly object to the proposal.
Yours sincerely,

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am not a local resident or indeed a resident of New South Wales, but I am really concerned
about the impacts of additional greenhouse gas emissions on the climate at a time when the
International Energy Agency has already advised that there should be no new coal mining
projects. This project is an expansion or consolidation of an existing mine, but it would still
mean additional amounts of emissions.
In addition to the climate impact of extra greenhouse gas emissions, there are air quality
issues, both from the mining and burning of the coal at Vales Point Power Station, and from
the transportation of the coal. Particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are all
harmful to human health.
I understand that contaminated water could be released into Swindles Creek which in turn
flows into Lake Macquarie. This could harm biodiversity and the potential impact needs
greater consideration.
Subsidence from underground mining could damage the local ecology as well as affect the
stability of buildings and roads. This needs to be further investigated.
The climate change impacts of this project have not been addressed at all. An additional 9.5
million tonnes of coal will produce over 25 million tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions, that
is in Scope 1, 2 and 3, over the next 7 years. This will add to the risk of more extreme and
frequent weather events. Fugitive methane emissions are also a very significant part of the
global warming problem and there needs to be curtailment of these.
Yours sincerely
Jennifer Hole

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I've been a dedicated community volunteer for the past 30 years with the Coal Point
Progress Association and lake Macquarie Landcare. I have three children and two
grandchildren and deeply care about the local environment and the cumulative impact of
smaller decisions that continue to compromise our personal health, the health of the
community, the local environment and these cumulative impacts that are resulting in climate
change.
Lake Macquarie residents have been subjected to an unfair proportion of the impacts of
having multiple coal mines within our community. Mining under the Lake and the secondary
impact of burning additional coal are additional burdens we shouldn't have to bare as the
world transitions away from coal.
I'm deeply concerned about the health impacts of this proposal. Vales Point is an older
station and the EIS should consider all the likely impacts relating to air quality and health.,
both from the mining, distribution of the coal and ultimately it's incineration at Vales Point.
There are also inadequately identified impacts on water quality in the documentation
provided. The sediment dams and their discharge and additionally the biodiversity of
Swindles Creek and the seagrass beds of lake Macquarie.
The potential for long-lasting impacts of subsidence on the substrate of Lake Macquarie
have also not been adequately addressed. Mine subsidence throughout many suburbs is a
real issue throughout lake Macquarie. As any impacts would be largely invisible how will this
be monitored for the long term and a company with a limited lifespan be held accountable for
the long term.
As the world moves towards addressing the impacts of Climate Change it is even more
critical that an expansion of emissions is not supported. There is a need to reduce emissions
by 74% by 2030, not expand emissions by 27 million tonnes over the next 7 years.
There has been insufficient study done on the traffic movements, the proposed routes,
including the location of schools, that is up to date with the current population demographics
and projected population growth in this rapidly expanding area.
There is extreme despondency within the younger generation as to the future that we will be
leaving them. As the impacts of climate change ramp up it is our moral responsibility to do
everything within our control to mitigate and eliminate the contributors that exacerbate
climate change.
I strongly object to Delta Coal's Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation project, it is not the
direction we need to head in order to address the environmental and health impacts of a
climate changing world.
Yours sincerely
Suzanne Pritchard

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
As a young local doctor, I have serious concerns about the evidence based impacts this
project will have on health for the people in this community.
I have seen first hand on my patients the impacts of occupational exposures in those with
both prior normal lung function, and those with underlying respiratory illness. It is a well
established phenomena. I wholeheartedly object to this project which will directly cause
longterm harm to this community.
Expanding the mine under Lake Macquarie will contribute to air pollution from burning coal,
air pollution from traffic access in the area, the overall effects of burning fossil fuels on
climate including loss of habitat, the catastrophic effects of warming to ecosystems, including
how global warming effects human health amongst an extensive list of further environmental
harms.
This will directly affect me and my family, including my concerns for my future children living
in this area.
It is clear from the project documents that the justification for the project is to provide coal to
Vales point power station. All of the likely impacts from remote sites are not therefore
sufficiently linked to this project and its impact on air quality and health the department
MUST consider. Living in Newcastle, I object to this project due to the increase air pollution
it will cause to me and my patients.
It would be medically indefensible not to object to this project due to the impact on
respiratory illness, stroke and cardiovascular disease, which are devastating health impacts
that carry both a the significant burden of cost to patients quality of life and cost to the health
system as a whole.
It is clear from the project documents that the justification for the project is to provide coal to
Vales point power station, therefore the impacts are not remote and therefore the impacts on
air quality and health are impacts that the project must consider.
Likely air pollution created from fine particulate matter, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide and
mercury have NOT been assessed on the community who will be directly impacted by this
project. The emissions from the coal trucks who will move the coal to the port of Newcastle
have not been assessed. The EIS has a duty of care to the community to assess the impact
on health, biodiversity, air quality and traffic and greenhouse emissions.
This project has not adequately assessed the impacts on the local biodiversity in the area.
Mining ground water and discharge into Lake Macquarie has not been assessed in this
current EIS.
The EIS estimates that this project will result in more than 20 million tonnes of greenhouse
gas emissions with the majority of these being from burning coal at Vales point power
station. This will have long term effects on the health of my future children, my self and my
patients who live in this community, which the EIS must acknowledge.
I wholeheartedly object to this project.
Yours sincerely
Ailie McGarity

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am a doctor who cares deeply about the health of all of my patients, present and future,
and this includes residents of the Lake Macquarie region. I recognise that I have a clear
Duty of Care to identify and call out projects that will contribute to harm, through local and
global impacts. Equally importantly, I am a father and grandfather of two infants and another
"on the way" and the future that they will inherit is of profound significance to me. It is fair to
say that any new coal extraction is unacceptable in light of the latest IPCC reports, the
International Energy Agency report of 2021 and the World Health Organisation statement
that Climate Change represents the greatest threat to global health in the 21st century. This
particular project extension feeds into the heavily polluting Vale's Point Power Station, with
its air pollution reaching my family and patients in Sydney.
As a doctor, I expect that the impacts of air pollution will be taken into consideration. PM2.5
air pollution is particularly hazardous in terms of asthma, other respiratory disease,
cardiovascular health and antenatal health. The air pollution associated with this project
extension has a particular impact on local residents but has also been shown to impact the
Sydney Metropolitan Region.
I reiterate that Climate Change is the world's greatest health threat in this current century
and is recognised as a Health Emergency by the AMA and all major specialist Colleges and
Associations. New Coal Extraction is incompatible with healthy people, both locally and
globally.
Lake Macquarie is a priceless natural resource for all people in its vicinity and the risks to its
health far outway any dubious economic benefits.
The impacts of subsidence are poorly assessed and potentially devastating for the Lake and
the region. Water is such a precious resource and a precautionary approach should apply.
To paraphrase the International Energy Agency report of 2021 - new fossil fuel extraction is
incompatible with achieving the Paris target of 1.5 degrees. The consequences of going
beyond this limit include Earth system failure with incalculable impacts on health, prosperity,
environment and any parameter one choses to examine. However this Project Extension is
packaged, its essence is more greenhouse gases in our planet's fragile atmosphere. Any
other interpretation is only "greenwashing" and corporate obfuscation.
Yours sincerely
Shaun Watson

I object to the Chain Valley Colliery Consolidation Project (SSD-17017460).
I am a retired doctor and a grandmother.
I object to this proposed extension to the Chain Valley coal mine for a number of reasons.
MOST IMPORTANTLY I object to any prolongation of the extraction of fossil fuels due to the
extreme danger to the health and well being of all people caused by climate change. The
primary way to mitigate climate change is to stop extracting and burning coal and gas.
I do not want my grand children’s lives to be negatively impacted by climate change induced
disasters such as bushfires and floods.
I am also concerned about pollution from both the mine and the Vale’s Point power station
which will affect people all the way down to the Sydney coast.
As a retired doctor I am concerned about the health effects of air pollution associated with
the extension of this project.
Not enough attention is paid to the affects of air pollution on children such as asthma and
low birth weight.
There are also risks to adults such as stroke and cardiovascular disease.
The economic burden ( not to mention the social and emotional impact) of disease surely
outweighs any possible advantages offered by extension of this project.
I am concerned that environmental impacts such as subsidence may be worse than
predicted.
This could have detrimental impacts on the local area around Lake Macquarie.
At a time when so much of our environment is being destroyed through climate disasters, we
must ensure that we make the utmost efforts to protect what remains.
I am extremely concerned about greenhouse gas emissions that will arise from this project
and fear that they may have been underestimated. Fugitive emissions of methane may not
have been properly assessed and methane is many times more potent as a greenhouse gas
than CO2.
The health impacts of climate change will be the greatest risk to global health in the next 50
years. Any project that increases CO2 emissions directly feeds climate change and
diminishes our chance of mitigating it.
Yours sincerely
Kati Watson