Glendell Continued Operations Project

Hi,
I fully support the go ahead of the expansion project for a lot of reasons. This will have an immediate affect on my family. It provides a livelihood for myself directly. My family rely on Glendell to survive. It is a great place to work. It is also a huge benefit to local communities for this reason also. Plus the donations Glendell provide to local area. With out this expansion many many more communities, families and businesses will suffer. I think this should come into consideration not for just the employees but the suppliers, contractors that allow this site to run. These people have a job because we have a job. Glendell will provide up to 690 people with jobs with this project. With also the royalties it has to pay the state government it will also benefit the state in money to assist schools, health and roads etc. And because Glendell own the land we are not putting people out of homes, but yet only creating position for more people. Allowing younger generations to have opportunities in the work force in many and varied careers. Which is huge in our current financial climate, for them to have stable career and allowing them to have the typical Australian dream of owning their own home and such. Let alone small business completely unrelated to mining but they exist because of it. Like sell food to a supplier or fuel to a company that delivers to the mining industry. All these people rely on Glendell and other mines to survive but if you ask them are they in mining and they will say no, I sell sandwiches or make nuts & bolts. Even To the point of the homestead I think moving it to Broke is a huge win for the local area. To gain some heritage from our community that most never knew existed. When you see the events Broke holds and to have a community centre there would only enhance these and encourage people to our area. Allowing more industries to prosper. So Yes I do fully support the project for a lot of reasons and hope these and reasons of others get considered.
Thanks
Matt.

I believe that Glendell North may be fantastic operation for local towns such as Singleton, Muswellbrook and Camberwell but also the wider Hunter region.

The Glendell Continued Operation will create a peak of 350 jobs in construction for the building of infrastructure, roads, etc and a healthy 690 in continued employment opportunities. Which will in-turn generate $446.7M over the life of the project in net present value towards the Lower Hunter.

The thing is but... what happens when the coal is all mined? Well Glencore will (as they always have) continue to use industry leading rehabilitation practices. Which will ensure the foot print left on Earths crust will be minimal as possible.

Now from a more personal stand point, I’m a fresh Second Year Electrical Apprentice at the young age of 19 and for Glendell North to be approved would take a massive burden of my shoulders in searching for a job in years to come. Also the culture at Glendell is remarkable from both a Safety and Friendship standpoint. I love waking up in the morning knowing that I’m going to be looked after, going to be taught things safety and also able to have a laugh whilst doing so. From the day I came on site, I was warmly welcomed and still to this day I am. Glendell culture is something I believe is priceless.

Kind Regards
Harrison Vassallo.

See attached letter

I object to the project for the following reasons

1. Climate breakdown is already threatening our country. International and Australian scientists show that climate breakdown is related to carbon emissions from fossil fuel extraction and burning. Increasing exceptional weather events, increasing possibility of drought and bush fires which threaten the fabric of our society. Both social and environmental. To propose a coal mine expansion of this magnitude - doubling the output of the mine - is irresponsible. It is against all policies which aim to encourage and support renewable energy projects.
According to the EIS The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project, ie. up to 2044.
There is already greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
The NSW and Federal govts have promised to meet the Paris Agreement targets. This project is not consistent with that climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.
2. Air pollution
The Singleton Argus has over 2019 reported hundreds of occasions where air quality monitoring shows above safe air quality readings. This proposed expansion will only add to an already stressed environment in the Upper Hunter. It's been shown that bad air quality is a health hazard, especially for children. Already there are many reports in the Singleton and other areas in the Upper Hunter of increased asthma and other breathing problems due to air pollution. Any increase in PM2.5 means increased risk of other health issues. It's unacceptable the people living in the Upper Hunter should suffer like this.
3. Damage to ground and surface water.
Any claims in the EIS that ground and surface water will not be adversely affected should viewed with much scepticism. It's impossible to claim that water will not be affected. Water is now considered a precious resource, it must be prioritised for domestic and agricultural use.

I support the expansion of Glendell mine,
The Environmental side of minesites like Glendell and Glencore in general is the highest quality I have seen from any other mine sites I have worked at around Australia. They are closely monitored by EPA and the general public.
Glendell Mine positively impacts our community through grants & funding for schools/community projects & groups.
The amount of jobs that this expansion will bring and keep around the community will be well into the 100’s and no expansion would mean a great deal of losses.
The Heritage listed house never gets visited by any of the public and is run down and dangerous and getting a minesite to spend the amount of money it would be to move it would be a waste of funding that could go to other community projects.
The farmland around Glendell mine is not ideal for Farming as the soil Is of poor quality.

With imminent closures of Liddell Open Cut (2023), Glendell Open Cut (2023) and Liddell power station (2023) there will be approx. 1000 jobs lost in the Singleton region. As a local resident in Singleton I'm worried about the impacts this will have to my local community and small businesses in the area as families are forced to move interstate to find work in Western Australia and Queensland.

Glendell Continued Operations Project must be approved to reduce the impending job losses in Singleton and the surrounding areas.

Dear Madam

I am appalled that give the recent catastrophic & ongoing bushfires, bizarre hail damage and unbelievable dust storms all exacerbated by the Australian Government’s denial, inaction and complete lack of engagement with scientific evidence & population outrage, has not stopped the NSW Government’s proposal for continuation of the above project until potentially 2044. Remarkably this is beyond the date when burning coal for electricity would have to cease to meet current goals.

My objections rest on the following well documented facts:
PMl0 pollution in the Hunter Valley & particularly the area of the project is the worst in NSW with 95% originating from coal.
23 million tonnes of greenhouse gases will be produced in
addition to emissions from other local projects.
Current dust control programmes are ineffective, & using the best data from 2014 is ingenious.

Major respiratory health problems associated with illness & the complications of respiratory illness particularly cardiac
involvement leads to financial hardship & early unpleasant death.

Coupled with the economic cost of respiratory, cardiac & currently unknown effects of the ongoing bushfire so this will be
an untenable cost to the community, not an advantage.

Loss of usable water to the community is also a worrying issue for a community struggling with climate change induced
drought which will only get worse as the trend is now irreversible for a number of years, but we must act now to
mitigate the effects for future generations.

Being a psychiatrist, I am painfully aware of the psychological distress caused to our young with a guaranteed end to the
world as we know it, & to our old, filled with anger, despair & helplessness in the face of our government's outstanding lack of appropriate action.

Yours sincerely,
IEVA DZINTARS

MBBS DPM FRANZCP MM

Cc Matt Kean MP FAX 9476 2956
Julian Leeser MP FAX 9980 1833

Under its current consent, mining in Glendell pit would wrap up in 2024, but the Glendell Continuation Project would extend mining operations at the site to 2044 – well beyond the date after which coal burning for electricity is supposed to have ceased if we are to meet our climate change goals.
Some points for your submission:
This project further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss.
The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water.
This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.
The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.
But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.

I fully support this project. The relocation of the Ravensworth Homestead to Broke serves several positives. Firstly by relocating the building it is rescued from a very uncertain future, which in time will be the neglect and destruction of this building.. a waste that shouldn’t even be considered. Once relocation has been carried out not only is the building preserved for many many more years, it will have a new lease on life serving the village of Broke and surrounding community ... it would play a major part in the community and the tourists / visitors who visit the village and surrounds... this can only be a win win situation for all to allow this project to proceed.. The potential to support local businesses , jobs, local schools, Broke, Milbrodale , Outreach preschool bus, cultural activities and a convention centre is massive. An opportunity of a lifetime.

Attached

Im a resident of Broke and relocating Ravensworth house to the town I think is positive & able to preserve history for the future. Im also attend meetings when able with the Broke residents community.

Glendell mine makes a positive contribution to the local community. It provides financial support via direct employment to hundreds of locals. Furthermore Glendell supports the wider community by spending with a range of businesses and services in the Hunter Valley. Glendell is also involved in supporting local community initiatives and charities.
Glendell seems to work hard to operate in an environmentally conscious way while still providing the vital task of mining coal.
If the Glendell mine operations were not continued this would have a disastrous impact on employment and businesses in the Hunter Valley.

My experience with the Glendell open cut mine has being positive. I have worked at two thirds of the mines in this area and it is never a bad experience whilst at this pit. The entrance and MIA is welcoming and we'll maintained.

The people in the mine all are friendly and possess a team mentality. Each department wants the best for the other.

It would be fantastic to extend this pit and continue the positive attitude in this mining area, with the project posing very minimal impact from what I have heard. I know this area and I feel the continuation will help the community and family's working here

The Mount Owen mine complex has already had a major expansion approved in the last two years. This further expansion would extract an additional 135 million tonnes (Mt) of run-of-mine (ROM) coal and more than double the rate of extraction at the Glendell pit from 4.5mtpa to 10mtpa. This will extend the mines life to 2044, well beyond the time when coal burning for electricity should have finished if we are to meet our alarmingly insufficient climate change goals. Further expansion will provide a whole extra 2 decades of life to this mine which as a sensible society, we should be looking to close and rehabilitate as soon as possible to ensure that the communities and businesses that currently rely on the mine are given the opportunity to diversify with both support and planning. Further expansion will also mean extending mining in an already heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss; the later as shown through the mines groundwater assessment which exhibits that significant drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water. This adds to stress already being experienced from the effects of other mines in the area. The groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.
The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.
But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.
The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.
The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales. At one degree of warming we have sen cataclysmic fires never before experienced, life at 3.4C will not only be hard, it will be horrific if indeed we survive at all.
I implore ALL involved in this decision to put aside profit and consider the long term effects of their decisions on future and current generations. Hold the thought of one person you love in your minds eye and picture their quality of life at 3.4C and refuse this and other submissions for new and expanded fossil fuel projects.

NSW Government
Major Projects

31st January 2020

Glendall Continued Operations Project

Submission (SUB-8099)

Application Number
SSD-9349
EPBC ID Number
2019/8409
Assessment Type
State Significant Development



Port Stephens Greens object to the Glendall Continued Operations Project development and are asking for consent to be refused
We oppose this development on the grounds that any expansion or extension of fossil fuel use is incompatible with the imperative that we reducing global CO2 emissions. If we are to stand any chance of tack ailing human induced climate change and its adverse effects on global climate we need to transition out of fossil fuel use as soon a practically possible. To this end many of the countries our coal is exported to are reducing their reliance of imported fossil fuels.

Please acknowledge receipt of this submission.



Les Pinney
convener, Port Stephens Greens
[email protected]

Port Stephens Greens Campaigning locally, thinking globally for a sustainable future for all

I object to this project being approved because it further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating air pollution and water loss. The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic draw-down of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes draw-down and loss of surface water. This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.

The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year, but the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently, nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas. The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.

The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.
This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I have been an employee of Glendell Mine for the past 6 years. From the time that I have spent at Glendell, I strongly believe the approval of our continued operations would be of benefit to so many. Glendell has continually contributed and supported our local community over the years, and always kept employees updated on local events and fundraisers and encouraged us to get involved. I am also a first hand witness to the care that is given to minimise environmental impacts on and off site at Glendell. On a personal note, Glendell has been a happy, healthy work environment to be part of for the last 6 years. As a female in the industry I have always been encouraged and supported in areas of development and given opportunities equal to that of other crew members. In approving our continued operations, you will allow us to keep supporting our local community, you will give the employees of Glendell Mine and their families a secure future and allow us to continue a safe and positive work environment.

Please see attached the response to the EIS from Hunter New England Local Health District- Population Health

I support the extension to the exsisting Glendell Mine, I believe the Pros out way any Cons, especially for the community as it will keep people in jobs and create more jobs in our community, in turn keeps revenue local an a community striving.
I believe that also the project would also benefit the NSW government and create a large revenue outcome for it as well over its lifetime. (figures I am lead to believe are in the hundreds of millions dollars mark for both local and state government alike)

Climate Change
The present scientific consensus is that the earth's climate is warming due to human activity (https://climate.nasa.gov/scientific-consensus/), and the negative impacts of increased greenhouse gas emissions are measurable globally and nationally. The government is responsible for the health and wellbeing of its citizens and the financial security of the nation. As we see the impact of increased carbon emissions, we also find evidence of the impact on Australians and the wealth of the nation.
NSW Climate Change Policy Framework details NSW Government’s objective to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This long-term objective “sets a clear statement of government’s intent, commitment and level of ambition and sets expectations about future emissions constraints that will help the private sector to plan and act.” The Policy Framework states that the NSW Government will investigate how to embed consideration of climate change mitigation and adaptation across government operations including service delivery, infrastructure, purchasing decisions and regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, it states that Agencies will undertake additional policy investigation for sectors with significant opportunities and risks, including primary industries emissions and adaptation (Department of Primary Industries).

The Glendell Continuation Project will result in 230.8 million tonnes of greenhouse gases over the life of the project. This is in addition to the greenhouse pollution from the rest of the Mount Owen complex.

The assessment admits that the project is consistent with the IPCC’s “high emissions A2 emission trajectory scenario.” This is a shocking admission and all the more shocking that it did not prompt the company to withdraw the proposal. The A2 scenario is projected to result in warming by approximately 3.4C by 2100. As the greenhouse assessment outlines, this scenario is associated with increased maximum temperatures, hot days and severe fire danger days.

This project is not consistent with NSW’s climate change policy, the principle of inter-generational equity nor the public interest, as it clearly assumes failure to meet the Paris Agreement temperature goals and worsening climate change impacts for New South Wales.

Air quality
There is a cumulative issue relating to air quality in the Upper Hunter that needs attention. Average levels of coarse particle pollution in the Hunter Valley have increased at a rate higher than the rest of NSW
Air quality in the local area has been deteriorating over time, reaching 470 air quality alerts in 2019 prior to the bushfires.
The top three for PM10 particulate levels of air pollution in NSW are in the local area.
This air pollution contributes to heart disease, stroke, deaths, diabetes, low birth weight for babies, restricted lung growth in children, lung cancer in non-smokers, asthma and emphysema.
The expansion will exacerbate an already dire set of circumstances with respect to air quality and health issues in the local area.

The mine assessment admits that most air quality monitoring sites in the vicinity of Glendell Mine have experienced at least one day above the national standards for PM10 particulate pollution in the past seven years and some exceeded annual average thresholds in the last two years. Camberwell and Singleton also exceeded the PM2.5 criterion last year.
But the EIS uses a low pollution year, 2014, as its base year, setting background air pollution levels at less than half of the pollution concentrations experienced in the vicinity more recently. Nevertheless, the assessment shows intensification of PM2.5 and PM10 air pollution in Camberwell and surrounding areas.

Water Loss
This project further extends mining in a heavily-mined area, exacerbating water loss.

Baseline monitoring has identified water level drawdown within the coal seams due to the cumulative impact of approved activities that surround the proposed Glendell Pit Extension. The Environmental assessment noted
“The proposed Glendell Pit Extension will further depressurise the geological strata directly intersected by the mining activities. The Project will create a zone of drawdown around the mining activity where groundwater levels will decline during the mine life. The depressurisation will also create an area of low pressure within the groundwater system centred on the Glendell Pit Extension that will encourage groundwater to flow through coal seams towards the mining area drawing groundwater from the adjacent water sources.”

The mine’s groundwater assessment shows that dramatic drawdown of the coal seam under the Bowman’s Creek alluvium propagates upward into the alluvium and causes drawdown and loss of surface water.
This adds to stress already being experienced in the area from other mines, and the groundwater assessment also shows cumulative draw down of over 2 metres in the alluvium during the proposed mining operations.