Mod 1 - Residuals Emplacement

Dear Sir/Madam,
Submission regarding Western Coal Services SSD 5579 Mod 1

Whilst finally we have an encouraging direction with this initiative with remediation of long standing concern with mining discharge water into the Coxs River it will in its present form fail our communities, our waterways with the remaining discharge from LDP006. Whilst I support the concept I can not support it in its current form.

If we are to secure and maintain healthy waterways into the future then it is recommended that the discharge from LDP006 which has a consistent historic reading of over 4000uc/sm be included to the proposed pipeline to Mt Piper.
"The assessment admits that mine water from old underground mine workings will find its way to LPT006 and through Cooks Dam to Wangcol Creek as groundwater, but then does not recognize the need to treat this toxic water in any way what so ever." All industries with government leading by example with any discharge into any waterway will equal the natural background levels.

Equally of concern for this entire area regarding leaching from Mt Piper ash repository.

This area has been acknowledged for many years as a high cumulative impact zone, with recognized toxic discharge, emissions and pollutants with millions of tonnes of coal in 2 locations those being Mt Piper and Western Coal Services, noise, disruption to communities, loss of lifestyle and destruction to highly sensitive natural areas, polluted waterways. Add to the mix displacement of people and loss of a community with the bulldozing of the village of Blackmans Flat. This community has paid a high price and now it is time to have an inclusive and holistic approach to ensure that not only this area but the entire Lithgow be respected and given it dues. To date the determinations have not been inclusive and have only considered part of the mix which has been well document on jobs and growth. Having said this one has to look overall at those recommendations of jobs and growth.

Historically I acknowledge Lithgows coal mining has been the backbone for continuity for its survival as a City producing billions upon billions of dollars with distribution local, national and international. But, I look at this beautiful city and it is in decline it can not be ignored. Many business owners have commented why is Lithgow in decline when other areas are flourishing increasing in population.

Add to the mix of insecurity felt by this community with the privatization of both power and coal industries as common sense tells us that if those industries do not meet their target profits they will walk away.

Future planning with diversification will secure this great city as it so deserves from its government given the historic contribution it has made. Secure its entitlement ensuring that if those major industries walk away we have other future viable sustainable economic options.

Thank you for your time.

Julie Favell

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