Mod 4 - Further Longwall Panel Changes

I urge the NSW government to reject Ulan Coal Mine's intention to expand
their underground operations (Modification 4) on the grounds that it
will further threaten regional groundwater sources to the north of the
Drip gorge. Flows in the Goulburn River have already been impacted by
the activities of mining. The cumulative impact of mining in the
region on the river and associated ecosystems needs to be properly
assessed to regulate current activities and consider any future plans.
I understand that the Goulburn River is now dependent on water
discharge from the Ulan Mine to maintain flows. To maintain the
Goulburn River system, good quality discharge from the mine to the
river must be regulated under a set of environmental flow rules that
mimic natural flows.

Due to time constraints and the notification period expiring tomorrow 2
May 2018, I in the first instance am making a brief submission to
summarise my concerns. I will provide a detailed submission by 18 May
2018.
My Primary concerns are:
- impacts on Ground and Surface water.
- Impacts of subsidence.
- The Cumulative impacts on the region by the operations of UCML and
the two other mining companies.

I am of the view that, given the close proximity of these three mining
operations in Ulan, it is remiss to assess their proposed applications
individually, as "stand alone" proposals.
The undeniable evidence is, there is absolutely no doubt the impacts
of all three mining operations must be assessed cumulatively to gain a
complete and thorough understanding on the region.

The latter applies in particular to both surface & ground water
impacts as a direct result of the operations. Billions of litres of
water have been lost over the years. I understand at present over 12
million litres of water are pumped out daily from the UCML longwall
mining operations.

As it stands the operations of UCML have had a dire impact on water to
the properties located to the west, including my own. I am aware that
as direct consequences of mining some aquifers in the area have
dropped by almost 30 metres.

I personally have three dams which are now bone dry, my catchments no
longer enjoy water to replenish my dams making the property no longer
viable as a farm. In addition I am aware other landholders have
described their bore water as "brine" with an increasing salinity.
Correcting salinity levels in ground water aquifers to make it fit for
human and livestock consumption is almost impossible and a very costly
and difficult process.

The use of saline water for farming activities such as cropping can be
catastrophic, once the water evaporates, the salt is left in the
uppermost layers of the ground.

I will prepare and submit a comprehensive submission prior to the 18
May 2018.

Thank you for your consideration.

I object to Ulan Coal Mine expansion (Modification 4) because of the
impacts nearby mining activity is having on the health of the Goulburn
River.
Over the years the mine has interfered with the river's flows and
water quality. Commercial activities should not interfere with natural
river systems unless the long-term effects of the interference are
thoroughly researched and understood, and considered to be in the best
interest of the broader community and the environment, as well as the
commercial operators. Please conduct a detailed, independent regional
water study before approving any further mining activity.

My concerns are:
- impacts on Ground and Surface water.
- Impacts of subsidence.
- The Cumulative impacts on the region by the operations of Ulan Coal
Mines Limited.
A large community of small landholders are situated to the west of the
current mine development. Many of these landowners rely on dams and
water bores for there living and livestock requirements.
There is also several large holdings in the north,north West of the
mine workings that rely on the Talragar river and water bores and dams
for their livelyhood. Any extension or modification has the potential
to have a greater impact than the already large groundwater removal
and mine subsidence and the associated disruption to surface water
runoff.

I object to Ulan mine modification4
I live on the banks of the Goulburn River about 50klms down river from
Ulan village and have used water from the Goulburn River for domestic
use for about 36 years. The river has always been a reliable source of
water.When Ulan mine started releasing treated mine water into the
river it flowed continuously which is not a natural flow. On the 14th
December 2017 Ulan mine ceased discharging water into the river and
even though we had some rain events there has been no flow in the
river.The base flows which sustain the Goulburn River have been
impacted by the mines this is through the interception of surface
water and the drawdown of ground water which has been disguised by the
continuous release of treated mine water into the river.The
interception of surface water is caused by the ever expanding Ulan
coal mine along with the ever expanding Wilpinjong coal mine and the
ever expanding Molarben coal mine, three very large coal mines in the
Goulburn River catchment area.
To keep the Goulburn River a healthy river there needs to be an
Independent Regional Water Study of the river.
The Goulburn River must be protected from mining impacts.
If it is necessary for treated mine water to be discharged into the
Goulburn River then it needs to be of good quality water and regulated
to copy natural flows

Dear Madam/Sir
I object to the Ulan Coal Modification 4.
My objection is on the basis of the following considerations:
There will be excessive damage to groundwater flows that support the
Goulburn river;
There can be expected to be unacceptable damage to The Drip gorge, a
place of great environmental and heritage significance; and this
project would result in continued significant contribution to
atmospheric carbon dioxide which is a serious problem due to the
harmful effects on human health and ecosystem integrity of
anthropogenic climate change.

Submission regarding the Ulan Coal Mine Mod 4 extensions.

This submission is to register my objection to the proposed
development modifications at the Ulan Underground and Ulan West
Operations mines and associated infrastructure..

Because the proposal involves mining across the Great Dividing Range I
am very concerned that the hydrological issues have not been properly
assessed. Australia is among the driest of continents, and is warming
and drying. It is essential that full and independent assessments of
the impacts of the proposed mining on water be undertaken.
Interference with base flows and the subsequent cumulative regional
impacts on both the Goulburn and Macquarie River catchments have not
been adequately studies or explained, either in a long term context or
in terms of the implications for the Murray-Darling Basin.
I am also concerned that the likely impacts on flora and fauna in the
area, particularly habitat features for threatened species, have not
been adequately evaluated.

Yours sincerely
Richard Medd
593 Cargo Rd, Nashdale. NSW 2800.

The proposal for Ulan Coal MOD 4 should not be approved. The proposal is
environmentally irresponsible and will impact both local inhabitants
and the environment as a whole.

Being a local resident I have witnessed first hand the impacts of coal
mining on the environment, communities and heritage. The short term
benefits of coal mining in the Mudgee region have time and time again
been given greatest importance. Very little regard has been exhibited
towards long term impacts and such decisions have been only made on
case by case basis with little regard for cumulative impacts.
In my lifetime I have witnessed the Goulburn River be transformed from
a very healthy high flowing river that held a great environmental and
social value to the region, to what it is today - a watercourse that
rarely flows, has a much higher salinity level and supports a fraction
of the biota it once did. This modification will once more impact the
baseflows for the Goulburn River.
Good quality water discharge from Ulan Mine into the Goulburn River
must be regulated under a set of environmental flow rules that mimic
natural flows.
Base flows to the Talbragar River will also be intercepted impacting
on downstream water users and the health of the river.

Australia is committed to adhering to the Paris Agreements of limiting
global warming goal to below 2 degrees Celsius below pre-industrial
averages. While one may look on an individual mines modification as
insignificant in relation to global emissions, however, it is the
cumulative impacts that must be assessed. This means each individual
case must be assessed against our commitment to the Paris Agreement
and how we are to adhere to these conditions.

The cumulative damage to the Goulburn River is now very evident with
two additional neighbouring mines, Moolarben and Wilpinjong. The river
stopped flowing over the summer period despite large storm events and
smaller nearby creeks continuing to flow.

All three mines continue to expand in the absence of an independent
regional water study.

The drawdown of groundwater and interception of surface flows over a
large area of the river catchment has impacted on essential base flows
that sustain the Goulburn River. This water loss has caused it to
become highly dependent on the discharge of treated mine water.

The ongoing drawdown and interception of regional groundwater that
supports base flow in the river and reports to the iconic natural
landscape feature known as The Drip, cannot continue.

The impacts on base flows to the Talbragar River and drawdown on
important western groundwater sources is not sustainable.

Mining under the Durridgere State Conservation Area should not be
permitted.

Further, it is important to look at mining overall and the moral
repercussions of continually allowing for such environmental and
cultural destruction to continue. Allowing coal mine modifications and
expansions to continue in a time where so many other more viable
options are available must be considered.

Dept of Planning and Environment
Parliament House
Sydney NSW 2000

2 May 2018

Dear Sir,
Ulan Coal Mine Mod 4
Submission of Objection

We are already seeing the results of climate change, and yet coal is
being expanded, as in this project. Extra government expenditure must
be found for a far longer bush fire season than previously thought
possible; and government coffers are raided for victims of extreme
floods, drought and winds. The climate debate in Australia is driven
by top investment firms who warn companies that they need to start
taking climate change into account or face possible future prosecution
for negligence by their investors.

The additional extraction of coal produced by Mod 4 will increase the
impacts of climate change

In all my submissions on mining in this region for over 20 years, I
have asked for an assessment of the cumulative effect of Ulan,
Wilpinjong and Moolarben Coal Mines on the health and integrity of the
Goulburn River. These mines impact heavily on the ground and surface
water in this catchment. This assessment has never happened. There has
NEVER been an independent regional water study.
The Goulburn River stopped flowing this last summer despite large
storms and smaller nearby creeks continuing to flow.

Meanwhile Ulan, Wilpinjong and Moolarben Mines keep expanding.

The outstanding geological feature of the region is The Drip area, a
sandstone gorge along this stretch of the Goulburn River, fed by
groundwater. It is iconic, for the past and present residents of our
region, and for people of our First Nations, a sacred place. Mudgee
Tourist Office is constantly being asked for directions as its fame
has spread.

However the underground mine expansion of Ulan Mod 4 will further
threaten regional groundwater sources to the north of The Drip gorge

More base flows to the Goulburn River will be affected as the drawdown
and interception of the underground water continues, and the river's
surface water is intercepted by all three mines.
This is unacceptable, especially in relation to the Great Drippping
Wall.

This loss of groundwater and surface flows over a large area of the
river catchment has impacted on essential base flows that sustain the
Goulburn River, causing it to become highly dependent on the discharge
of treated mine water.

Consequently good quality water discharge from Ulan Mine into the
Goulburn River must be regulated under a set of environmental flow
rules that mimic natural flows

Diane O'Mara

I object to the Ulan Coal Mod 4.

This expansion of the Ulan mine will greatly affect the groundwater
flowing North of our Beautiful Drip (these days a tourist destination)
as well as the groundwater reaching the Goulbrun River. With 3 huge
mines close by this is alsolutely insane to continue drawing more
water from the environment. Even the water discharge from the 3
combined coalmines is not even properly regulated.

But even more catastrophic is the role played by coal mining regarding
climate change. Mr Macron, just recently, said that 'humanity is
killing the planet ' because of coal mining.

Please stop these unnecessary expansions and start creating jobs in
badly needed renewable energy.

I hereby strongly object to further extension of the mine. Although now
living in a big city , I am formerly
from a farming community. My reasons for objection are :
a] Groundwater sources North of The Drip are already under strain &
would be exacerbated by mine expansion.
No-one could project the extent of the real damage until its too late.
b] There would be even more interference to Goulburn River flows.
There must be a strong independent review of the health
of the river, with public release of the Report before any further
consideration of Mod 4.
c] Long after this coal mine has expired , vital grazing land will
still be compromised . It is the responsibility of current
Government to protect our fragile natural resources .

Please be governed by your conscience

Please accept this email as a formal objection to the proposed expansion
of Ulan Mine - Mod 4.

I understand that Ulan Coal Mine is proposing to expand underground
mining either side of the Great Dividing Range, across the Goulburn
River, and Talbragar River catchments.

The resulting impact on water and these river systems is of National
concern.

I support the widespread community concern and as such support the
concerns listed below.

In addition, as a local landholder in the Talbragar River catchment
and as a parent of children we are trying to provide a safe,
sustainable and supportive future for, I opppose this proposed
expansion as it is unnecessary, destructive and disrespectful to the
community and our environment.

Objections to Ulan Coal Mod 4

1. The underground mine expansion will further threaten regional
groundwater sources to the north of The Dripgorge
2. More base flows to the Goulburn River will be intercepted
3. The cumulative regional impact of mining on the health and
integrity of the Goulburn River has not been assessed
4. Good quality water discharge from Ulan Mine into the Goulburn River
must be regulated under a set of environmental flow rules that mimic
natural flows
5. Base flows to the Talbragar River will also be intercepted
impacting on downstream water users and the health of the river
6. A large volume of groundwater from the NSW Murray-Darling Porous
Rock Groundwater Source will be intercepted
7. Do not support mining under the Durridgere State Conservation Area
8. The additional extraction of coal will increase the impacts of
climate change.

This email is being sent as an objection to the proposed expansion of
Ulan Mine - Mod 4.

The Ulan Coal Mine proposal to expand underground mining either side
of the Great Dividing Range, across the Goulburn River, and Talbragar
River catchments is not acceptable.

I object as a local land holder.

Objections to Ulan Coal Mod 4

1. The underground mine expansion will further threaten regional
groundwater sources to the north of The Dripgorge
2. More base flows to the Goulburn River will be intercepted
3. The cumulative regional impact of mining on the health and
integrity of the Goulburn River has not been assessed
4. Good quality water discharge from Ulan Mine into the Goulburn River
must be regulated under a set of environmental flow rules that mimic
natural flows
5. Base flows to the Talbragar River will also be intercepted
impacting on downstream water users and the health of the river
6. A large volume of groundwater from the NSW Murray-Darling Porous
Rock Groundwater Source will be intercepted
7. Do not support mining under the Durridgere State Conservation Area
8. The additional extraction of coal will increase the impacts of
climate change.

Dear Sir/Madam

On behalf of Rylstone District Environment Society, I wish to lodge an
objection to the latest application by Ulan Coal to expand its
operations.

Our objections are on the following grounds:

1. Since the 1980's, Ulan Coal Mine operations have contributed to the
overall adverse impact of coal mining on the landscape of the Goulburn
River catchment, the health of surrounding small communities and on
the health of the Goulburn River itself.
2. Further expansion of the Ulan Coal Mine will further increase
global emissions.
3. No assessment of the impact of massive extraction of ground water
from the Goulburn River on the overall health of the Hunter River or
on the iconic Drip Gorge has ever been undertaken.

To our group, it appears that NSW State Government Planning
authorities have enormous contempt for the people of the Ulan-Wollar
area and on anyone else that lives in this region as they approve
expansion after expansion of the obscene coal mines of this region.

The effects of climate change will far outweigh the reasons given for
approving yet another coal mine expansion, such as "more jobs" or
"economic growth".

Please do not approve yet another coal mine expansion.

Yours sincerely
Carolyn Barlow
Secretary
Rylstone District Environment Society Inc

Key Points of objection
1. The underground mine expansion will further threaten regional
groundwater sources to the north of The Drip gorge
2. More base flows to the Goulburn River will be intercepted
3. The cumulative regional impact of mining on the health and
integrity of the Goulburn River has not been assessed
4. Good quality water discharge from Ulan Mine into the Goulburn River
must be regulated under a set of environmental flow rules that mimic
natural flows
5. Do not support mining under the Durridgere State Conservation Area
6. The additional extraction of coal will increase the impacts of
climate change.
Thank you for considering this
Yours sincerely
Lesley Sammon

I wish to object to the expansion of the Ulan Coal Mine (UCML) -
Modification 4, to extend underground operations. I request that the
Independent Assessment Commission be called on to review the water
issues and all the Approval Conditions.
There is a need for an independent regional water study.
A thorough assessment needs to be undertaken of:
1. Whether base flows to the Goulburn River will be effected
2. The impact on this underground mine expansion on The Drip gorge
3. The adequacy of the Conditions of Consent to ensure water discharge
from Ulan Mine into the Goulburn River is of high quality and mimics
natural flows
4. The impact on groundwater throughout the whole region
5. What the cumulative impact of mining in the region is on the health
and integrity of the Goulburn River
6. The cumulative impact of additional extraction of coal will be on
climate change

I would like to object to this expansion on the grounds of maintaining
good river health and responsibilities to protect the Durridgere State
Conservation Area from "significant impacts on natural heritage
values". There are now three mines operating and seeking to expand in
the area - the additional two are Moolarben and Wilpinjong.
It is essential for an independent water study to be undertaken to
ensure the integrity of the river system, in particular its
groundwater. I have been visiting the area for more than thirty years
and have noticed an impact on the environment, particularly river
health, in recent years. Flows to the Goulburn River are heavily
dependent on discharged treated mine water. At a minimum, mine
controlled water flows to the Goulburn should mimic natural water
flows.

Ideally expansion should be curtailed as part of longer term plans for
Australia and the NSW to shift to renewable energy sources and provide
more consistent and sustainable protection to the State's water
resources.

see attached. Objection.

I object to the Ulan Coal Mine expansion. Any further escalation of coal
mining activity will increase the rate of climate change, which poses
an unacceptable danger to human health and wellbeing now and over the
coming century.

The Climate Change 2014 Synthesis Report Summary for Policymakers
prepared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change*, of which
Australia was a member, makes clear the international consensus
regarding both the future impact of climate change and the
contribution of greenhouse gases to it. Under the best case scenario,
there will be a 1.5 degree Celsius warming of Earth surface
temperature. This can be attributed to human activity, of which fossil
fuel burning is a major element.

The implications of the planet warming for NSW will be profound for
our local agriculture, aquaculture, human activity and future health.

While I note that the Environmental Impact Statement provided asserts
"Impacts to... greenhouse gas emissions... are predicted to be minor
to negligible given the nature of the proposed works." I must dispute
the logic of this. If the aim of the expansion is not to produce a
significant amount of combustible greenhouse-gas producing material I
question the economic purpose of the project proceeding at all.

Further expansion of coal mining activity in this state promotes a
problem, not a solution. We need energy, trade and jobs that improve
the quality of the environment for the life of this planet, not
destroy it.


*attached