NorthConnex

6 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

This is my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

I would like to state that I object to the location of northern ventilation stack and portal exit as described in the EIS.

I am extremely concerned about the following issues, and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning.

My concerns are:

1. That the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack is in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. Vast medical research indicates that air pollution adversely affects the health of human beings, especially young children and aged people, and that there are no safe limits for air pollution. Therefore, any extra pollution from the stack is purely unnecessary to the Wahroonga area, especially given the already existent pollution from the Pacific motorway.

2. That the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack is in a valley location of Wahroonga, which will result in both poor dispersion of concentrated polluting air and high levels of tunnel emission exposure to the community. When there is low wind or no wind, the tunnel emissions will accumulate within the valley and raise exposure levels significantly among the local community. When there is strong wind, since both sides of the valley have a low clearance from the top of the stack, the pollutants will be easily blown to adjacent schools, aged care facilities, hospitals and homes. Take Waitara Public School for example; it is only about 450 metres away from the proposed the ventilation stack and its altitude level is much higher than the proposed location of the stack, which will therefore allow strong winds to easily send tunnel pollutants to school grounds.

3. That the project includes future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level and thereby exposing the local population to pollutants. That is, that the Wahroonga community will need to endure pollution from the northern ventilation stack, as well as the northern portal exit emission, alongside the existing pollution that is currently being produced by the M1 motorway. I am also concerned about NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from the current proposal, since these statements cannot be verified.



4. That the air quality modeling of the northern stack in the EIS is based on the background air quality at Lindfield and Prospect. There is no actual background air quality at the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack. The extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations is also used in the EIS, which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location of Wahroonga.

5. That a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney, there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas. Put simply, implementing the project in a densely-populated residential area can be easily avoided when there are plenty of industrial and park land areas further north to the proposed location where the stack can be built instead.

6. That the possibilities of emergency accidents that can occur in the tunnel, such as fire and chemical leaks, will inevitably happen. When these accidents occur, their effects will be ventilated through the stack, which will immediately threaten the lives of those within the Wahroonga area, since the northern stack is situated in the centre of homes, schools, childcare centres, aged care facilities, hospitals and businesses.

7. The loss of property value. Thirteen houses in the vicinity of the proposed northern stack have been sold below the current market value since the project's release. This largely contradicts to the current booming growth of Sydney's property market. Even now, there are a still more properties listed for sale.

I request that the Department of Planning consider the issues raised above and disprove the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack and portal exit as described in EIS. Furthermore, I ask that they consider the relocation of the stack to a non-residential area, such as industrial or park land areas, which can be found approximately 2 kilometres north of the proposed location in Wahroonga.

6 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

This is my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

I would like to state that I object to the location of northern ventilation stack and portal exit as described in the EIS.

I am extremely concerned about the following issues, and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning.

My concerns are:

1. That the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack is in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. Vast medical research indicates that air pollution adversely affects the health of human beings, especially young children and aged people, and that there are no safe limits for air pollution. Therefore, any extra pollution from the stack is purely unnecessary to the Wahroonga area, especially given the already existent pollution from the Pacific motorway.

2. That the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack is in a valley location of Wahroonga, which will result in both poor dispersion of concentrated polluting air and high levels of tunnel emission exposure to the community. When there is low wind or no wind, the tunnel emissions will accumulate within the valley and raise exposure levels significantly among the local community. When there is strong wind, since both sides of the valley have a low clearance from the top of the stack, the pollutants will be easily blown to adjacent schools, aged care facilities, hospitals and homes. Take Waitara Public School for example; it is only about 450 metres away from the proposed the ventilation stack and its altitude level is much higher than the proposed location of the stack, which will therefore allow strong winds to easily send tunnel pollutants to school grounds.

3. That the project includes future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level and thereby exposing the local population to pollutants. That is, that the Wahroonga community will need to endure pollution from the northern ventilation stack, as well as the northern portal exit emission, alongside the existing pollution that is currently being produced by the M1 motorway. I am also concerned about NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from the current proposal, since these statements cannot be verified.



4. That the air quality modeling of the northern stack in the EIS is based on the background air quality at Lindfield and Prospect. There is no actual background air quality at the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack. The extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations is also used in the EIS, which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location of Wahroonga.

5. That a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney, there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas. Put simply, implementing the project in a densely-populated residential area can be easily avoided when there are plenty of industrial and park land areas further north to the proposed location where the stack can be built instead.

6. That the possibilities of emergency accidents that can occur in the tunnel, such as fire and chemical leaks, will inevitably happen. When these accidents occur, their effects will be ventilated through the stack, which will immediately threaten the lives of those within the Wahroonga area, since the northern stack is situated in the centre of homes, schools, childcare centres, aged care facilities, hospitals and businesses.

7. The loss of property value. Thirteen houses in the vicinity of the proposed northern stack have been sold below the current market value since the project's release. This largely contradicts to the current booming growth of Sydney's property market. Even now, there are a still more properties listed for sale.

I request that the Department of Planning consider the issues raised above and disprove the proposed location of the northern ventilation stack and portal exit as described in EIS. Furthermore, I ask that they consider the relocation of the stack to a non-residential area, such as industrial or park land areas, which can be found approximately 2 kilometres north of the proposed location in Wahroonga.

Please find below my/our submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I/we would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

I/We have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4. I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d) the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. I/we am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9. I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2. An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3. To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7. Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9. The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

7 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below our submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly we would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

We have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, we are concerned about:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. Our home is only 500 metres from the proposed ventilation stack

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. We are highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4. We are concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. We are also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. We are concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. We are concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. We are concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d) the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. We are concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9. We are concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address our concerns we request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2. An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3. To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7. Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9. The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Rod and Robin Besier
Villa 2, 11-17 Jubilee Street
WAHROONGA NSW 2076

As a resident of Oakes Rd I'm very concerned about the fact that this project seems to planned very badly.
First, the findings of the Pearlman inquiry seem to be ignored.
Second, the south stack is not planned in ideal location.
Third, reliability of results of plume dispersal is in doubt. Impact on air quality cannot be measured.
4 no commitment to monitor air quality after 12months
5 ridiculous heavy vehicle route during construction
6 excessive noise for residents adjacent to M2.
7 environmental damage to Blue Gum Creek
8 lack of direct connection from southbound tunnel to M2 east
9 impact on local roads after tunnel completion
My family is worried that Transurban is cutting corners in trying to RUSH this proposal trough

7th September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Enionment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly, I would like to state that I OBJECT TO THE PROJECT as described in the EIS.

I have great concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. With regard to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about the following:-

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga where 9300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. I live in Coonanbarra Road, between Lochville Street and Bareena Avenue, and the thought of an unfiltered ventilation stack just across the freeway from where I live is a cause of great concern to me.

2. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

To address my concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. Due to the significant health concerns of the current project design, I request the department of planning does not approve the project in it's present form.

2. I also request that alternative transport options to ease the congestion on Pennant Hills Road be considered such as an orbital surface route.

Thank you.

I wish to object to the project as described in the EIS.
I have significant concerns with the following issues and request that they be seriously considered by NorthConnex and the Dept. of Planning

1. The southern ventilation stack is in close proximity of heavily populated areas. The lack of filtration or scrubbing of emissions will result in heavy concentrations of pollutants over these populated areas.

2. There are multiple research studies suggesting impacts of heavy concentrations of air pollutants on health are serious including death from heart disease,stroke,increased asthma and autism in children.

3. Lack of ventilation in the tunnel will lead to dangerous levels of pollutants in the confined space in peak hour traffic and times of congestion or traffic disruption as identified in the EIS.

The proposed location of the southern portal will increase, not alleviate, traffic congestion at the junction of Pennant Hills Road and the M2. This will defeat the intention of improving travel times along Pennant Hills Road. The continuing pollution from congested traffic and the additional emissions from the stack further concentrates pollutants and increases the health risks to the neighbouring population.

The exit and entrance portals for western bound and sourced traffic should be on the M2 some distance west of the Pennant Hills Road junction.


To address these concerns with the current project design I request the Dept. of Planning as a precautionary principle not approve the project in its current form and require the proponents to provide more acceptable solutions.

September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

I have a huge level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
The use of a coarse topographical model
The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

I am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised,
A full guarantee be given to my children and I that there is no (meaning zero chance) of any negative health impacts as a result of this proposal - now and in the future. This guarantee must be without condition and irrevocable.
An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.









Rhys Harvey
82 Woonona Avenue
Waharoonga, NSW 2076

7 September

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS. I am 9 years old and live in 300 metres from the proposed stack and go to school 700 metres away from the proposed stack.

At school we are taught that the environment is the most important thing and that we should keep our air clean and recycle, so that energy isn't used to make more things and pollute our world.

I oblject to:

I feel very worried for myself, my little brother and my friends that we will have a stack in our road.

I would like North Connex to prove that alternative locations would not work. I would like them to think of what is right for our community and protect my health and the health of my family. Not just that it would cost more.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Ryan Harvey
82 Woonona Avenue
Wahroonga

7 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

I have a huge level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
The use of a coarse topographical model
The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

I am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised,
A full guarantee be given to my children and I that there is no (meaning zero chance) of any negative health impacts as a result of this proposal - now and in the future. This guarantee must be without condition and irrevocable.
An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.









Tracey Harvey
82 Woonona Avenue
Waharoonga, NSW 2076

7 September

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS. I am 6 years old and live in 300 metres from the proposed stack and go to school 700 metres away from the proposed stack.

At school we are taught that the environment is the most important thing and that we should keep our air clean and recycle, so that energy isn't used to make more things and pollute our world.

I oblject to:

I feel very worried for myself, my family and my friends that we will have a stack in our road.

I would like North Connex to prove that alternative locations would not work. I would like them to think of what is right for our community and protect my health and the health of my family. Not just that it would cost more.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Oliver Harvey
82 Woonona Avenue
Wahroonga

7 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my/our submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly We would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

Our family resides in Arcadia and our two daughters are booked to attend Abbotsleigh school for girls, starting in 2018.

We have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4. I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d) the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. We am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9. I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2. An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3. To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7. Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9. The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Angus and Melissa Davies
4 Sunnyridge Rd Arcadia NSW 2159

7 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my/our submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly We would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

Two of my grandchildren live within 800 metres of the proposed site of the Wahroonga stack and their school, Abbotsleigh School for Girls is even closer.

We have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4. I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d) the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. We am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9. I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2. An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3. To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7. Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9. The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Trevor Duff
8 Ada St Cremorne NSW 2090

7 September 2014

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 2001

Via online form: http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=6136

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my/our submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly We would like to state we object to the project as described in the EIS.

I am a retired person living in Arcadia. Two of my grandchildren live in the immediate vicinity of the proposed Wahroonga stack. All four of my grandchildren are booked to attend Abbotsleigh school for girls. the school sits less than 500 metres from the site at which over one tonne of unfiltered concentrated pollution will, each month, spew forth. this is NOT ok. filter it or move it

We have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4. I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d) the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. We am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9. I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2. An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3. To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7. Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9. The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Shirley Duff
4 Sunnyridge Rd Arcadia NSW 2159

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I would like to state that I object to the project as described in the EIS.

I have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4. I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to have exceedences above standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d) the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. I am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9. I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2. An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3. To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7. Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9. The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

Firstly I would like to state that I object to the project as described in the EIS.

I have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1.Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2.The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3.I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.

4.I am concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. I am also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5.I am concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6.I am concerned about the air quality within the tunnel which is shown in the EIS to exceed standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7.I am concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a)extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b)The use of a coarse topographical model
c)The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga
d)the background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8.I am concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas.

9.I am concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is cursory and unconvincing.

To address my/our concerns I request that the following actions are undertaken:

1.The air quality and human health impact assessment need to be revised to address the issues raised above.
2.An independent options assessment process should be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3.To undertake a Life Cycle Analysis and assessment for the provision of filtration
4.A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
5.A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
6.An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
7.Portal emissions from NorthConnex in the future are banned.
8.The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
9.The Department does not approve the project in its current form as it clearly does not meet the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Firstly we would like to state that we object to the project as described in the EIS.

We are a retired couple living about 650 meters away from the proposed site of the exhaust.stack of the NorthConnex. Our two young grandchildren are attending kindergarten and primary school in this suburb. We strongly believe that the proposed twin-stack ventilation of the nine-kilometre tunnel motorway, when complete, will result in a very high and unacceptable level of risk that will well exceed established regulatory thresholds. Such risk will also have a clear and unacceptable community health implications to residents especially the young and the old.

We have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, we are concerned about:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission.

3. The unfiltered exhaust air from the tunnel must be filtered before it released into the surrounding area.

We would like your Department to consider the following points:

(1) Thorough Review of the Present Stack Design, Location and Siting: The present stack design, location and height must be carefully reviewed to reduce their health, environmental and visual impacts, and ensure that their operation will not impair any air pollution levels in the locality. The stacks must be placed as high as possible and not in a valley. They must therefore have a height of at least 35m. Comprehensive environmental monitoring must be provided as a standard feature of the stack operation.

(2) Inclusion of Effective Air Filtration System: An effective air filtration system must be immediately considered for inclusion to address related environmental issues and its cost-effectiveness. Overseas experience and innovation in filtration equipment have showed that the dangerous components of vehicle pollution could be economically removed from Northconnex by using electrostatic precipitators and other new gas treatment systems. Currently, many similar systems are in use in tunnels in Australia, Europe, Japan and other parts of the world, as their effectiveness has been proven by international experts.

We are pro-environment, and do appreciate the improvement that will be made to the traffic congestion along Pennant Hills Road once the NorthConnex is completed. However we do want your Department to consider carefully the environmental impact on our community and the long-term health impact to the residents in this community. We hope that your Department will consider our input seriously and carefully.
Finally, we would declare that we have not made any donation to any political party in Australia.

The Parish Council of St Paul's Anglican Church Wahroonga is generally supportive of the project in principle; however have the following concerns which need to be addressed:

1) Regarding the additional right turn lane northbound on Pennant Hills Rd being installed at Pearces Corner (due to anticipated increases in traffic volume once the tunnel is in place); that RMS determines an appropriate way that parishioners, preschool parents and other users of the church facilities are able to safely exit the church grounds onto the Pacific Highway in a timely manner (noting that this is already a problem under current traffic volumes). Measures may include one or more of the following:

a) The construction of a new entrance / exit directly into the Church car park from Ingram Rd / the Pacific Highway.
b) "Keep Clear" markings (which would need to be installed and maintained by RMS) on the Pacific Highway on the road at the point of exit.
c) Appropriate traffic light phasing.

2) That construction of the additional right turn lane at Pearces Corner and any movement of spoil from the tunnel drilling via Pearces Corner does not occur on a Sunday noting that we have services at 8am, 9:45am and 7pm. The church and church hall is also used by various church and community groups at various times during the week both day and night and any noise generated by the construction of the M1-M2 link should not affect the ability of worshippers at church and hall users to participate in the services / communicate with each other. The amenity of the staff, parents and children at the Peter Rabbit Community Preschool on the church premises should also not be affected by construction / construction related activities.

3) Due to adverse health effects associated with air pollution from car/truck exhausts, that further consideration be given to the use of filtration and/or moving the Northern Ventilation Stack northbound into an industrial or forested area rather than concentrating it in a residential area in close proximity to the Rectory, Assistant Minister's residence, parishioners homes, nursing homes, schools, preschools and child care centres.

I'm a father of 2 young children living very close to Pennant Hills Road. While I think that the project will benefit me personally with less pollution on Pennant Hills Road in the short term, I'm primarily concerned about the location of the Northern Ventilation Stack and the health effects associated with the stack on the local community.

Despite what NorthConnex / RMS say, I understand from an independent forum organised by doctors in the area that there is no safe level of air pollution (particularly in relation to micro particles) and that it may cost 26c per journey to filter the tunnel. With a toll that is likely to be at least $7 - 10 once the tunnel is completed, I think that 26c out of that to improve public health in the area is a small price to pay. While the use of filtration on the M5 East may not have been successful, I understand that filtration is being used on car tunnels in Japan quite successfully.

I have also been told about the inversion layer and am concerned that with such low ventilation stack height that the concentrated air pollution going out of the stack may result in a fumigating effect on the local neighbourhood. I'm also concerned that certain atmospheric conditions may result in the fumes being directed onto specific houses / locations and that NorthConnex cannot guarantee that this will not occur. In addition, I understand that a number of calculations have been made in the EIS using data from Terry Hills which is a lot more winder that Wahroonga. These need to be adjusted using local data. This may require the bureau of meteorology to setup monitoring equipment in the Hornsby area.

Lastly, I understand from reading the Air Quality section of the EIS that "Air quality in the vicinity of the project would be
monitored for a specified time period following project
opening". This is far too vague and I understand that this "specified period" will be for no longer than 12 months. Why isn't air quality going to be monitored on an ongoing basis so that the output from the stacks in 10 - 20 years time when traffic volumes have increased can be measured? Doing this should be a condition of approval.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I submit a response to the exhibition of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed NorthConnex project.

I am an eye specialist and my wife is a primary school teacher. We have 3 children below the age of 10 who attend local schools in the Wahroonga area. Last year we purchased a property in Lochville St, with a view to becoming long-term residents of this leafy suburb situated so close to the natural beauty of the Kuringai national park.

I frequently drive along Pennant Hills Rd, travelling to and from Westmead Hospital where I work as a staff specialist ophthalmic surgeon. I also frequently travel on the M1 to the Central Coast. Whilst I acknowledge the importance of reducing truck traffic on Pennant Hills Rd and support the NorthConnex project in principle, my wife and I have strong objections to the NorthConnex project as described in the EIS.

We have serious concerns regarding a range of issues and request that these be considered by NorthConnex and the Department of Planning. These concerns are listed below:

1. Placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of such a densely populated residential area, where more than 9000 school children will be exposed to concentrated motor vehicle pollutants, along with residents of aged care facilities, hospitals, local businesses and homes. We believe this places our children at risk.

2. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley in Wahroonga where there are often low wind speeds, which may result in poor dispersion of concentrated pollutants and exposure of the community to high levels of tunnel emissions.

3. Multiple large-scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are serious. These include increased death from heart disease, increased risks of lung cancer, stroke, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems. I have a PhD in molecular biology and I know very well the mechanisms by which carcinogens can lead to cancer. These large-scale epidemiological studies should not be ignored.

4. We are concerned about the project including future provisions for portal emissions in densely populated areas, which will result in emissions remaining at ground level, and hence exposing the local population to pollutants. We are also concerned that NorthConnex's claim that there will be no portal emissions from current proposal cannot be verified.

5. We are concerned about the large amount of diesel emissions which will be emitted from the NorthConnex tunnel, as it is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Rd. Diesel emissions have been classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation, and also contain a larger number of fine particles which penetrate deep into lung tissue and remain there causing inflammation.

6. We are concerned about the air quality within the tunnel, which is shown in the EIS to exceed the standards for pollutants such as NO2, and haze from particulate matter at the ends of the tunnel.

7. We are concerned about the multiple flaws in the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS. These include:
a) extrapolation of meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.
b) The use of a coarse topographical model.
c) The failure to consider polluted intake air from the Pennant Hills/M2 interchange as part of the project contribution to air quality at Wahroonga.
d) The background air quality being based on air quality at Lindfield and Prospect and the lack of any actual data on PM2.5

8. We are concerned that a full and transparent options assessment process was not undertaken to assess alternative designs for the project. Unlike other tunnel projects in Sydney there are alternatives for locating the stack and portals in non-residential areas. One such alternative is the Equilibria Proposal, which proposes an extension of the M1-M2 tunnel 1km longer than the current proposal. This proposal locates the northern stack adjacent to a Hornsby industrial area, not immediate to Wahroonga residents.

9. We are concerned that the justification for not providing filtration for the stacks is perfunctory and lacks evidence.

We request that the following steps be taken to address our concerns:

1. The air quality and human health impact assessment be revised to address the issues listed above.

2. An independent options assessment process be undertaken to assess alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals; this should include consideration of the Equilibria Proposal.

3. A Life Cycle Analysis and assessment be undertaken for the provision of filtration.

4. A long-term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.

5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program be developed and implemented.

6. An independent review of the ventilation system be undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.

7. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.

8. The Department not approve the project in its current form as it is not consistent with the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development as required by the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

We thank you for your consideration.