NorthConnex

7 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

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are the XXXX family, living at XXXX. We have two young kids, our son goes to XXXX and our daughter studies at XXXX.

Since the NorthConnex project announced, we have had great concerns because our home is about 500 meters from the proposed northern ventilation stack, our daughter's school is even closer to the polluted stack and our son's school is not far away.

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 very 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 mainly concerned about:


1. The placement of the northern ventilation stack in a valley close to our home where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to us to very high levels of tunnel emission.

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. We are concerned that the value of our house will drop and the investment we put in renovation will not be paid back because of the ventilation stack close by.

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.

Best regards
XXXX

While I am in favour of a solution to ease traffic congestion and facilitate long haul freight movements from the M2 to the M1, I feel there are some major flaws in the proposal put forward by Transurban ie The North Connex Tunnel as detailed in the EIS.

The EIS does not show on any model the connection between the ventilation stack and the southbound tunnel. All air quality studies were done on this model in the EIS, so how can it be correct.? At the very least we should be provided with details of what ventilation is proposed for the southbound tunnel. based on accurate modelling.

We have been told repeatedly by Transurban that the most efficient location of a ventilation stack is at the exit portal. The ventilation stack should be located immediately above the exit portal on the corner of Pennant Hills Golf Course and the M2. Why is it being positioned so close to homes ? Purchase of Golf Course land is a priority not only
because of its position over the exit portal but also its elevation above the West Pennant Hills Valley for maximum disbursement of tunnel emissions.
There are NO SAFE LEVEL OF DIESEL EMMISIONS. The stack must be filtered .
Construction of buildings , tunneling and many many truck movements is going to be hard enough on local residents without NorthConnex using our local streets for construction traffic. It is totally unacceptable to expect local streets to cope with this volume . Construction vehicles should turn right onto the M2 from Pennant Hills Rd , drive to the Windsor Rd passover , double back along the M2 and access the construction compound directly by the creation of a ramp from the M2. If the Windsor Rd passover is deemed too far then a purpose built bridge could be built over the M2 to turn the trucks around.
Residential properties along the M2 and close to construction compounds should have immediate restoration and preservation of the landscape bordering their properties to lessen the impact of imposing structures so close to their property boundaries.
I would like further on-going consultation with the local community in particular about changes made to the EIS as a result of the submission sent by concerned residents.

Director - Infrastructure Projects
Department of Planning and Environment
Number: SSI 13_6136
Major Projects Assessment
GPO Box 39
SYDNEY NSW 200
NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136
Please find below my submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex. As it does NOT meet the project objectives listed below.
I am in the high risk group to the effects of pollution. Since I am a senior citizen who will be caring for grandchildren only 300 metres from this stack. I have grave concerns for our health and that of the community.

My concerns are summarized below.
Firstly Health concerns from the pollutants.
Silica, Asbestos, tyre waste. Carbon Monoxide, etc.
Change of character of area and environment.
Change of economy due to perception of Polluted area.
Devaluation of properties in the immediate area of portals and stacks.
Destruction of life style during a 5 year period of construction.
Noise and smell from Northern ventilation outlet.
Destruction of heritage character of the area.

I also endorse the Submission by the CAPS group. I have viewed this submission.












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

As it does NOT meet the project objectives listed below.
* Provide a high standard access controlled motorway that integrates with the
regional transport network.
* Minimise adverse social and environmental impacts in the local area during
construction and operation.
* Provide opportunities for improved public transport in the area around Pennant
Hills Road.
* Assist in a reduction in traffic congestion, particularly along Pennant Hills Road,
and provide shorter travel times for road users.
* Provide a motorway that is safe and reliable for road users.
* Contribute towards the achievement of the national objective of connecting
Melbourne to Brisbane via a duplicated highway in order to improve the efficient
movement of state and national freight, and in doing so, reduce costs for freight
operators and carriers.
* Contribute towards a reduction in the number of heavy vehicles using Pennant
Hills Road and as a result improve local air quality and noise amenity along that
corridor.
* Demonstrate excellence in design and environmental sustainability.
* Be economically justified and affordable to government











In addressing the objectives.

* Provide a high standard access controlled motorway that integrates with the
regional transport network.
1.
The majority of through traffic exiting the M1 at Wahroonga travel along the Pacific Highway, rather than along Pennant Hills Road. Unless Central Coast commuters find employment in locations other than Sydney's CBD and North Shore, logic dictates that congestion on both road and rail networks will increase as the population does, and in line with the natural growth of the labour market in Sydney City.


2.
The outer orbital or route C would be the best option this is actually written in the Eis the Pearlman review 2007. The Orbital is anticipated to meet the demands of the future transport requirements. The project would meet existing transport demands and relieve existing congestion issues on a key section of the National Land Transport Network.


3.
The orbital would prevent the disruption and destruction of a huge area over a five year period. Which is huge chunk out of anyone life.

4.
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.

5.
In general, the construction of new toll roads tended to induce more traffic on to alternative free roads.

6.
Additionally, a state government website boasts that fifty percent of heavy vehicles and thirty per cent of light vehicles are forecast to use NorthConnex. The economics of building a $3bn road tunnel for only thirty per cent of cars and fifty per cent of trucks doesn't seem to add up, and that's if motorists opt for NorthConnex at all

7.
However the route that the road should take is crucial. It's clear that NorthConnex is not only short-sighted in this regard (as it will eventually be superseded by the M9), but it will not solve ongoing traffic issues on the Pacific Highway, and will only slightly help the situation on Pennant Hills Road.


8. All in the name of financial reward for a private enterprise.

Solution to the above:
Reassess the whole project in non-hurried manner.( Tony Abbott has just stated the Pink Batts debacle was due to a rushed job.
Put health at the top of the list.
Only then will the community readily accept the proposal.


Minimise adverse social and environmental impacts in the local area during
construction and operation.

As a long-time resident I do not see this as achieved in the Eis


1. As they have chosen to locate 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. They propose to tunnel under homes and schools. Great disruption will occur because of this example of this from the EIS

The Early Childhood Intervention Australia site at North Rocks is predicted to
experience external noise levels up to 62 dB(A) during the daytime. As a result,
internal noise levels may exceed the applicable traffic noise criterion of 40 dB(A)

3. The compulsory acquisition of families' homes.

4. Unmeasurable amounts of spoils with be removed and transported through the neighbour hoods. These spoils will be sandstone which contain silica a substance as carcinogenic as asbestos. It is proposed to wet the spoils.

5. There will be noise from the stack. This has not been address in the Eis.

Solution.This requires independent management of the project to ensure the public's safety.

The Ventilation stacks


1.Two stacks will concentrate the pollution from the tunnels into 2 residential areas.

2,The clean air to be put into the tunnel will actually come from the very polluted air of Pennant hills road.

3.The stack is not of good design it is only 15 meters high.

4.Existing vegetation will be removed exposing the structures of the Northern ventilation stack. This stack by no way fits into the local area.

5.The stacks will spew unfiltered pollution up into the atmosphere.

6.Monitoring of tunnel exhaust is proposed. But The World Health Organisation states that no amount of particulate matter is safe, and those living in close proximity to these stacks will be the most effected.

7.The Nsw Health dept. has carried out surveys on health in areas where stacks are located


Reference.
http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2006/WHO_SDE_PHE_OEH_06.02_eng.pdf





6.10.1 Limitations of residential exposure information



In order to assess the potential health effects on communities living around road tunnels, accurate estimates of any increased exposure to air pollutants due to the road tunnel are required.
As detailed in earlier chapters, the available information suggests that, with the exception of homes near tunnel portals where there are significant emissions, any exposure to tunnel air pollutants is unlikely to be significantly above background levels.

Ref: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/eh42.pdf

With regards to predicted air quality, the EIS reports that "...the low levels of predicted pollutant concentrations do not indicate that further mitigation would be required for the operation of the tunnel." (EIS, Appendix G, p.169) However, in applying the precautionary principle, sufficient research and continued monitoring should be included to avoid exceedances in air quality and potential health impacts on the local community.

8.Monitoring of tunnel exhausts are carried out on the M5 tunnel only to be found they illegally used the portal to exhaust the tunnel.

9. Northconnex failed to put monitoring stations in the location where the stacks will be located. Taking their air quality stats from as far away as 20klms. From areas that do not have a similar microclimate of Wahroonga.

10. Whether perceived or factually informed the community do not believe there will negligible air pollution.
This can be seen my simply looking at the amount of homes that have been put on the market and in my small street.

11. Public/stakeholder consultation process has been criticised in the past, but it seems was improved recently in the lead up to the EIS and after its release. However, it has failed to translate many of the concerns that were raised during earlier consultation stages. This includes three out of five of the main issues highlighted by stakeholders in the 2004 report - ventilation outlets (predominantly issues around number and location of outlets), general concerns about air quality, and health impacts (NorthConnex EIS, p.219). Although it has been stated that such feedback was considered as part of the recent design development, the EIS fails to sufficiently address and respond effectively to the public health concerns of local residents.

12. The Public notification process was abysmal. With me having to go and get the local MP'S Office to order more copies so I could distribute. They would not implement anything to give the public a greater understanding of stacks. Extract from a letter to me.
Dear Mrs O'Neill

At this stage, the project team has not further considered facilitating a visit to existing ventilation outlets in Sydney as the focus currently on the finalisation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The design of the ventilation system, including the outlets themselves are unique to this project proposal and the existing sites do not relate to the current project's assessment.

13. The noise from the stack has not been addressed adequately or explained at any of the meetings. I have been to the Turrella stack the noise from it can be heard over the industrial noises in the industrial area it is located in. They have not addressed any low frequency noise that will endanger health.

14. Residents flee Woonona Ave.



15. Homes in Woonona Ave have sold since the proposal became known they are.

Street numbers are.
54,56,58,60,62,66,68,82,86 104,45a,25,29,42.
Other streets in our little residential pocket are also experiencing the same.

This a well above average numbers. I know for a fact both neighbours on either side of me sold because of health fears.






Solution all of the above can be address by moving the stack North of Wahroonga to an industrial area. Like the Lane Cove stack is and the Turrella stack are.
There has been no attempt to make the look stack fit in with the surrounding homes. Most homes are brick. The stack should also be built of brick similar to that of the stack at Turella.
One of the most prominent schools in the area Knox grammer have always been very careful with the schools extensions and are built of brick and sandstone in keeping the general ambiance of Wahroonga and exception should not be allow for this proposal.I attach a photo to draw this to your attention.






































Heritage Listing Area Gazetted by State Government.

In August 2004 Hornsby Council resolved to progress a study to assess the potential heritage
significance of Wahroonga (North) as a heritage conservation area. The study resulted from a
petition by local residents which sought protection of the heritage and streetscape qualities of
Wahroonga in the area bounded by Myra Street, Alexandria Parade, Edgeworth David Avenue
and the F3 Freeway.


1. It should be noted how long it took to get this area listed. It was gazetted by the State Government. Knowing it was now heritage listed people spent money on improvements.

2. If the proposal goes ahead as planned it will be open slather for any developer to come in and destroy the area even further.


3. The artist impression of what we will be looking at is similar to a container terminal in a dock yard.
4.
The existing house depicts the eclectic styles of housing from the multi-cultural population who have made Wahroonga the sought after area to reside. Mixed with older heritage homes.
5. Wahroonga has always been known as a village. We have a local park that is more like a village green.
Young mothers gather there with babies for mothers clubs
Early morning exerciser can be seen there at 6am. Other exercisers right through the day.
The rotunda in the park is popular spot for weddings and birthday parties.
Local events are held there i.e Food fare.
A play area has recently been upgrades.

All this within 500 metres of this polluting stack.



Solutions: Take the stack out of the residential area.

1.Maximise consideration to maintain the charter of this area.

2.The prefabricated look of the stack does not fit in. It should be constructed of brick.

3. Build the stack from brick or clad in Sandstone. Sandstone is being removed from the tunnel therefore it should be a good medium choice for construction.
The Turrella stack is construction of brick.
There has been no attempt to make the look stack fit in with the surrounding homes. Most homes are brick. The stack should also be built of brick similar to that of the stack at Turella.
One of the most prominent schools in the area Knox grammer have always been very careful with the schools extensions and are built of brick and sandstone in keeping the general ambiance of Wahroonga and exception should not be allow for this proposal.I attach a photo to draw this to your attention

4.Wahroonga is renowned for it's leafy tree lined streets. Therefore more densely planting should be done than what is depicted in the Eis..

Lost will be blue gum high forest. Tree experts need to be hired to address this issue.


From existing to artists impression from this to that. Insane


 


 


Attached photos taken by me of what Wahroonga actually experiences. Heavy fogs that don't lift till around 10am.
 
.
Appendix G acknowledges potential circumstances of high background pollutant concentrations supporting the need for mitigation, such as filtration. Whilst the data reviewed shows there is no need for further mitigation to prevent exceedances in the local area, the application of the precautionary principle means that mitigation measures need to be taken to avoid any risks. There is a need to continue to collect real data during and following project development. This should include monitoring at the site of ventilation outlets, which are of significant concern for the local community


5.In the EIS their data for the dangerous particulate matter came from 20km away at Prospect! This is dangerous carcinogenic PM 2.5... That is really tiny particles which enter deep into the lungs, (pm1 even smaller does more damage: coined as asbestos of this century, hasn't been measured anywhere)

6. Lindfield was used to measure Pm10 ( no smaller particles measure there)
It is with this data and the very wrong assumption in their calculations that the air from Southern end of the tunnel at pennant hills road and m2 intersection is clean air ( it is actually one of the busiest and most polluted intersections in Australia) and using meteorological data from nowhere near Wahroonga (ie places with significant breezes and wind) that they conclude that there will be no health impact from the proposed stack.


7. Wahroonga often has almost no breeze most days, and they propose to have the stack in a valley, further increasing the pollution for residents and school kids.

8. The proposed area for the stack is in a heritage listed area they have already purchase residential properties to build their factory like structures.

9.They have not addressed in the Eis how they propose to safe guard the heritage listed homes.
No submission how they will protect them from damage or noise impact.
A heritage listed home has to be sensitively modified.


Solutions to these impacts can be.

A. Tunnel further along the M1 into less residential and educational precincts. Moving the Northern stack into an industrial area. Same as the location of the Lane Cove and Turrella stacks.
There appears to be a case for environmental discrimination if these stacks are place in residential areas.

B. Cut and cover from the proposed Northern portal to take the traffic further North at a much reduce cost of tunnelling. As the cover can be prefabricated. The stack and portal could be located even further north and into less populated area.
Northconnex Northern ventilation facility already incorporates cut and cover engineering into the northern tunnel exit. So it would be just a matter of continuing the cut and cover method for another 2 klms which would take the portal and the ventilation facility away from the residential area. Giving more options on where to place the stack.

C. Filter the tunnel.

D. The outer orbital or route C would be the best option this is actually written in the Eis the Pearlman review 2007. The Orbital is anticipated to meet the demands of the future transport requirements. The project would meet existing transport demands and relieve existing congestion issues on a key section of the National Land Transport Network.



*Provide opportunities for improved public transport in the area around Pennant
Hills Road.

This statement presumes that there will be less traffic. Whereas the Eis states vehicles carrying dangerous goods cannot enter the tunnel therefore this leaves Pennant Hills much as it is today.

Northconnex: quote return local streets to local community.
Similar statements used with cross city tunnel make William Street a boulevard
well William street is still the dirt street it has always been and does not come close to the appearance of a boulevard.















































*Assist in a reduction in traffic congestion, particularly along Pennant Hills Road,
and provide shorter travel times for road users.

This equates to 15mins the same thing could be achieved by.
Solutions.
1. Removal of some of the traffic lights there are plenty of alternate back roads for residents to enter Pennant hills road.

2. As most of the schools pavement areas are fenced. The school zone area could be revised.

3. Trucks could be limited to certain hours in the night and flashing amber lights utilized.











































*Provide a motorway that is safe and reliable for road users.


1. Transurban cannot presume it will be any safer than the route now. As even if dangerous goods not allowed, any vehicle carrying diesel is a danger.

2. Transurban cannot guarantee the mechanical safety of the heavy vehicles in the tunnel.
E.G Cootes transport and Cleanaway have had to pull their entire fleet of the road.



3. Also cars travelling in the two lane tunnel alongside heavy vehicles are at risk because these vehicles have blinds spots when smaller vehicles are travelling in close vicinity to them.


4. They propose fines on vehicles with dirty exhausts in the tunnel. Why have they not just proposed to have vehicles with dirty exhausts stopped from entering the tunnel in the first place by having cameras on the motorway prior to the entrance of the tunnel?

More people in the world die from the effects of air pollution than from vehicle accidents.

The motorway should be safe for residents also.

The Eis did not do modelling on what would happen in the event of a fire in the tunnel. The project team say the consulted with the fire department. They did not have a disaster plan.

The pollution should not be concentrated and pushed out of 2 stacks. At one point in time it was to be 3 stacks. But because of the lack of community consultation we were never privilege with viewing the other 2 tenders' options. Even though we the tax payer would be paying 1/3 of the tunnels cost.






























*Contribute towards the achievement of the national objective of connecting
Melbourne to Brisbane via a duplicated highway in order to improve the efficient
movement of state and national freight, and in doing so, reduce costs for freight
operators and carriers.

More time and planning should be given to their proposal. The ring route from the M1 to the M7 was the best conception. But that did not allow Transurban to collect tolls on the M2.
They in fact will be putting more costs on the freight operators and carriers by way of more tolls.

















































*Contribute towards a reduction in the number of heavy vehicles using Pennant
Hills Road and as a result improve local air quality and noise amenity along that
Corridor.

The heavy vehicle number will reduce on Pennant hills road. Air quality will not improve and more cars will take up the space left by the heavy vehicle as the population of Sydney continues to increase.

Local air quality will be greatly impacted by the location of the portals and stacks in the densely populated residential and educational precincts at each end of the tunnels Wahroonga and Pennant Hills.

Many residents in my street fearing the health impacts have already sold. The old and young are the most vulnerable to this kind of pollution. There is no doubt Australian has a huge aging population.















































*Demonstrate excellence in design and environmental sustainability.

They have not demonstrated excellence in design nor environmental sustainability.

1..They have not even considered filtration. This is only based on cost. Also the experiment of filtration in the M5 tunnel which was not conducted as it should have been.

2. Transurban have presumed the sound walls are adequate. The existing ones are not. They even in fact have many gaps. Taking down the sound walls will make living nearby unbearable.

3. Quote from newspaper states the premier said the tunnel was pretty ordinary.

.












































*Be economically justified and affordable to government.

1.The tunnel may appear affordable to the government. But at the expense of residents health the health cost in the future will flow on to the Health system in Australia.


2.Spending on cancer has risen at a slightly faster rate than total health spending in recent years, according to a report released today by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW).


3.Other financial cost to residents will be their houses will be devalued.
The value of the homes in close proximity will lose value when the construction commences no one wants to live in a construction zone for the next 5 years.


4. Many residents in my street fearing this have already sold. Some have sold because of the health impacts. The noise impact and dust impacts.


5.The value of the homes will further lose value when the stack start to spew out its cancer causing pollution.

6.Transurban will reap their wealth and we will all suffer the health impacts and financial loss of our homes for many which is their retirement fund.
I know it is mine, many would be self-funded retirees will have to ask for Government pensions.

7.Wahroonga area is renowned for its many schools excellent school. Families come to live in this area because of the schools available.
People research the schools and area before enrolling their children. Having a stack with 9klm of pollution in close proximity to these schools with effect where parents will elect to send their children and their money.

8.Many of these schools have boarding students whom reside most of the year in the area. Whether a perceived or factual health fear it will still effect enrolments. Which will have a flow on effect for the economy of this area.



















+
times equates to 15mins. This could easily have been achieved by the roads that residents could use to cover the same distance.


*Be economically justified and affordable to government.

It appears that this concept for the tunnel is not affordable. Because at every avenue Northconnex say the cost is not justifiable.
1. Costs too much to monitor air quality. ( No monitoring station put in at Wahroonga)
2. Cost too much to distribute the information correctly. Many people and still not aware of what proposed for the upper North Shore. ( I had to distribute their flyers)
3. Costs too much to extend further.
4. Costs too much to filter.
5. Costs too much in time to give due consideration to the residents who needed an 90 day period for the display period of the Eis.

Transurban will reap Billions from road tolls. They have the funds they just bought Brisbane toll road network for 7 Billion.

Overall I am in support of the project and the treatment of environmental impacts as currently available in the public EIS.

There is one area of impact that has not been adequately addressed in the public documentation, that of the impact of adding a new right turn lane exiting the M1 at the Northern Portal at Wahroonga, ie Pennant Hills Road exit.

The aspects of this issue that have not been addressed are:-

Impact on houses on the block directly in front of the new right turn lane ie 16-24 Pennant Hills Road who will, if it goes ahead, have direct headlight polution into their homes. Currently there is no direct headlight polution into any of these homes. This will impact enjoyment and comfort of the homes for at least 8 hours a day (summer) and 14 hours a day (winter).

Increased traffic accidents as a result of the change of direction of some traffic exiting the M1. Currently all traffic turns left at the exit and while the speed limit is reduced to 70kph to turn onto Pennant Hills Road, adding a right turn lane will require a stopping lane that diverts from the current natural flow of traffic and will undoubtedly cause nose/tail accidents as traffic continues to exceed the signed speed limit approaching the current exit and turning left. Introducing the new lane which will be a tighter curve than the left turn, will also introduce the risk of vehicles crashing into the homes located between 18 and 22 Pennant Hills Road.

Increased traffic on Russell Ave Wahroonga as a result of increased access. Current access to Russell Ave is limited but with access significantly eased with the addition of the right turning lane from the M1, traffic will increase doing the 'rat run' into the back streets to Waitara and in particular heading to St Leo's and Barker Schools. Russell Ave has 2 blind corners and is currently a local street only. The nature of the street and volume of traffic will change significantly with the increased access.

Increased traffic northbound on Pennant Hills Rd between M1 exit and Pacific Highway. Exits current exist from the M1 at both Pacific Highway and Pennant Hills Rd which provide vehicluar access to the surrounding area. The addition of a right turning lane to allow traffic to travel northbound along Pennant Hills Road, risks introducing more traffic on this 75m stretch of road without any purpose, in fact some traffic may divert from the Pacific Hwy exit (which has no current residential impact) to the Pennant Hills Rd exit which will have a significant residential impact..

Access to Aaron Place from Pennant Hills Rd. The future of this access has not been addressed but it would be reasonable to assume that it would be closed to facilitiate the traffic exiting the M1 at the new right turn exit 20m prior. This right turn lane allows the residents living on the northbound side of Pennant Hils Road to change direction and head Southbound without entering any residential streets. It also allows the residents of Aaron Place access to their medium densitytownhouses from a southbound direction. Without this access they will have to add approximately 2klms additional travel via Hinemo/Hewitt/Lucinda/Pacific Highway to access their properties when approaching from a southbound direction. Not only will this have a significant impact on the enjoyment of their homes, there will be an increase in polution from extra travel and fuel consumption.

In summary, the environmental impacts relating to these changes by adding a right turn exit lane from the M1 onto Pennant Hills Road have not been provided to the impacted residents and wider community. As a result the overall plan can only be supported to the EXCLUSION of the proposed right turn exit from the M1 to Pennant Hills Rd.

Overall I am in support of the project and the treatment of environmental impacts as currently available in the public EIS.

There is one area of impact that has not been adequately addressed in the public documentation, that of the impact of adding a new right turn lane exiting the M1 at the Northern Portal at Wahroonga, ie Pennant Hills Road exit.

The aspects of this issue that have not been addressed are:-

Impact on houses on the block directly in front of the new right turn lane ie 16-24 Pennant Hills Road who will, if it goes ahead, have direct headlight polution into their homes. Currently there is no direct headlight polution into any of these homes. This will impact enjoyment and comfort of the homes for at least 8 hours a day (summer) and 14 hours a day (winter).

Increased traffic accidents as a result of the change of direction of some traffic exiting the M1. Currently all traffic turns left at the exit and while the speed limit is reduced to 70kph to turn onto Pennant Hills Road, adding a right turn lane will require a stopping lane that diverts from the current natural flow of traffic and will undoubtedly cause nose/tail accidents as traffic continues to exceed the signed speed limit approaching the current exit and turning left. Introducing the new lane which will be a tighter curve than the left turn, will also introduce the risk of vehicles crashing into the homes located between 18 and 22 Pennant Hills Road.

Increased traffic on Russell Ave Wahroonga as a result of increased access. Current access to Russell Ave is limited but with access significantly eased with the addition of the right turning lane from the M1, traffic will increase doing the 'rat run' into the back streets to Waitara and in particular heading to St Leo's and Barker Schools. Russell Ave has 2 blind corners and is currently a local street only. The nature of the street and volume of traffic will change significantly with the increased access.

Increased traffic northbound on Pennant Hills Rd between M1 exit and Pacific Highway. Exits current exist from the M1 at both Pacific Highway and Pennant Hills Rd which provide vehicluar access to the surrounding area. The addition of a right turning lane to allow traffic to travel northbound along Pennant Hills Road, risks introducing more traffic on this 75m stretch of road without any purpose, in fact some traffic may divert from the Pacific Hwy exit (which has no current residential impact) to the Pennant Hills Rd exit which will have a significant residential impact..

Access to Aaron Place from Pennant Hills Rd. The future of this access has not been addressed but it would be reasonable to assume that it would be closed to facilitiate the traffic exiting the M1 at the new right turn exit 20m prior. This right turn lane allows the residents living on the northbound side of Pennant Hils Road to change direction and head Southbound without entering any residential streets. It also allows the residents of Aaron Place access to their medium densitytownhouses from a southbound direction. Without this access they will have to add approximately 2klms additional travel via Hinemo/Hewitt/Lucinda/Pacific Highway to access their properties when approaching from a southbound direction. Not only will this have a significant impact on the enjoyment of their homes, there will be an increase in polution from extra travel and fuel consumption.

In summary, the environmental impacts relating to these changes by adding a right turn exit lane from the M1 onto Pennant Hills Road have not been provided to the impacted residents and wider community. As a result the overall plan can only be supported to the EXCLUSION of the proposed right turn exit from the M1 to Pennant Hills Rd.

I am greatly concerned about the air quality and health issues resulting from the proposed ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, in close proximity to numerous schools, shops, aged care facilities, hospitals and homes.
In particular, I am concerned that the air quality modelling included in the EIS does not take the area's local climatic conditions and topography properly into account, nor propose adequate measurement of the very dangerous ultra-fine particulates that will result from the large traffic volumes, including diesel truck emissions that will be emitted from the stack.
The project should not therefore be approved until these air quality concerns are properly addressed.
If they are not, the NSW Government will be held responsible for endangering the health of the local population, including the many small children that live and go to school in the area. The expert advice of the AMA, University of Sydney, Asthma Foundation and other leaders in public health policy and medical research must not be ignored.

In regards to NorthConnex tunnel, we are concerned about :
1 Placement of the ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in West Pennant Hills where children in places like Murray Farm Public School, Carlingford High School, and numerous child care centres will be exposed as well as multiple businesses and homes.
2 We are highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollution on health are serious.

To address our concerns I request thar the following actions are undertaken:
1 Due to significant health concerns of the current project design, I request the department pf planning does not approve the project in its current form.
2 An independent assessment of alternative locations for the ventilation stack and portals.
3 A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is developed and implemented.
4 An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex claim of no portal emission is justified.
5 Portal emissions fron NorthConnex in the future are banned.
6 The submissioin report/preffered project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.
7 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 Environment Planning and Assessment Act.


Thanking you
Jim Coverdale



8 Hillside Place
West Pennant Hills 2125

I object to the project as described in the EIS
I am concerned at the placement of the stack in a valley at Wahroonga where weather conditions frequently restrict airflow from the site.
I believe more study needs to be undertaken re effects of air pollution on tunnel users and residents living close to proposed stack and especially exit portals.The significant numbers of school children,infants, elderly living in the area should be of great concern to the goverment.
I request that the department of planning does not approve the
project in its current form and that it looks at alternative solutions
eg "equilibria solution", orbital surface route.
Susanne Hunt

1. There is insuffiicient time to study the large EIS and this indicates contempt for the citizens affected by the project.
2. To continue refer to the project as 'unsolicited' is dishonest in the extreme on the part of the NSW Government.
3. There is clear evidence that the initlial 'public consultation' process was selective and intended to avoid those people near to the northern stack most likely to be affected.
4. Minister Gay's comment that fuel fires provide more pollution that exhaust emissions needs to be justified. i believe it is wrong especially since fuel fires are only used on the north shore for a couple of months.
5. Eminent doctors who live locally have spoken most clearly about the dangers of the stacks. If their advice is ignored and their predicitions are realised, a class action will very likely follow.
6. Minister Gay's comment that filtration was ineffective in the M5 east is porobably true but not for the reasons he stated. It was put in by a firm not well versed in such installations and poorly maintained. The correct story is now well on the public record. Adequate filtration is essential wherever the stacks are placed.
7.The absence of a plan to deal with a vehicle fire in the tunnel reflects criminal negligence on the part of the planners. There must be intermediate access points for emergency vehicles and ventilation capacity at intervals along the tunnel length.
8. There needs to be a clear statment as to how during the construction period, dust, noise, traffic dispruption will be controlled.
9. The northern stack and portals need to be moved about 2 km further north into the industrial area around Asquith.
10. The plan to build only 2 lanes 'marked for 3' is vague and displays the lack of firesight that was well evident for example on the M2, M7 and Pacific Highway.

I object to the project as described in the EIS.
I have a high level concern at the proposed placement of the stack and entry and exit portals close to schools, aged car facilities, hospitals and homes.
I believe more study needs to be undertaken regarding the effects of air pollution on tunnel users and residents living close to the stacks and portals.
Even the chief scientist's recent statement suggests further studies should be undertaken.
I request the department of planning does not approve the ptoject in its curreny form.
I request that alternative options be looked including the 'Equilibria" optopn or an orbital surface route.
Peter Hunt

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

First 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 9300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, homes and businesses.
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, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism and congential heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which can 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 its current form.
2. I also request alternative transport options to ease congestion on Pennant Hills Rd be considered such as an orbital surface route.

Megan Pollard
14 Cyrus Ave
Wahroonga NSW 2076

8 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

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 projects as described in the EIS.

I have an extremely high level of concern about 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 smoke 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, homes.

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 risk of lung cancer, stroke, and 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 problem.
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 its current form.

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

I object to the proposed North Connex tunnel. Specifically, I am very concerned about positioning the stacks in the middle of a residential area near so many homes and school. The project needs to be overhauled.

I object to the proposed tunnel in its current form. The stacks are way too close to homes and schools. It will be dangerous for thousands of young children going to school near these stacks. Please rethink the project and make it safe for everyone.

8 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

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 projects as described in the EIS.

I have an extremely high level of concern about 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 smoke 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, homes.

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 risk of lung cancer, stroke, and 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 problem.
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 its current form.

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

8 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

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 projects as described in the EIS.

I have an extremely high level of concern about 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 smoke 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, homes.

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 risk of lung cancer, stroke, and 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 problem.
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 its current form.

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

Dear Department of Planning and Environment,

My submission concerns any potential, actual, perceived or otherwise conflicts of interest between the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (the publicly employed, including the broader elected NSW Government), and those entities involved in the preparation of this EIS including all subsidiaries (publicly known or otherwise).

I would like to be advised of:

1. Any known conflicts of interests between the parties nominated above
2. Any publicly employed staff who have left that employment to enter into employment (as an employee, contractor, director, consultant etc.) with one of the entities involved in the preparation of this EIS
3. Any publicly employed staff member who holds shares, or any other beneficial interest, in any of the entities involved in the preparation of this EIS
4. Any donation received by any NSW Parliamentarian from any of the parties involved in the preparation of this EIS
5. Any NSW Parliamentarian involved in the EIS process who has received donations from Transurban, Lend Lease or any of the other associated subcontractors, suppliers and consultants to the project.
6. Any NSW Department of Planning and Environment staff member who has sold property located within the affected project corridor (as identified by the EIS) in the last 24 months.

Thank you for taking the time to reply to my submission.

8 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

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 projects as described in the EIS.

I have an extremely high level of concern about 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 smoke 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, homes.

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 risk of lung cancer, stroke, and 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 problem.
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 its current form.

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

Maylizca Setiawaty
63 Ferndale Road, Wahroonga 2076 NSW

Dear Sir/Madam,

Ref: NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

I have big concerns in regards to the EIS of NorthConnex.

The northern ventilation stack is placed 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 and hospitals. Surprisely it does not provide any alternative options to be compared for such an important design.

As the tunnel is being designed for heavy freight to bypass Pennant Hills Road, it will definitely have large amount of diesel emissions from the tunnel. 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. It will cause big potential problems on public health.

Even worse, the stack is placed in a valley where there are often low wind speeds, which will result in poor dispersion and exposure to community to high levels of tunnel emission. And the air quality modelling of the northern stack in the EIS is improperly based on the meteorological data from other weather stations which do not reflect the local meteorology, local topography, and the valley location.

From the experience of asbestos, and using the precautionary principal, we should not put any risk on the public health before we really understand what will happen, especially as there are so many schools, age care centres and hospital nearby. The better solution is to extend the stack to non-residential area. To my understanding, there are some other cost effective solutions which can achieve this, we should seriously consider all these solutions.

I am concerned about the low tunnel exhaust ventilation stack that is planned at Wahroonga.
I have grandchildren living nearby, including their school at Warrawee.
If a higher stack was considered necessary for the shorter Lane Cove tunnel it should be even high for a long tunnel because the exhaust fumes concentrated at the stack will be higher as the cars and trucks spend more time in the tunnel.
The only solution is effective particle filtering. If this adds significant cost, it will have to be covered by the toll cost. It should not be at the medical expense of young children.
I know from first hand reports from China what pollution has on young lives, where lung cancer is reported in children as young as 10. I object to the current proposal.