NorthConnex

I am concerned about the building of unfiltered stacks for the tunnel and the resulting pollution in surrounding suburbs.

But my main concern is that this money is yet again for car and truck infrastructure when we all know we should be building public rail and light rail and bike ways to reduce emissions. Climate change is real and transport accounts for 15%. Studies have shown that if you build more roads you just get more cars. More cars =more pollution above ground and below ground!

Please see attached document

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

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

There are 2 major concerns with respect to the project that I believe are wholly unsustainable in this fay an age of environmental and health awareness.

The first issue is the placement of an unfiltered ventilation stack in the middle of the densely populated residential area of Wahronga with extremely close proximity to major schools and hospitals and aged care facilities. The health issues arising from this are clearly articulated in many large scale research studies on the impacts of air pollutants and unacceptable in this modern day, given our knowledge and understanding.

The second issue is the placement of the entry / exit to the tunnel which requires traffic to rise from both the M1 and the tunnel to exit the system. Traffic going uphill releases 4 to 5 times the exhaust pollution more than flat travel meaning that the amount of exhaust pollution being produced and extracted from the unfiltered Stack will be even higher due to this effect and construction design.

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

1. Due to the significant health concerns and increased pollution due to the elevated linkage between the M1 and tunnel, I request that the department of planning does not approve the project in its current form.

2. I request that alternative options to ease congestion are considered. Suggestions to be considered should include but not be limited to the extension of the tunnel to exit in an area sufficiently far away from residential areas for pollution to disperse before reaching them, or efficient filtration (my understanding is this is not possible, but should be independently reviewed again) , or an orbital surface route that would avoid the issues this tunnel is causing and be a safer alternative for drivers.

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

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

We are a young family living in our home, which is positioned less than 400m from the proposed pollution stacks. Our home is a heritage item, XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX. We purchased this property to preserve a piece of history and also to raise our children in a safe and beautiful environment. Wahroonga is a suburb that boasts beautiful gardens and natural bush surroundings. The people who live here have high standards about quality of life. It is a suburb that primarily professionals choose to live in as it is a more expensive residential area to choose in Sydney due to the surrounding environment and quality of schools in this area. We are very concerned about the proposal of these pollution stacks and the impact it will have on destroying this beautiful place to live. We have 2 children who attend local schools in this area and we are concerned about the detrimental health effects these stacks pose to our family.

Although we do not oppose a solution to the traffic congestion issues on Pennant Hills Road and do support the solution of a tunnel being constructed, we strongly object to the current proposal.

There is a high level of responsibility in designing and building such a structure and the consequential effects it will have upon the environment and its residents. We believe that ultimately the main goal is to create a well-designed functional solution that is ecologically sustainable. It is of no use to build something that will cause disease and destruction to the environment and its residents. We expect that such proposals are in fact designed to work well for all the people and protect them and the environment from any potential harm, this is smart design, anything else is in fact a poor and inadequate solution. The design of this structure should be done with utmost ethical integrity. What is the point of spending all this money to create disharmony and dysfunction to the surrounding community. Spending extra money for a well functioning healthy solution to this problem is money well spent as it is likely to be less expensive in the long run.

The issue of stacks that emit toxic pollution is unacceptable, Anywhere. There should be a filtering system to prevent such pollution being released.

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. 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. I am 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.

We expect that this situation be reassessed and that a well designed, functional and ecologically sustainable solution is created, that addresses the above-mentioned items.

We look forward to a positive outcome.

I would like to put forward my objection to the proposed m2-m1 tunnel ventilation solution.
It will cause REAL health problems for those living and going to school nearby, including my children.
The proposed height of the stack is INCONSISTENT with those of other Sydney infrastructure tunnels.

Please continue reviewing further designs for this aspect of this much needed tunnel.

Sydney has a history of failed infrastructure planning - please make sure this tunnel is not added to the list.

The lack of ground water assessment in the EIS is of concern. The groundwater assessment in the EIS would be appropriate for a surface road, not a tunnel.

Given that NorthConnex will be one of largest tunnels in the world (in terms of length and cross-sectional area) and will be unlined, the potential for significant inflow of groundwater and the lowering of the groundwater table is very high. Impacts from significant inflow and drawdown can include settlement of the ground - resulting in damage to buildings, public infrastructure (such as sewers, water reticulation networks, roads) and other structures. In some cases this settlement can result in the catastrophic failure of the ground causing sink holes to develop, similar the Lane Cove Tunnel collapse. This is particularly a risk for NorthConnex as the tunnels are predominately underneath houses and other infrastructure.

The level of assessment presented in the EIS clearly does not meet the level of assessment required by the Director-General's Requirements.

A detailed assessment of groundwater impacts needs to be undertaken to ensure that the significant risks of this issue are addressed and mitigations are put in place.

Objection to the existing stack at Wahroonga

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

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

1. The placement of the unfiltered northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga. This is a location that would expose 9,300 school children to pollutants, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. 


2. As a resident of the area with family members studying less than half a kilometre away from the proposed ventilation stack location, I am highly concerned about impacts of the emitted air pollutants on our health. Multiple large-scale research studies suggest that the health impacts of air pollutants are serious. These impacts include, amongst others:
a. Increased death from heart disease
b. Increased risks of lung cancer and stroke
c. Poor lung growth in children
d. Increased asthma
There is also recent research that suggests air pollutants can cause low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies also confirm that air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans, which cause the above health problems.

3. The impact of the ventilation stack emissions on the environment. Unfiltered and untreated exhaust gases will not only introduce additional pollutants but also add heat to the surrounding atmosphere and increase the temperature of the surrounding areas. This can have a detrimental effect on flora and fauna in the area, potentially leading to damage to the local ecosystem.

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

1. Due to the significant health and environmental 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 Rd be considered such as an orbital surface route.

Caesar and Jolanta Adamski

8 Woniora Ave, Wahroonga, NSW, 2076



NB: All personal information is to be deleted before publication.





9 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,



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



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



We are a young family living in our home, which is positioned less than 400m from the proposed pollution stacks. Our home is a heritage item, the former home and studio of world renowned artist, Sir Sidney Nolan. We purchased this property to preserve a piece of history and also to raise our children in a safe and beautiful environment. Wahroonga is a suburb that boasts beautiful gardens and natural bush surroundings. The people who live here have high standards about quality of life. It is a suburb that primarily professionals choose to live in as it is a more expensive residential area to choose in Sydney due to the surrounding environment and quality of schools in this area. We are very concerned about the proposal of these pollution stacks and the impact it will have on destroying this beautiful place to live. We have 2 children who attend local schools in this area and we are concerned about the detrimental health effects these stacks pose to our family.



Although we do not oppose a solution to the traffic congestion issues on Pennant Hills Road and do support the solution of a tunnel being constructed, we strongly object to the current proposal.



There is a high level of responsibility in designing and building such a structure and the consequential effects it will have upon the environment and its residents. We believe that ultimately the main goal is to create a well-designed functional solution that is ecologically sustainable. It is of no use to build something that will cause disease and destruction to the environment and its residents. We expect that such proposals are in fact designed to work well for all the people and protect them and the environment from any potential harm, this is smart design, anything thing else is in fact a poor and inadequate solution. The design of this structure should be done with utmost ethical integrity. What is the point of spending all this money to create disharmony and dysfunction to the surrounding community. Spending extra money for a well functioning healthy solution to this problem is money well spent as it is likely to be less expensive in the long run.



The issue of stacks that emit toxic pollution is unacceptable, Anywhere. There should be a filtering system to prevent such pollution being released.



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. 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. I am 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.



We expect that this situation be reassessed and that a well designed, functional and ecologically sustainable solution is created that addresses the above-mentioned items.



We look forward to a positive outcome.



Sincerely,







Caesar and Jolanta Adamski

8 Woniora Ave

Wahroonga, NSW, 2076



(no political donations made)

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

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

1. The placement of the unfiltered northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga. This is a location that would expose 9,300 school children to pollutants, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. 


2. As a resident of the area with family members studying less than half a kilometre away from the proposed ventilation stack location, I am highly concerned about impacts of the emitted air pollutants on our health. Multiple large-scale research studies suggest that the health impacts of air pollutants are serious. These impacts include, amongst others:
a. Increased death from heart disease
b. Increased risks of lung cancer and stroke
c. Poor lung growth in children
d. Increased asthma
There is also recent research that suggests air pollutants can cause low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies also confirm that air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans, which cause the above health problems.

3. The impact of the ventilation stack emissions on the environment. Unfiltered and untreated exhaust gases will not only introduce additional pollutants but also add heat to the surrounding atmosphere and increase the temperature of the surrounding areas. This can have a detrimental effect on flora and fauna in the area, potentially leading to damage to the local ecosystem.

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

1. Due to the significant health and environmental 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 Rd be considered such as an orbital surface route.

Yours Sincerely,
Edward Yeung

Dear Director - Infrastructure Projects

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

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

My name is Jenibelle, I am 10 years old and I`m a student of class 5N at Waitara Public School. I live on Woonona Avenue at Wahroonga.
The reason why I`m writing to you is because I don't like the idea of you putting the polluting stack near where I study and play daily. My body is sensitive to many things including particles and pollutants. One of my simplest reactions is sneezing a lot. My record for sneezing is 15 times in a row. I really don`t want my sneezing record to increase higher and higher.
I also sincerely ask you to retain my favourite neighborhood house 19 Woonona Avenue at Wahroonga which has been proposed to be demolished. The house is just as pretty as the houses in fairytale stories. Some of my narrative writing inspirations came from this pretty house. I especially like the beautiful garden in front of the house which I pass every day on the way to school.
I wish you would take my letter as seriously as an adult`s letter and reconsider the proposed location of the stack so that my favourite neighbor house can be saved and leave a healthy environment for us.
Finally, I would like to state that I object to the location of the stack and portal exit as described in the EIS.

The expansion of the northern interchange will appropriate the end of Hewitt Ave, Wahroonga.
The artist impression shows a green space between the end of Hewitt Ave and the noise barrier at the interchange.
There is no mention of the re-vegetation in front of the wall at the end of Hewitt Ave. What will be planted and will it provide a screen to cover the wall?
There is also no mention of the height of the noise barrier wall, nor mention of the level of soundproofing that this will provide.

Can you please provide specific details on both of these

My concerns are as follows:
1. The Environmental Impact Study (EIS) fails to show any link between the Southbound Tunnel and the ventilation stack, some 250 meters away, which will mean that the exhaust fumes will not only have to be moved quite a distance under, and adjacent to, the surrounding West Pennant Hills residential areas, but the outflow from the ventilation stack will be nestled directly within residential areas
ACTION: The full and open provision of the detailed proposal for the ventilation stack and linking tunnel, without the cynical omissions from the EIS Document as well as the opportunity to lodge further submission once these details have been made public,
2. The ventilation stack is clearly not in the most efficient location, as admitted by several members of the North Connex team. It should be located directly above the Southbound tunnel for maximum efficiency which will also take it away from direct impact on local homes.
ACTION: The Ventilation Stack should be relocated to the corner of the Pennant Hills Golf Course (PHGC) to provide the most efficient solution directly above the Southbound Tunnel. This would require the acquisition of more PHGC land (some was already previously acquired although there was no indication of this from the North Connex Team, in fact the excuse for locating the stack where it has been proposed was that there had been land already acquired on the western side of Pennant Hills Road )
3. The Ventilation stack is proposed in the EIS to NOT be Filtered. (have we learnt nothing from the M5??) It has been medically & scientifically proven that there are NO safe levels of diesel emissions which are a Group 1 carcinogen. This along with 9kms of all other toxic exhaust fumes and particulates which have also been proven to be injurious to health in both the short & medium terms.
ACTION: Filtration of the Ventilation must occur to provide a safe and sustainable environment and not simply a "cheap" alternative with lots of rhetoric attempting to validate this short-cut.
4. The North Connex proposal to use local streets, Aiken, Oaks, Karloon, & Eaton Roads for construction traffic is absolutely unacceptable given that these are already often grid-locked during extended peak-hour periods. Construction traffic,especially the trucks moving waste from the tunnel construction must be restricted to Pennant Hills Road and the M2.
ACTION: Adoption of this revised requirement to take the traffic and their associated fumes, dust, & noise away from residential areas.
5. The restoration and preservation of the landscape around residential properties especially for those homes along the M2 and directly adjacent to the construction areas is paramount.
ACTION: Landscaping on ALL residential boundaries adjacent to the North Connex construction environments must be implemented immediately upon commencement of work. This should be effective immediately, not having to wait 10+ years for the vegetation to grow sufficiently to provide adequate coverage to restore the leafy outlook currently enjoyed by local home-owners.
6. The EIS states that there will be extended periods of monitoring after the construction is completed which would be carried out by an "independent" provider.
ACTION: This needs to be backed up by
a) "Pre-project' monitoring of noise, toxic exhaust gas levels, particulate matter levels, and prevailing weather conditions at many locations particularly those residential areas close to the Tunnel portals and ventilation stacks determining the pre-existing conditions 'before the tunnel" as compared to those after the construction period for the local residents.
b) the same monitoring should be carried out after the construction completion, again by independent providers
c) the results should be made available for review both by the public and also by a range of monitoring companies to enable an "unbiased" opinion as to the results i.e not North Connex appointed
d) There needs to be a better testing regime sourced to enable the testing for the smaller sized particulate matter (those found to be most injurious to health), currently difficult to monitor, to ensure that the "TRUE" effects of the fall-out from the ventilation stacks is being measured correctly and again relevant to prevailing weather conditions and finally
e)an iron-clad" contractual obligation for North Connex to not only find solutions but to implement them to both improve any adverse comparitive results but to also improve all of the above-mentioned impacts on local residents - it should be noted that the EIS includes many "glowing" statements about the minimal impact of the tunnels and their outputs on the surrounding residential environments in many cases quoting Air Pollution Standards as their measuring stick - it has been comprehensively proven that "NO' level of Diesel fumes is safe for human consumption let alone prolonged exposure, despite what the local Air Pollution Standards might state
7. There has been stated that there will be special areas at the tunnel portalsl during the construction phase designed to limit the noise of the truck movements and associated loading noise which is generated, not to mention the constant diesel fumes, which has been stated as possibly being carried out 24/7
ACTION: Special effort must be forced on North Connex to ensure that these measures are adequate - any reasonable complaint from local residents on any of the above should be sufficient cause to stop or limit operations until a better solution is identified and implemented
8. The EIS has been identifying new elements not previously divulged at information evenings e.g. the elevated walkway at the southern portal area which in this instance would have an adverse social impact on local residents adjacent to this structure. It was stated that there will continue to be changes made throughout the duration of the build as different requirements are identified
ACTION: Any modifications to the structure/s stated in the EIS must be made open to public viewing and the ability to lodge submissions accordingly against any such changes which should again be reviewed by the Land & Environment body to ensure an unbiased ruling on their implementation, before they occur.

Firstly I would like to state we 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 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.

We Object to the project.
We are extremely concerned with a number of issues so NorthConnex and the Department of Planning need to drop this plan altogether.
Why would a tunnel be considered when an above ground road can still be built. I spoke with a road building contractor who told me building an above ground road is at lest 4 times cheaper.
Further upgrades to Pennent Hills Road would not be able to proceed if there is already a tunnel.
Further more the placement of the ventilation stacks is totally unacceptable. Pumping 9 kilometres of carcinogenic fumes into a built up area.....who made that decision? At the Northern end there is Waitara Public School and numerous child care centres a few 100 metres away.
The Proposal for the tunnel that has been put forward shows no respect or consideration for the people who live around it or the tax payer footing the bill.
I am also speaking for many other people who live in the area.
I can provide a list of names if required.

10 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 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.

xx
xxxxx

10 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 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.

Christina Jones
35 Fisher Ave
North Wahroonga NSW 2076

To Whom This May Concern, 10/09/14

I am a resident of Loch Maree Avenue Thornleigh and I am writing in response to my concerns over the Trelawney Street Tunnel support facility.
Like most residents, I am seriously concerned at the level of noise, dust and congestion that the heavy duty trucks will cause if permitted into our street. There are a few factors that are particularly concerning.
My husband and I are in our sixties and we have had our share of health issues. I have faced chronic insomnia in the past and have suffered severe migraines as a result. I do believe that the added layer of noise and the dust in the air will aggravate these problems. The proposed time frame of the construction has caused our entire family great distress as we are faced with the prospect of a living with noise and the dust from the trucks removing debris at all times of the day and night for over two and a half years.
With the high number of trucks entering and leaving Loch Maree it is obvious that congestion will be another problem that we will have to face as we go about our daily work. Being seniors, our confidence in terms of driving has diminished over the years. Thinking about the future of having to navigate in and out of our street amongst the trucks to simply go out and buy a loaf of bread is alarming.
Another issue involves my role as a key carer of my grandchildren who live across the road. My grandchildren are required to cross Loch Maree Ave multiple times each day as my husband and I look after them while their parents are at work. My grandchildren are 1 and 3 years old, still an age where they may easily stray onto the road. I am fearful at the prospect of them living in front of and having to cross a road that will have a heavy load of trucks, adding to the existing number of vehicles that currently go through this street.
I understand that there was a previous proposal that involved the trucks moving in and out of the complex from Pennant Hills Road. I ask that those on the committee reconsider revisiting this proposal in light of the real mental and physical issues the new design poses to the residents of our street.
For the sake of both the young children and the elderly people who live on this street, I hope that the committee for this project will think of more positive alternatives that can work for all the stakeholders involved.

Yours sincerely,
Concerned resident

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

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 have 4 children who go to school in Wahroonga and am really concerned about the long term impact the ventilation stack will have on their health.

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 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.

I am concerned by the fact that a large number of heavy vehicles will be using local roads in connection with the tunnel construction. Aitken, Oakes, Eaton and Karloon Roads are quiet residential streets which were never intended to carry traffic of this kind. Many of these roads are already severely affected by commuter parking during the week and Oakes Rd in particular is affected by peak hour traffic trying to bypass Castle Hill Rd. This will be made worse when tunnelling begins on the Northwest Rail Link at Cherrybrook. Apart from the high potential for traffic gridlock there must also be an increased risk of traffic accidents with commuter, local and heavy vehicles competing for space on local roads.
Eaton Rd is one of only a few roads that give West Pennant Hills Valley residents convenient access to Pennant Hill Rd. The introduction of a large number of heavy vehicles each day will make the situation intolerable.
Who will pay for the damage to these local roads caused by this excess traffic? presumably local ratepayers via council rates.
Northconnex should not be permitted to use local roads as a cost saving measure but should be required to find alternative routes that do not impact on the local neighbourhood.