NorthConnex

Dear Sir/Madam,

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

1. I object to the project as it is described in the EIS

2. I am extremely concerned about the placement of the proposed northern ventilation stack so close to a densely populated area. Particularly when the health of in excess of 9000 children and many elderly residents in the area can be very adversely affected by the stack's pollutants.

3. People in nearby hospitals, businesses and homes will also be exposed to the unacceptable concentration of pollutants from the stack and suffer adverse effects.

4. The stack is of an inappropriate height and is being sited near a valley in which the particulates and VOCs can sink and be trapped for extended periods of time by temperature inversion and/or low velocity winds.

5. Contrary to the claims of the EIS, the pollution from the stack can, at times run close the ground and at other times be swept into the community.

6. Pollution levels inside the tunnel will also be unacceptably high for those travelling trough it - even outside of peak travel times

7. I am highly concerned about the multiple large scale research studies that suggest the impacts of air pollutants on health are very serious. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause a considerable number of serious health problems.

Given these 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 further request that the alternative transport options to ease congestion on Pennant Hills Rd be considered; for example, an orbital surface route.

The project as per the EIS cannot go ahead as proposed when the health risk to so many people is so dire.

Dear Sir/Madame,
I believe the northern portal should be moved 1km north, allowing a horizontal tunnel, as prescribed in the Equilibria proposal and the emission stack should be in the Hornsby Industrial Area. Without this the vehicular pollution impact would be detrimental to the residents, schools and hospitals of the surrounding area. It would also be a lost opportunity not to optimize the land use and provide extra housing near the rail. This would then align with the current Draft Metropolitan Strategy for Sydney to 2031.

I believe the Equilibria proposal is a brilliant idea and if the current proposal goes ahead the Equilibria proposal will never be possible and Wahroogha will irreversibly be severed by the M1.

Your sincerely,

Please find the following submission in response to the information contained in the NorthConnex EIS.

With respect to the proposed NorthConnex tunnel depth and alignment, we have serious concerns regarding the shallow depth of the tunnel both below and in proximity to residential dwellings in the vicinity of Eastbourne and Hewitt Avenues, Wahroonga (I.e. where the tunnel reaches minimum depths of approximately ~8 metres below ground surface). We are specifically concerned with the potential for the following impacts:

- ongoing noise from thousands of daily future vehicle movements (including heavy vehicles) following completion of the tunnel;
- the associated but separate issue of vibration caused by future heavy vehicle movements through the tunnel.

With respect to the specific noise and vibration concerns noted above, We feel that, in its current form, the EIS does not provide:
- adequate consideration of the above issues.
- specific information on how the above concerns will be addressed or mitigated.
- sufficient confidence that the proposed tunnel design will not adversely impact on residents within this area.

With respect to the above considerations, we seek clarification and confirmation that the proposed tunnel design, specifically in the vicinity of Hewitt/Eastbourne Avenues, Wahroonga adequately considers and addresses the above concerns. If not, we would suggest that is an obligation and responsibility of those involved in the tunnel design, construction and implementation to ensure additional noise and vibration suppression be incorporated into the design to ensure the well being of affected residents and to maintain property values (insofar as they are not already being negatively affected by the presence of shallow subsurface tunnels in the area).

In your response to this submission and with respect to the area of concern noted herein, could you please specifically detail:
- what mechanisms/safeguards are in place to guarantee there will be no noise or vibration impacts to nearby residents associated with the future operation of the tunnel.
- how future vehicle movements in the tunnel will not cause noise and vibration that will be heard or felt by residents in the area noted above.

We look forward to your response.

Thank you for the opportunity to provide a submission in relation to this issue.

I object to the project as described in the EIS.

My primary concern relates to the placement, height and non filtration of the ventilation stacks at both ends of the proposed tunnel.

There have been a number of studies published listing the negative effects that air pollution has on public health. Given the location, height and non-filtration of the stacks, together with the topography of the land and general low wind speed in the area, there is a real risk that unfiltered pollution will have a material effect on the health of local residents. The EIS did not effectively take these things into account, as has been documented by others elsewhere.

There seem to be some obvious solutions to these issues:
1. Ensure the stacks are filtered adequately
2. Materially increase the height of the stacks, to a level where the risk of ground pollution gathering is very low.
3. Relocate the stacks to non-residential areas

Clearly there is a cost associated with these solutions relative to the current expected project costs, though in the context of the overall cost of the project I do not expect it is material. A potential funding mechanism could be a small, temporary increase in toll rates, commensurate with the cost of making this additional improvement.

I wish for it to be noted that I am appalled that this situation has come to pass. It is clear to me that a project should not proceed when it has such a clear, significant risk of severe negative public health impacts, particularly where there are such obvious mitigants available for this risk. A project with risks of this nature should not even be put forward. If the project is approved and proceeds without effective mitigation of this risk, I consider that to be a violation of the trust placed in public office. You should not knowingly poison your constituents.

I am concerned about the placement of the northern ventilation stack in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and people's homes.

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

I would like to see these stacks moved a few kms to the industrial area of Hornsby where the risk of harm to children and residents is lower.

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

We are a family of 5 currently living in Lindfield. In the future our son is enrolled to go to Knox and potentially we may purchase a dwelling in Wahroonga. It is a concerned as both are in close proximity to the northern ventilation stack.

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

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

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

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

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.

Kind Regards
XXXXXXXX

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

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

Until recently I had planned to send my children to Knox, however I am reconsidering my decision due to the proposed stacks. I am concerned about the long term health impact it will have on my children.

I also have elderly relatives who live in the area who are worried about the adverse impact the proposed stacks will have on their health.

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

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.

XXXXXXXX

10 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 our submission in response to the exhibition of the EIS for NorthConnex.

We state that we object to the project as described in the EIS.

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

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

2. We are concerned about 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 poor provision 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 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

To address our concerns we 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. Collection of air quality and meteorological data from the proposed stack location in Wahroonga
3. An independent assessment of alternative locations for the ventilation stack
4. Consider more stacks to dissipate pollution over the length of the 9km tunnel
5. A comprehensive air quality monitoring program is implemented long term, and fines/ operational shutdown be legislated should emissions exceed safe levels.
6. A long term health study on children and residents in areas impacted by stack discharges be included as part of the conditions of approval.
7. An independent review of the ventilation system is undertaken to ensure that NorthConnex's claim of no portal emissions is justified.
8. The Submissions Report/Preferred Project be exhibited to allow the community to respond to the revised information contained in the report.

Dr Peter Barclay
Dr Kate Barclay
2 Chunooma Rd
North Wahroonga
NSW 2076

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

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

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 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.

Wen Huang
14 Dunbar Close
Normanhurst NSW 2076

NorthConnex Application Number: SSI 13_6136

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

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

I have a 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/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.

XXXXXXXXX

The location of the Wahroonga stack must be reconsidered with the physical and mental health of all residents in mind.

It is a cruel, irresponsible, and ill-considered part of the planning.

Where-ever these stacks are built filtration must be an essential part of the construction and should be law.

I urge all those involved with the design to return to the drawing board and for the Roads Minister to insist on this process.

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.

XXXXXXX

Ps I was planning to move my young family to the lovely suburb of wahroonga where I have other family members. This current proposal will make me rethink that move (which is extremely sad)

I object to the North Connex proposal due to the following issues for which I would like a response:

1. Professor Richard Chard recently advised at a forum that the stacks proposed would appear to be too low. This is exacerbated by the fact that they will be built in a gulley resulting in the stacks not being too much above the street level in Fern Ave Wahroonga. This will result in particulate matter being deposited onto residences in Fern Ave which will more than likely have very poor health impacts on people and animals in that area. For the particulate matter to be properly dispersed, the stack needs to be substantially higher.

2. There is no filtration proposed for this tunnel when it is known that there is a gradual rise in gradient all the way from the Pennant Hills Road end of the tunnel all the way to the Wahroonga end of the tunnel which will result in heavy vehicles and diesel cars emitting increasing levels of carcinogens and other deadly particulate matter. The recent leaflet issued by North Connex (received in the mail on 9/9/14) stated that Japan utilises filtration due to a high number of heavy vehicles and other diesel vehicles. How can this not be similar to this tunnel which will be the primary outlet for heavy vehicles travelling north from Sydney to Northern NSW and Queensland. Further, I was advised by a BMW dealer that 67% of BMW's sold today are diesel.
A study undertaken as part of the construction of the Lane Cove Tunnel found that 90% of particulate matter was removed as a result of this filtration system. This must therefore be incorporated into the North Connex tunnel plan.

3. The elevation of this tunnel at the Wahroonga end is unnecessarily high. As stated above this will result in increased acceleration by heavy vehicles and other vehicles resulting in increased particulate matter being emitted. Professor Richard Chard confirmed that the emissions from the tunnel are significantly higher from the South to North end of the tunnel than those from the north to south direction. Why is the tunnel not extended approximately 1km to the north of the Wahroonga end whereby the tunnel elevation will be same as what it is at the southern entrance point.

4. How can you justify having a tunnel built today with two lanes in each direction. You cannot state this is a 3 lane tunnel as one of your leaflets issued in the mail clearly states the third lane will be a breakdown lane. A majority of Pennant Hills Road has 3 lanes and it is still severely congested as is the M5 tunnel and even the M7/M2 freeways in peak hour conditions all as a result of only being 2 lanes. Emissions will be escalated substantially particularly in peak hour and this is clearly unsatisfactory. The North Connex Tunnel must be at least 3 lanes (excluding the breakdown lane), preferably 4 lanes in each direction as the recent extension of the M5/Hume Highway was south of Liverpool all the way to Campbelltown. This stretch of road (from Moorebank to Campbelltown) will serve the same purpose as the North Connex project and must be the same in order to clear traffic.

5. The assumptions regarding wind used by the North Connex project team appear to be substantially flawed based upon evidence presented by Professor Richard Chard at a recent forum whereby it was shown that typically wind gusts do not exceed 5km/hr in Woonona Ave Wahroonga where the stack will be located. There is no way the assumptions used in the project by North Connex are accurate given the points from where the data was collected from are a) not in a gulley as the stack will be and b) not at all close to Wahroonga.
There must be data collected from Woonona Ave by a reputable branch (Bureau of Meteorology for example) before a final proposal can be submitted on stack design.

6. The proposal does not advise of alternative options regarding the location of the tunnel, including the entry points at either end. Why is this the case? It is simply not good to say that the proposal meets health requirements. The tunnel must be best practice and must be built to cope with the projected population growth expected in Sydney (7 million people by 2050).

7. This project appears to be severely flawed in design and the assumptions used in the submission. To have 260 medical professionals lodge an objection notice alone should give rise to an independent enquiry as to how this project should be allowed to move forward. I would request an independent enquiry be conducted to address the design, the options regarding location as well as entrance points from both ends, filtration as this tunnel and the adjoining stacks must be best practice and not have any impact on the population, which I believe is possible given the technology available today.

Dear North Connex Project Management

As a resident of Hornsby and someone who has been looking forward to this Motorway for several years, I feel that there are some glaring issues that have been overlooked and felt I should raise them. I have spoken to numerous others and none of us can understand why these have not been considered. I get the whole smoke stack issue and see logic on both sides, moving it to the industrial area does seem like a small cost in the overall scheme of things if it keeps people happy... However:

1. Northern Interchange this should be built so that traffic from Hornsby, Wahroonga and Turramurra can enter the motorway easily, it seems the plan is more about the freight movement down the motorway and out west...

2. Lane Capacity needs to be increased, we are sick of freeways being built in NSW without enough capacity, the road should be 3 lanes wide at least with a 4th option for
the future so that it continues at the same width as the M1.

3. Tolling should be added in a M7 style distance toll from the Hawksburry river bridge to the M2, this would discourage people exiting at Wahroonga and encourage more use of
the Motorway as people will not want to meander along the old Highway. This could be accompanied by a low income cash back scheme similar to south western sydney to make
residents on low income no worse off.

4. The most important thing being overlooked is this can replace the traffic of both Pennant Hills road and Pacific Highway, this can be achieved via integration of the
motorway at the southern end both west and east so you can head toward the city also. This would include changing signs back at Gore Hill to route Newcastle traffic up this motorway.

5. The government needs to look at widening the M2 west bound as from Pennant Hills Road to the M7 is often a car park of only 2 lanes, and the merger point needs to be
well managed with a long merging lane as merging from pennant hills road and the new tunnel to M2 is currently an issue and will only get worse.

6. The Lane Cove Tunnel and M2 would also benefit from this with traffic heading to city and Macquarie Park allowing reduced tolling rates with more traffic, or better still an integrated time and distance tolling system, the Lane Cove Tunnel can also be widened to 3 lanes from the M2 to Chatswood exit and increased to 100km/h to encourage
freeway travel.

7. Last but not least the best way to manage the traffic in the tunnel is to have an 80 km/h zone when lights blacked out but put variable limits that increase to 100 when the road is not busy, this will make people more likely to use the road outside peak hours due to the speed and ease of it.

Personally I really hope you take these suggestions on board they would help to provide a better freeway at minimal cost and would probably increse your revenues significantly, I know I would use the freeway on a daily basis if it is built right and I could avoid both Pennant Hills Road and the Pacific Highway and have a smooth fast ride to work every day.

Department of Planning and Environment, Dear Sir/ Madam.

Submission on NorthConnex ventilation outlet.

I write to protest against the proposed siting of the northern ventilation outlet at Bareena Avenue, Wahroonga.
Prevailing winds means that pollution exhaust fumes from this outlet will flow over the M1 valley to Wahroonga schools including Abbotsleigh Primary School, Abbotsleigh College, Knox College and Wahroonga Public school as well as the Wahroonga shopping centre and all the residential areas on the east Wahroonga ridge.
It is most unfair that Wahroonga should have to bear the brunt of pollution from the NorthConnex tunnel.
The suburbs along Pennant Hills Road that will gain relief from the continuous line of huge semi-trailer trucks should accept some of the exhaust fumes with vents on the high ground at Normanhurst, Thornleigh or Pennant Hills. Winds from vents on these ridges would take fumes down the bushland of the Lane Cove River valley.
Moving the ventilation outlet further north to the Asquith industrial area, even if this is feasible, would send the fumes directly into the North Wahroonga residential area.
North Wahroonga residents already bear the day and night noise from trucks with loud exhausts roaring up and down the Big Dipper of the M1. These residents have already been misled by the NSW Government into believing they were building in a traffic free area. Politicians promised there would be no more freeways, but reneged on the promise after the houses were built by building the M1 beside them.
The line of huge trucks travelling Pennant Hills Road and the M1 is evidence of the costly and inefficient form of freight transport that governments have allowed to develop.
This freight should be on a modern rail system. If not this great volume of trucks should be diverted around the northern residential areas by a new freeway through the Dural region to connect with the M1 near the Hawkesbury Bridge. The cost of such a divergence even over gorges should be no more than the huge tunnel proposed.
Nevertheless, if the tunnel is to go ahead, I repeat: Wahroonga should not have to accept all the penalties of ventilation pollution on top of the existing traffic noise and local congestion.

Yours Sincerely,

Joseph Glascott OAM,
Member of UNESCO Global 500 conservationists, Environment Writer, ex-Sydney Morning Herald.

I cannot believe that the plan is to allow heavy vehicles to enter Loch Maree Ave by doing a left turn into the street coming from the north, these truks would have to turn from the outside lane because Pennant hills rd is a carpark during morning and afternoon peak hours, also to have these same trucks leaving the site onto pennant hills rd and having to cross 3 lanes of bumper to bumper traffic, maimly semi trailers, ina 100 mtr distance in order to turn into Phylis Ave inorder to go north, forgive me but nobody has stood at that intersection during morning peak. its crap now, we cant possibly imagine the kaos that will be created. the currant truck traffic even now will constantly stop over the intersection, because of the congestion and slow speed. We believe that all vehicles should enter and exit from Pennant Hills Rd or better still, use the site in pioneer ave (old malt works) because its already an industrial area/road and existing concrete trucks and semi trailers use it and enter and exit at Duffy Ave. SENDSOMEONE TO THE LOCH MAREE INTERSECTION IN PEAK HOUR AM

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 that I object to the proposal as described in the EIS.

I have a high level of concern regarding the following issues and request 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, businesses and 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, poor lung growth in children, increased asthma, and recent research suggesting low birth weight for pregnant women, increased autism, and congenital heart defects. These studies confirm air pollutants have prothrombotic and inflammatory effects on humans which cause the above health problems.


To address my concerns I request 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 Rd be considered such as an orbital surface route.

Regards,

Brent Kelly
Sutherland Ave, Wahroonga,
NSW, 2076

11 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 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 these be considered by the Department of Planning. In regards to the NorthConnex tunnel, I am concerned about:

1. I live in Water St near Prouille primary school one of many schools in the area. Thousands of children (9300) will be exposed on a daily basis to this toxic pollution as a result of the placement of the Northern ventilation stack. Impairing lung development and causing adverse health effects, including my young children. Both St Lucys and St Edmunds schools for children with disabilities and vision impairment are just around the corner where children come from outside the area every day to school. Their health is already compromised and this exposure to pollution will adversely affect their health as well. There are many more schools in the area as mentioned (9300 kids) will be exposed on a daily basis, building up toxic chemicals in their system over time ultimately resulting in disease, hospitalization and higher number of GP visits putting pressure on the health system.

Surely there are other options that can be tabled for placement in less densely populated areas such as the Hornsby rail yards or the industrial area in Hornsby or tunneling the polluting out to less populated bush land. Currently it is in the centre of a densely populated residential area in Wahroonga, where 9,300 school children will be exposed, as well as multiple aged care facilities, hospitals, businesses and homes. As a rational person, I believe the information tabled by 5 eminent doctors and professors over the information provided by NorthConnex who has a vested interest in keeping cost to a minimum and who seem to have no social conscience.

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 of the community to high levels of tunnel emission. We will be breathing this pollution day and night. The tiny particles from diesel emissions have been labeled the asbestos of the 21st century. Surely, we should err on the side of caution when it comes to community health and filter the tunnel including the tiny particles out. There are multiple large scale studies that suggest the impact of air pollutants on health are serious. Filtering has been successfully done in Japan and Norway (other developed nations). The technology should be investigated and modified to be used here.


3. 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.


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. 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.

Fiona Duff
9a Water st
Wahroonga 777m from the NorthConnex unfiltered pollution stack.

I am looking at relocating my family to Sydney and had selected the Wahroonga area. That was until I found out about the pollution and associated health risks predicted from the NorthConnex exhaust stack.

I am disgusted that such an atrocity is being permitted in such a highly populated area. Even the fact that this exhaust stack is being permitted in the vicinity of so many schools defies belief.

PLEASE RECONSIDER FOR THE SAKE OF OUR POPULATION'S HEALTH!

I object to the project as described in the EIS for NorthConnex.

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

1. The placement of a single ventilation stack for northbound traffic in Wahroonga & a single ventilation stack for southbound traffic in Pennant Hills.

2. The proposed relocation of the single stack in Wahroonga further North towards the Industrial area.

3. The significant adverse impact on health that a single stack is likely to have on nearby residents.

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

1. Due to the significant health concerns of the current project design, I request that the Department of Planning does not approve the project in its' current form.

2. I request that alternative road transport options to ease congestion on Pennant Hills Road be considered. Namely, an orbital surface route or the above ground corridor that was originally reserved for the M2-F3 link.

3. That if a tunnel must be built, then multiple exhaust vents be placed along the length of the tunnel to equitably share the pollution burden. I would suggest that these vents be no greater than 500 metres apart. As much of the tunnel route is beneath Pennant Hills Road, these exhaust vents could be placed in the median strip or take the form of grates in the existing above-ground traffic lanes.

4. That if the existing design is proceeded with, that the tunnel be restricted to purely electric vehicles.