Timor limestone quarry proposal **** The Upper Hunter Council have approved this development despite heavy opposition and concerns by the local community and our club. Proposal-
Stoneco Pty Ltd plan to establish a limestone quarry in the south western corner of the Timor Karst. This quarry will have a 30 year life and plans to remove 2.4 million tonnes of limestone from the hillside using drill and blast methods. Frequently asked questions- Q. Who is the consent authority?
A. The Upper Hunter Council. The development is classed as an Integrated Development with means that other approvals are also required. In this case an "Environmental Protection Licence" from the Department of Environment and Climate Change, a "Road Construction Permit" from the Upper Hunter Shire Council, a "mining lease" from the Department of Primary Industries and a "Part 5 Licence" from the Department of Water and Energy. Q. How do I view the proposal and the Environmental Impact Statement?
A. The proposal (Development Application) and Environmental Impact Statement are not available online as the file sizes are too big. They are available on CD from the Upper Hunter Council office in Scone or they can also be obtained from the Department of Planning offices in Newcastle (Honeysuckle). Q. Are there caves on the proposed quarry site?
A. NHVSS were given one day to inspect the proposed quarry site and found evidence that caves exist on the site but no entrances could be located. We found a flowing spring coming out from the ground and then sinking back into the limestone towards the Isis River, plus numerous dolines (depressions) that occur when caves are beneath the surface. Q. How can caves with no entrances be important?
A. Caves with no entrances are called Hypogene Caves (also known as cryptokarst). The Hypogene cave system on this proposed quarry site is a conduit for a complex and unique hydrological spring system. These springs are important for maintaining biodiversity such as invertebrates, frogs and supporting other wildlife on the site. Specialised cave invertebrates have been documented in cave systems nearby (within the 2kms) and would likely exist in these caves. Q. What will happen to the caves beneath the site and the spring if the quarrying began?
A. The blasting will physically destroy any caves beneath the ground on the site. The spring will get clogged up with sediment and will either cease to run or become a conduit for sediment to flow into the Isis River. The whole underground hydrological system will be altered and likely be destroyed along with the biodiversity it supports. Issues and impacts-
There are many other impacts that this proposed development will have on the local community and the environment in general (including the karst). The issues identified by NHVSS include the destruction of hypogene caves, the destruction of the karst spring, the destruction of many Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea glauca subsp. angustifolia), the destruction of a historic dry stone wall, the impact on 5 identified threatened species (3 identified in the EIS and an additional 2 not identified, reduced safety on the roads due to truck movements in and out of the site, degradation of the roads caused by the trucks. If you wish to view the NHVSS objection submission please contact Jodie (see below).
More information-
Upper Hunter Shire Council
02 6540 1100 (ph)
02 6545 2671 (fax)
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au Newcastle & Hunter Valley Speleological Society Inc
Timor Mine Committee
Jodie Rutledge
jodie@rutco.com.au Environmental Defenders Office
(For fact sheets and further resources)
www.edo.org.au
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