Amendment to a Proposal Submitted As Development Application (DA 94-4-2004) for an Extension to the Calga Sand Quarry



Pty Limited ABN: 30 083 169 091

Amendment to a Proposal Submitted as Development Application (DA 94-4-2004) for an Extension to the Calga Sand Quarry

prepared by:

on behalf of:

ROCLA PTY LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 1 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25



Pty Limited ABN: 30 083 169 091

Amendment to a Proposal Submitted as Development Application (DA 94-4-2004) for an Extension to the Calga Sand Quarry

Prepared by: On Behalf of:

R.W. Corkery & Company Pty. Limited Rocla Pty Limited Geological & Environmental Consultants RMB 1215 Peats Ridge Road 75 Kite Street CALGA NSW 2250 ORANGE NSW 2800

ABN: 31 002 033 712 ABN: 30 083 169 091

Telephone: (02) 6362 5411 Telephone: (02) 4375 1151 Facsimile: (02) 6361 3622 Facsimile: (02) 4375 1171

June 2005 Ref No. 264/25

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 2 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

This Copyright is included for the protection of this document

All intellectual property and copyright reserved.

Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, 1968, no part of this report may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or adapted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 3 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

CONTENTS Page

1 INTRODUCTION ...... 5 2 BACKGROUND ...... 5 3 2005 AMENDED PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION ...... 6 4 PERMISSIBILITY OF THE 2005 AMENDED PROPOSAL...... 16 4.1 General Permissibility...... 16 4.2 Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Design ...... 20 5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS...... 21 5.1 Introduction ...... 21 5.2 Surface Water ...... 21 5.3 Groundwater ...... 22 5.3.1 Groundwater Drawdown and Bore Hole Yield...... 22 5.3.2 Groundwater In-flow to the Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Extension ...... 26 5.3.3 Conclusion ...... 26 5.4 Soils and Land Capability ...... 26 5.5 Noise...... 26 5.5.1 Construction Noise ...... 26 5.5.2 Operational Noise...... 28 5.6 Air Quality...... 28 5.7 Ecology ...... 28 5.7.1 Flora...... 28 5.7.2 Fauna...... 29 5.8 Transportation ...... 29 5.9 Aboriginal Heritage...... 29 5.10 Visibility ...... 29 5.11 Land Use...... 30 5.12 Socio-Economic Climate ...... 30 5.12.1 Introduction ...... 30 5.12.2 Specific Residential Impacts...... 30 5.12.3 Local Impacts ...... 34 5.12.4 Conclusion ...... 36 5.13 Planning Instrument Compliance...... 36 6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ...... 36 7 CONCLUSION...... 37 8 REFERENCES ...... 37

FIGURES

Figure 1 2005 Amended Project Site Layout ...... 7 Figure 2 2005 Amended Quarry Design...... 8 Figure 3 2005 Amended Extraction Sequence ...... 11 Figure 4 2005 Amended Final Landform ...... 13 Figure 5 Planning Context...... 17 Figure 6 Planning Context: SREP 8 ...... 19 Figure 7 Groundwater Drawdown...... 23 Figure 8 Land Ownership Surrounding the Project Site...... 31

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 4 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

CONTENTS Page TABLES

Table 1 In-Situ Friable Sandstone Resources and Proposed Sand Recovery...... 9 Table 2 Calculations of Silt Produced and Available Storage...... 10 Table 3 Silt Production - Storage Availability...... 15 Table 4 Three Dimensional Modelling Impact Assessment ...... 22 Table 5 Construction Noise...... 27 Table 6 Calculated LAeq Operational Noise Levels Exceeded for 10% of 15 Minute Periods, dB(A)...... 28

ANNEXURES

Annexure 1 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Three-dimensional modelling for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension for R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited – Ref J0290.55R

Annexure 2 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Response to request for further information – Ref J0290.57L

Annexure 3 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Technical appraisal of proposed impact mitigation strategies – Ref J0290.58L

Annexure 4 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Response to request for additional information on water ‘make, local impacts and existing water licences – Ref J0290.61L

Annexure 5 C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd – Revised Three-dimensional modelling for the 2005 amended proposal – Ref (J0290.64L)

Annexure 6 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Additional information provided regarding construction noise at surrounding residences – Ref RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

Annexure 7 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Results of revised operational noise modelling following the implementation of additional noise controls – Ref 01127C

Annexure 8 Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd – Results of revised operational noise modelling at the Gazzana Residence – Ref 01127D

Annexure 9 Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd – Target Flora Surveys and Assessment for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extensions – Ref 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2

Annexure 10 Abel Ecology – Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment for Rocla Materials Pty Ltd for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 1 Rocla report 2 March 2005

Annexure 11 Landscape Management Plan for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, prepared by R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 5 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

1 INTRODUCTION

Rocla Pty Limited (“Rocla”) submitted a development application (DA 94-4-2004) on 27 May 2004 supported by an Environmental Impact Statement to extend the Calga Sand Quarry on Lot 2, DP 229889 and Lot 121, DP 755221 by 22.3ha (the “2004 proposal”). As a consequence of a number of issues raised during the assessment of the proposed development, Rocla has decided to scale back the proposed extension to include only that part of the 2004 proposal located on Lot 2, DP 229889 (ie. Stage 3 of the 2004 proposal). This report has been prepared at the request of DIPNR to address those aspects of the original development application that would be modified by the proposed amendment, namely:

• a description of the proposed development in its amended form (Section 3); • a demonstration of the permissibility (with consent) of the amended proposal, including a consideration of all relevant planning instruments and development control plans (Section 4); • an assessment of environmental impacts of the amended proposal (Section 5); and • a description of changes to management and monitoring of environmental performance (Section 6).

This report has been prepared to be read in conjunction with the EIS prepared for the 2004 proposal (the “2004 EIS") which is cross-referenced wherever relevant. Where other reports prepared in response to previous DIPNR requests are referenced, these have been annexed to this report.

When referring to aspects of the 2004 proposal or EIS, these will prefaced with 2004 throughout this report. To assist in differentiating between this and the amended proposal, ie. restriction of extraction to Stage 3 of the 2004 proposal, the preface “2005 amended” will be used. For example, the 2004 Project Site has been amended to the 2005 amended Project Site and the proposed quarry design becomes the 2005 amended proposed quarry design.

2 BACKGROUND

Following the submission of the original development application (DA 94-4-2004) and 2004 EIS for the proposed extension to the Calga Sand Quarry, DIPNR raised a number of concerns over the information provided on environmental impacts within the 2004 EIS and accompanying Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium and subsequently requested further information including:

• a request to re-assess impacts on the local groundwater based on a 3-D modelling program (Report J0290.55R prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates); • a request to clarify and expand on information contained within Report J0290.55R (Report J0290.57L prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates in response);

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 6 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

• a further request for information on groundwater following an assessment of preceding reports by the Hunter Region Groundwater Resource Licensing Branch of DIPNR (Report J029058L was prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates in response); • further information on groundwater impacts, with specific reference to proposed contingency measures and groundwater dependent ecosystems was requested by DIPNR following a visit to the site (Report J0290.61L was prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates in response); • DIPNR requested further detail on the predicted exceedances of noise criteria as a consequence of construction activities (Reports 01127C and RWC 030205RB DIPNR were prepared by Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd in response); • following a site inspection by DIPNR to the Calga Sand Quarry, further clarification as to the presence of threatened flora species on the 2004 Project Site and a revised impact assessment was requested (Report 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2 was prepared by Anne Clements & Associates in response); • further clarification as to the presence / absence of SREP 8 “sedgelands” and “hanging swamp” style vegetation was requested (Report 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2) of Anne Clements & Associates also addressed this issue); and • a determination as to whether the Red-crowned Toadlet, or suitable habitat for this species is present on the 2004 Project Site (Report “Rocla report 2 March 2005” was prepared by Abel Ecology in response).

All these reports have been forwarded previously to DIPNR. Although each of these reports addressed the nominated issue, Rocla has decided to restrict the proposed quarry extension to the area covered by Stage 3. This would ultimately reduce the level of impact for many of the issues identified and allow for greater certainty of impact should an application be made to extend the extraction area to Stage 4 at a later date.

3 2005 AMENDED PROJECT SITE DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 presents the 2005 amended Project Site layout for the proposed extension to the Calga Sand Quarry and Figure 2 presents the 2005 amended quarry design. The 2005 amended Project Site would cover an area of 32.5ha and lie wholly within Lot 2, DP 229889 owned by J. Voutos. Rocla holds an agreement to extract and process sand on this property. Of this 32.5ha area, the existing Stage 1 and 2 of the Calga Sand Quarry make up 13.5ha, the proposed Stage 3 is 11.8ha, an acoustic bund wall to be constructed within an area of 2ha with the remaining 5.2ha to be left undisturbed and retained as buffer zones to the proposed development.

Of the approvals required to proceed, referenced in Section 3.2 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-6), a Section 90 Permit under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 would no longer be required as the items identified on the Aboriginal Sites Register of Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System (AHIMS) fall outside Stage 3 and would not be disturbed by the proposed development (as amended).

Sand Resources and Sand Recovery The on-site resources and raw materials for blending described in Section 3.3 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-6 to 3-10) would remain unchanged.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED i.l AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -7- ROCLA PTY LIMITED t'' Calga Sand Quarry Ertension Report No.264/25

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The area, volume and recovery of sand of the 2005 amended proposal have been revised and are presented as Table 1.

Table 1 indicates the 2005 amended quarry design would allow for the production of approximately 5 470 000 tonnes of sand. This is 97% of the Stage 3 sand production of the 2004 proposal and 67% of the total sand production proposed in the 2004 EIS (see Table 3.1 of the 2004 EIS, page 3-10).

The 2005 amended proposal retains the proposed importation of raw materials such as soils, fine aggregates and excavated sandstone for blending with the extracted sand. This proposed activity illustrates good Environmental Sustainable Development (ESD) practise as these materials might otherwise be sent for placement in landfill.

Table 1 In-Situ Friable Sandstone Resources and Proposed Sand Recovery Extraction Stage Area In-situ Friable Sand Recovery (ha) Sandstone (m3) (tonnes)* 3/1 1.6 285 000 520 000 3/2 4.4 930 000 1 700 000 3/3 3.1 457 000 830 000 3/4 2.6 680 000 1 250 000 3/5 1.6 320 000 580 000 3/6 1.7 263 000 590 000 Total 15.0 2 935 000 5 470 000 * Sand recovery based upon 2.4t/m3 and 76% recovery after processing

Extraction Sequence Figure 3 presents the 2005 amended extraction sequence and Figure 4 the 2005 amended final landform. The extraction operations would largely follow as described in Section 3.4 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-10 to 3-19) with the following exceptions.

(i) Stage 3/3 would follow Stage 3/1. Stage 3/2 of the 2004 EIS contains two large silt dams and, as a consequence, the silt contained in these would have to be relocated to a completed section of the quarry. Completing two extraction stages before this relocation of silt is required provides additional area for this. Table 2 provides the calculated volumes of silt that would be produced during each stage of the Calga Sand Quarry extension and the available storage space for this material. Further detail on these calculations and the assumptions made are also discussed.

(ii) At the completion of Stage 3/6, the remaining disturbed land on the 2005 amended Project Site would be rehabilitated in accordance with the 2004 EIS.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 10 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Table 2 Calculations of Silt Produced and Available Storage Extraction Stage Total Area Friable Total Silt1 Available Available Area Available (m2) Sandstone (m3) Depth4 (approx.) Storage (m3) (m) (m) (m3)

2 - - 5 15 000 75 000 3/1 16 000 285 000 28 900 8 15 000 120 000 3/2 44 000 930 000 94 300 8 39 500 315 000 Dam 10 61 4002 - - - Dam 12 34 4003 - - - Total 196 100 3/3 31 000 457 000 46 300 8 28 000 225 000 3/4 26 000 680 000 68 900 10 23 000 230 000 3/5 16 000 320 000 32 400 0 15 000 0 3/6 17 000 263 000 26 700 0 15 000 0 1 Based on Friable sandstone x 0.79 x 0.14 x 2.2/2.4 2 (90m x 70m x 15m) x (available proportion = 0.65) 3 (120m x 80m x 20m) x (available proportion = 0.7) 4 Based on final landform surface level 15m - 25m below pre-extraction surface level (2004 EIS Figure 3.9).

Silt contained within Dams 10 and 12 was calculated as follows.

available proportion of dam Silt in dam area X dam depth = X volume for deposition Dam (P. McCue pers. comm) (P. McCue pers. comm)

The available volume for silt deposition within each stage was then calculated. Several assumptions were adopted for these calculations.

(i) The available depth: this was estimated based on the average depth of extraction (cross-sections of 2004 EIS Figures 3.2 and 3.3), final landform surface level (2004 EIS Figure 3.9), the commitment for the final landform to be free draining with a final surface 15m – 25m below the pre-extraction surface level, and the requirement for 1m – 2m of overburden and soil cover over silt cells. The estimated available depth was therefore conservative.

(ii) The available area; it was assumed between 5% and 20% of each extraction stage area would be taken up by batter slopes, silt cell walls and other structures. As such, the area available was reduced by 10% for the purpose of the calculations.

It has been assumed that the available volume within each extraction stage, calculated by multiplying the available depth by the available area, could be used in its entirety at the completion of extraction from that stage.

If the amended sequential development of the quarry is implemented, the silt production – available storage differential would be as presented in Table 3.

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ê\e/ R.w. ooRKERY & CO. PTY. LTMTTED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 15 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

Table 3 Silt Production - Storage Availability Cumulative Cumulative Silt Available Cumulative Extraction Silt Silt Storage Available Produced Storage Differential Stage 3 Production Stage 3 Storage 3 (m ) 3 (m ) 3 (m ) (m ) (m ) 3/1 28 900 28 900 2 75 000 75 000 46 100 3/3 46 300 75 200 2, 3/1 120 000 195 000 119 800 3/2 196 100 271 300 3/1, 3/3 225 000 420 000 148 700 3/4 68 900 340 200 3/1, 3/3, 3/2 315 000 735 000 394 800 3/5 32 400 372 600 3/3, 3/2, 3/4 0 735 000 362 400 3/6 26 700 399 300 3/2, 3/4 0 735 000 335 700

The estimated silt production – storage availability indicates that by allowing for the development of Stage 3/3 before Stage 3/2, storage availability would always remain well in excess of silt produced. Therefore, even if the calculations underestimate silt production or overestimate storage availability it is highly unlikely a negative differential would be created.

Processing Operations Processing operations for the 2005 amended proposal would be as described in Section 3.5 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-20 to 3-23). There would be no change to processing operations.

Product Transportation Product transportation would be as described in Section 3.6 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-23 to 3-25).

Infrastructure and Services Infrastructure and services would be as described in Section 3.7 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-25 to 3-27).

Hours of Operation and Quarry Life Hours of operation would not change from those proposed in Section 3.8 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-26). However, the exclusion of Stage 4 from the proposed development would reduce the life of the Calga Sand Quarry by 6 to 9 years.

Waste Management By-products proposed through extraction and processing, along with general waste would be managed as described in Section 3.9 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-28 to 3-30). It is worthy of note that the construction of an acoustic bund around the perimeter of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension with overburden would be completed within 4 weeks, and would be undertaken on commencement of the approved 2005 amended quarry extension.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 16 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

Employment Employment would remain unchanged from the level described in Section 3.10 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-30).

Rehabilitation Rehabilitation and final land use objectives would remain unchanged from those described in Section 3.11.2 of the 2004 EIS (page 3-31). Figure 4 presents the modified final landform proposed at completion of Stage 3. As described in the 2004 EIS, the final landform would still be free-draining with a gently sloping floor to the southwest approximately 15m to 25m below the pre-extraction surface level. Surface water drainage would be restricted to two channels, as opposed to the three described in the 2004 EIS, namely:

(i) maintenance of the existing southern channel flowing approximately east to west along the southern perimeter of the quarry; and

(ii) a broad, southwest / northeast-oriented central channel through Stages 3/1, 3/3, which would, in turn drain to two dams (Dams 7a and 7b/c) adjacent to the western margin of the 2005 amended Project Site.

Surface water flowing towards the 2005 amended Project Site from the northeast would be diverted around the acoustic bund wall and directed to existing dams on Lot 121, DP 755221.

The rehabilitation procedures described and final land use in Sections 3.11.4 and 3.11.5 of the 2004 EIS (pages 3-31 to 3-36) would remain unchanged in the amended proposal.

4 PERMISSIBILITY OF THE 2005 AMENDED PROPOSAL

4.1 General Permissibility

Planning on the Central Coast Plateau Areas, within which the 2005 amended Project Site is located, is controlled principally by Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 8 – Central Coast Plateau Areas (SREP 8). SREP 8 serves to provide for the environmental protection of the plateau whilst evaluating competing land uses. SREP 8 was amended by Gosford/Wyong Local Environmental Plan No. 2001 – Central Coast Plateau Areas (Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001) to remove conflict between SREP 8 and Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 9 – Extractive Industry (No. 2-1995) (SREP 9 (2)) over the designated preferential use of land on the Central Coast Plateau Areas.

Figure 5 places the 2005 amended Project Site in its regional planning context and illustrates its location within an area identified as: “location of extractive industry” by Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001.

As such, the development for the purpose of extractive industry is permissible on the 2005 amended Project Site provided the following conditions are satisfied.

• Arrangements are made for buffer zones to surround the development as deemed applicable by Council.

• The land would be rehabilitated on cessation of the extractive industry so as to enable its subsequent agricultural or other suitable land use.

• The consent of Council is provided prior to the clearing of land.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -17 - ROCLA PTY LIM¡TED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Repoñ No. 264/25

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The 2005 amended proposal would satisfy these conditions of SREP 8 although it is noted that it would be with the consent of the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning required, rather than Council’s.

Under the original map prepared for SREP 8, the 2005 amended Project Site would be partially coincident with an area mapped as ‘sedgelands’1. SREP 8 notes that consent should not be granted to a development which, in the opinion of the consent authority, shall result in the destruction of sedgelands. To determine the validity of this mapping, Anne Clements & Associates was commissioned to assess the vegetation of the 2004 (and therefore the 2005 amended) Project Site with particular emphasis placed on the area mapped as ‘sedgelands’ (see Figure 6).

Based on a comprehensive survey of the area concerned, Anne Clements & Associates concluded that the areas concerned do not meet the accepted definition of sedgelands and would be more appropriately categorized as open heathland to low open forest (see Section 4.4 of Annexure 9).

The proposed 2005 amended quarry extension would not therefore result in the destruction of sedgelands and it is concluded that the SREP 8 mapping does not prohibit the development of the amended proposal.

Other planning instruments which apply to the amended proposal include the following.

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 11 – Traffic Generating Development (SEPP 11) As an extractive industry, the original development application was referred to the RTA. The 2005 amended proposal would not alter the level or type of traffic originally proposed and therefore the amended proposal need not be referred to the RTA again.

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 – Koala Habitat Protection (SEPP 44) The Gosford local government area is identified in this instrument as potentially providing habitat for Koalas, however, a fauna assessment prepared for the 2004 EIS determined potential Koala habitat was not present on the 2004 (and therefore the 2005 amended) Project Site (see Section 5.5.3.5 – page 5-59).

Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 9 – Extractive Industry (No. 2 – 1995) (SREP 9 (2)) Lot 2, DP 229889 is listed under Schedule 1 of SREP 9 as containing current or potential sand resources of regional significance. The proposal would be permissible with consent if:

• effects on both surface water and groundwater are considered;

• a rehabilitation plan is prepared in accordance with Guidelines for Rehabilitation Plans in the Extractive Industry Report;

1 It is noted that ‘sedgelands’ do not appear on the Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001 Map which it is understood to take precedence over all preceding plans where conflicts are identified.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2OO4 PROPOSAL -19- ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Ertension Report No. 264/25

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• noise and vibration would be generally in accordance with guidelines in the State Pollution Control Commission Environmental Noise Manual (1985 edition); and

• rehabilitation measures would be carried out in accordance with Urban Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook (1992).

These points were addressed in the 2004 EIS and are considered further in Section 5 of this report where the amendment to the development application may result in modified impacts.

Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 20 – (SREP 20) The 2005 amended proposal would be permissible with consent under Clause 11(5) of this instrument. The general planning considerations required of proposed developments as listed in Clause 6 were considered in the preparation of the 2004 EIS and only those environmental impacts likely to be modified are considered in this report (see Section 5).

Gosford Interim Development Order 122 – (Gosford IDO 122) The 2005 amended Project Site is zoned as Rural (Highway Protection) 1(b) and Scenic Protection 7(b), however, both SREP 8 and SREP 9(2) take precedence over IDO 122 and therefore the amended proposal is still permissible with consent.

The only Development Control Plan (DCP) of relevance to the 2005 amended proposal is DCP No. 111 – Car Parking.

DCP No. 111 – Car Parking (DCP 111) Extractive industries are not referenced specifically under the Schedule of requirements of DCP 111. There is currently sufficient car parking spaces on the site to accommodate the existing workforce and visitors to the Calga Sand Quarry. An area of similar size would remain allocated to car parking for the life of the proposal and given the small number of vehicle movements associated with car parking on the Project Site a Traffic Impact Statement is not required. The relevant standards reference in DCP 111 would be implemented when the designated car parking area of the 2005 amended Project Site is required to relocate.

4.2 Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Design

The design of the Stage 3 quarry extension reflects Rocla’s intent to maximise the recovery of the friable sandstone resource whilst developing it in such a manner that reflects the environmental, community and planning constraints affecting the proposed extension. The proposed limit of extraction within the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension has been set with the following parameters (see Figure 2).

• A setback of 30m from the southern boundary with Lot 1, DP 805358 to be consistent with the limit set under Development Consent No. 10604, given the occurrence of native vegetation beyond that boundary.

• A setback of at least 30m from the western and northern boundaries of the 2005 amended Project Site with Lot 121, DP 755221 to enable the construction of an acoustic bund wall.

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• A setback of up to 90m from the northern property boundary of Lot 2, DP 229889, to achieve operational noise compliance on the Gazzana property.

• A setback of at least 30m from Peats Ridge Road which represents the eastern boundary of the 2005 amended Project Site.

All setbacks are appropriate and conform with planning constraints given SREP 8, SREP 9, Gosford/Wyong LEP 2001 and Gosford IDO 122 all recognize Lot 2, DP 229889 as a location of extractive industry. In previous correspondence, Gosford City Council suggested a setback of 90m was required between the quarry and Peats Ridge Road under Zone 1(b) Highway

Protection of Gosford IDO 122. However, where there is inconsistency between environmental planning instruments, the regional planning instrument would take precedence over a local planning instrument, in this case SREP 8 takes precedence over Gosford IDO 122. As noted in Clause 5 of SREP 8:

“Subject to section 74 (1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, in the event of an inconsistency between this plan and another environmental planning instrument (other than a State environmental planning policy) whether made before, on or after the commencement of this plan, this plan shall prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.”

And Clause 4 of SREP 9(2):

“(i) This plan prevails to the extent of any inconsistency between it and another environmental planning instrument, except a State Environmental Planning Policy.”

In any event, the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, being the consent authority, has powers to approve a development on land not zoned for the intended purpose.

5 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

5.1 Introduction

As a consequence of the 2005 amended proposal, environmental impacts would be reduced. At the request of DIPNR, a revised assessment of impacts is presented in the following sub- sections.

5.2 Surface Water

By reducing the size of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension, the surface water catchment of the proposed development would also be reduced. As all surface water flowing over the 2005 amended Project Site would ultimately discharge into Cabbage Tree Creek, which has a local catchment of 385ha, the 2005 amended proposal would remove approximately 8% from this catchment as opposed to 12% under the 2004 proposal. When considering that water captured in dams on the 2005 amended Project Site would continue to seep towards Cabbage Tree Creek as well as periodically discharge following heavy rainfall, the likely reduction in environmental flow is likely to be less than 8% and therefore unlikely to significantly impact on any downstream water users and/or ecosystems.

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The 2005 amendment to the proposed quarry extension would not alter the assessment of impact on surface water quality as presented in Section 5.1.6.1 of the 2004 EIS (see pages 5-18 and 5-19).

5.3 Groundwater

5.3.1 Groundwater Drawdown and Bore Hole Yield

Following the excision of Stage 4 from the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, C.M. Jewell & Associates remodelled the proposed quarry extension to predict the impact on groundwater drawdown, bore hole yield and maximum seepage rates. The model design was based on that described in Annexures 1 and 2, with the results presented as Figure 3 of Annexure 5. Table 4 presents the predicted impact on drawdown as a result of the 2005 amended proposal for the steady state solution, ie. when groundwater level equilibrates following the cessation of extraction. It should be noted the steady state solution presents the worst case “average” drawdown with this level naturally fluctuating in response to other environmental factors such as rainfall and recharge. Figure 7 presents the predicted drawdown at 1m contour intervals for both the 2004 quarry design (7a) and 2005 amended quarry design (7b).

Table 4 Three Dimensional Modelling Impact Assessment Drawdown Drawdown Bore Hole Location Purpose 2005 Amended 2004 Proposal Proposal PB1 Lot 21, DP 755221 Commercial <1m <1m PB2 Lot 21, DP 755221 Commercial <1m <1m Kashouli 1 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 3.5m 3m Kashouli 2 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 4.5m 4m Kashouli 3 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 5m 4.5m Kashouli 4 Lot 188, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 5.5m 5m Gazzana domestic Lot 121, DP 75221 Domestic/Stock 8.5m 7m GWD 066907 Lot 1, DP 559892 Domestic/Stock 2.5m 2.5m

Figure 7 and Table 4 indicate that there is a minor decrease in the predicted drawdown as a consequence of the excision of Stage 4 from the proposed extension. This relatively minor change, despite a relatively large change to the quarry design, was explained by Ian Brandes of C.M. Jewell & Associates (pers. comm.) as a result of the following.

(i) Groundwater flows in the local area typically follow the topography which at the Calga Sand Quarry are to the west and southwest.

(ii) Therefore the dominant design feature likely to affect groundwater drawdown is the surface area to be extracted below the groundwater table along the quarries eastern perimeter.

(iii) There is effectively no difference in this area between the 2004 and proposed 2005 amended quarry designs and as a consequence, the dominant influence in determining drawdown remains relatively unchanged.

(iv) The minor decrease in drawdown is therefore attributable to the reduced surface area to be extracted along the northern and western quarry perimeters.

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Based on this minor variation in predicted drawdown, the impact on the yields within bore holes surrounding the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension, is expected to remain similar and possibly slightly less than that presented in Annexures 1 to 3. That is, the worst case effect resultant from the 2005 amended proposal would be as follows.

Gazzana’s Production Bores: No groundwater drawdown and a decrease in yield from 1.5L/s to 1.2L/s.

Kashouli’s Domestic / Stock Bores: A decrease in groundwater level of between 3m and 5m resulting in a decrease in yield of approximately 9%.

Other Bores: Figure 3 of Annexure 5 predicts that within 500m of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension, drawdown reduces to less than 2m. Drawdown of this magnitude would be unlikely to significantly impact on any but the shallowest of bore holes. A maximum decrease in yield of approximately 10% is considered reasonable (see pA2-3 of Annexure 2).

Acknowledging the uncertainty over computer model predictions, Rocla has committed to monitoring groundwater levels in the bore holes of surrounding land holders to validate model predictions and/or assess the level of impact. C.M. Jewell & Associates recommended the following monitoring strategy which would be adopted by Rocla should consent be provided.

• The Standing Water Levels (SWL) of the bore holes surrounding the 2005 amended Project Site would be identified and the pre-2005 amended proposal yields obtained through pump testing.

• An intermediate monitoring bore hole on the Rozmanec property would be installed (with land holder consent) and its SWL and yield identified.

• SWLs would be monitored in these bores at three monthly intervals, with yields reassessed in the event of decreasing SWLs.

• The intermediate bore hole on the Rozmanec property and the domestic bore hole on the Gazzana property would be used as indicators of significant impact. Groundwater drawdown or reduced yield greater than that predicted by the three- dimensional modelling would trigger further hydrogeological investigations and potentially contingency measures to reinstate the reduced yield.

The proposed contingency strategy would include:

• deepening of the existing bore hole to increase saturated thickness;

• installing a replacement bore to a depth that would provide the pre-2005 amended proposal saturated thickness of the effected bore; or

• other measures considered satisfactory by the effected land holder including, provision of a rainwater tank or in the case of the Gazzana’s domestic bore, connection to the production bores on the property.

It is noted that an agreement with Messrs Gazzana, operators of a commercial water extraction operation to the north of the 2005 Project Site, has been reached over the predicted impacts on groundwater and the proposed management of these impacts, including the contingency strategy proposed.

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5.3.2 Groundwater In-flow to the Proposed 2005 Amended Quarry Extension

The proposed 2005 amended quarry design has been predicted to alter the modelled in-flow (or seepage) rates to the quarry. The transient analysis of the modified quarry design assumed the worst-case scenario, whereby the development of the proposed quarry was considered instantaneous and seepage calculated 2 months after the instantaneous quarry development (when seepage rates are likely to be at their highest). Predicted seepage rates for the 2005 amended proposal were calculated to be 49ML/yr, or 36% less than the 76ML/yr predicted for the 2004 quarry design (see page A5-2 of Annexure 5).

5.3.3 Conclusion

Amendment to the Calga Sand Quarry extension proposal would reduce the predicted impact on groundwater drawdown by up to 1m. This reduced drawdown is likely to also slightly reduce the impact of the proposed quarry extension on the yields of surrounding bores, although as noted previously, this impact is likely to be minimal. Maximum seepage rates are predicted to be 36% less than for the 2004 proposal. As such, the potential impact on the local and regional groundwater table would be reduced as less groundwater seeps into the quarry void.

The predicted impact on groundwater drawdown and maximum seepage rates would not alter previous assessments relating to the appropriateness of contingency plans prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates summarised in Section 5.3.1 and presented in full in Annexure 3.

5.4 Soils and Land Capability

The impact on Project Site soils would be reduced from that described in Section 5.2.4 of the 2004 EIS (see page 5-25) given the reduced area of disturbance of the 2005 amended proposal. It would still be the intention of Rocla to replace Class III land with a comparable area in the final landform and as such the impact assessment of Section 5.2.4 remains valid.

5.5 Noise

5.5.1 Construction Noise

The 2005 amended proposal would have the following ramifications on the assessment of noise on the Project Site.

• The acoustic barrier to be constructed around parts of the extraction area would be 7m in height and comprise a 5m earth bund and 2m fence.

• The acoustic barrier would be constructed during a single 4 week period.

• The construction noise criterion would therefore increase by 10dB(A) from that quoted in the 2004 EIS.

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Based on this revision to the proposed extension, Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd was commissioned to predict the likely construction noise of the 2005 amended proposal (see Table 1 of Annexure 6 and Annexure 8). Table 5 presents the predicted noise generated through construction and comparison to the revised construction noise criteria.

Table 5 Construction Noise Criterion for Estimated Range of L A10 Construction Noise, Differential Residence Noise Levels During dB(A) – less than dB(A) Construction, dB(A) 4 weeks Residence 2 (Rozmanec)* 45 – 48 55 -10 to -7 Residence 3 (Gazzana)# 60 – 63 56 +4 to +7 Residence 4 (King)* 58 – 61 55 +3 to +6 Residence 5 (Kashouli)# 56 – 59 56 0 to +3 Residence 6 (Townsend)* 53 – 56 50 +3 to +6 Residence 7 (Gazzana)@ 53 – 56 50 +3 to +6 Residence 10 (Goding)* 52 – 55 55 -3 to 0 Residence 11 (Hajje)* 45 – 48 55 -10 to -7 Source: * Modified after WMPL (2005b), see Annexure 6 – Table 1 # 2004 EIS – Section 5.3.5.1, pages 5-35 @ Modified after WMPL (2005c), see Annexure 8

Construction of an acoustic barrier may result in exceedances of up to 7dB(A) at surrounding residences under worst-case meteorological conditions. As proposed in the 2004 EIS (see Section 5.3.5.1, page 5-35), an attempt would be made to mitigate these exceedances by operating mobile equipment behind the partially completed sections of the bund wherever practical. This would reduce the frequency of occasions when equipment operates without at least partial acoustic shielding and therefore reduce noise levels. The surrounding residents would be informed prior to the commencement of activities with any reasonable request to reduce noise levels implemented.

At the time of the 2004 proposal, Residence 7, owned by F & J Gazzana, was considered project-related and therefore not included in any noise modelling predictions for construction noise. Based on the proximity of this residence to Residence 62, and the similar distance of both to the quarry extension of the 2005 amended proposal (Residence 6 would be approximately 500m and Residence 7, 570m to the northwest of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension), noise levels at both these residences would be similar. As such, the LA10 noise level at Residence 7 during construction would not be expected to exceed 56dB(A) which would cause a 6dB(A) exceedance at this residence. F & J Gazzana also own Residence 3, which for the 2004 EIS and subsequent investigations was also considered project-related. Based on noise modelling undertaken by Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, it is anticipated construction noise criteria would be exceeded during the 4 week construction period by up to 7dB(A) (see Annexure 8).

Given these mitigating measures presented here and in the 2004 EIS, and the short duration of exceedances (<4 weeks), the impacts of construction noise are considered acceptable. An agreement with Messrs Gazzana, the owners of the residences likely to be most affected, has been reached over noise exceedances and is provided with this report.

2 Residence 7 is approximately 150m to the southwest of Residence 6.

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5.5.2 Operational Noise

Revised noise modelling was also performed based on the existence of a 7m acoustic barrier, as opposed to the 5m bund wall proposed in the 2004 EIS, by Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd (see Table 1 of Annexure 7 and Table 1 of Annexure 8). The results for extraction Stages 3/1 and 3/5 (the worst-case scenarios of the 2005 amended proposal) are presented in Table 6.

Table 6 Calculated LAeq Operational Noise Levels Exceeded for 10% of 15 Minute Periods, dB(A) Stage Residence 3 Residence 4 Residence 5 Residence 6 Residence 7 (Gazzana) (King) (Kashouli) (Townsend) (Gazzana) Noise Differential Noise Differential Noise Differential Noise Differential Noise Differential Equipment at Existing Ground Level 3/1 41 0 40 0 38 -3 33 -2 33 -2 3/5 47 +6 40 0 39 -2 30 -5 30 -5 Equipment 5m Below Existing Ground Level 3/1 39 -2 39 -1 35 -6 31 -4 31 -4 3/5 45 +4 37 -3 36 -5 29 -6 29 -6 CRITERION 41# 40 41 35 35* Source: Modified after WMPL (2005b and 2005c), see Annexure 7 – Table 1 and Annexure 8 – Table 1 *Assumed based on proximity to Residence 6

With the exception of Residence 3 during Stage 3/5 extraction operations, the amended proposal would comply with operational noise criteria at the closest non-project related residences. As noted previously, agreement to the minor noise exceedances has been obtained from the owners of Residence 3. Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd suggests that during Stage 3/5 extraction operations, the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension would become compliant with operational noise criteria as the depth of extraction reached approximately 20m below surface level (see Annexure 8).

5.6 Air Quality

Impacts on air quality were modelled based on three operational scenarios in the 2004 EIS, Stage 3/1, Stage 3/5 and Stage 4/4. Stage 3/5 represents a worst-case scenario for extraction within Stage 3 and therefore a worst-case for the 2005 amended proposal. As presented in Table 5.18 of the 2004 EIS (see pages 5-46 to 5-47) and discussed in Section 5.4.6.3 (see page 5-47), the impacts on air quality would be within DEC goals for Stage 3/5.

5.7 Ecology

5.7.1 Flora

The 2004 EIS determined, based on surveys conducted in January 2004, the 2004 proposal would have no significant impact on Project Site, local or regional flora. However, a subsequent survey and report prepared by ACA (see Annexure 9), undertaken following a request for further information by DIPNR identified individuals of two threatened plant species on the 2005 amended Project Site. Hibertia procumbens, listed as Endangered under Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, was identified to the west and within Stages 4/1 and 4/2 of the proposed 2004 quarry extension. Darwinia glaucophylla, listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995, was identified to the south and within Stages 4/1 and 4/2 of the proposed 2004 quarry extension.

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Following an investigation of the distribution of these species and assessment of impact as a result of the proposed 2004 quarry extension, ACA (2005) concluded that an area of approximately 1ha should be excised from Stage 4 and left undisturbed. Assuming this was undertaken, the proposed 2004 quarry extension would have no significant impact on these species on a local or regional scale.

Considering Stage 4 in total has now been excised as part of the 2005 amended proposal, and assuming the implementation of all the safeguards, management practices and mitigation measures discussed in Section 5.5.2.4 of the 2004 EIS (see page 5-53), the amended proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact of flora of conservation significance or on local flora generally.

5.7.2 Fauna

Following a request by DIPNR, the 2004 Project Site was assessed for the presence of the Red-crowned Toadlet, a vulnerable species listed in Schedule 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Abel Ecology (2005) found no evidence of suitable habitat or the frog itself on the 2004 Project Site and concluded the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension would be unlikely to impact on the species (see Section 3 of Annexure 10). Based on the conclusions of Abel Ecology (2005) and assessment of CES (2004), prepared for the 2004 EIS and included as Part 5 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium, the 2005 amended proposal is unlikely to have a significant impact on fauna of conservation significance or local fauna generally.

5.8 Transportation

The 2005 amended proposal would not result in a modification to proposed transport operations and therefore the assessment of Section 5.6.5 of the 2004 EIS is valid (see pages 5-61 and 6-62).

5.9 Aboriginal Heritage

None of the sites of Aboriginal heritage significance recorded on the Aboriginal Sites Register or identified by ASR (2004) (see Part 6 of the Specialist Consultant Studies Compendium) are located on areas to be disturbed by the amended proposal. There would therefore be no impact on Aboriginal heritage as a result of the 2005 amended proposal.

5.10 Visibility

Restricting the proposed extension of the Calga Sand Quarry to Stage 3 would reduce the visibility of the proposed development, particularly to the north and west, when compared to the 2004 proposal. In addition, and at the request of DIPNR, a landscape management plan has been prepared for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension which would reduce the impact of the proposed disturbance to residences immediately surrounding the Calga Sand Quarry. This is presented as Annexure 11.

The impact of the 2005 amended proposal would therefore be reduced from that noted in Section 5.8.4 of the 2004 EIS (see page 5-66) and is considered acceptable.

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5.11 Land Use

The 2005 amended proposal would have little affect on the assessed impact described in Section 5.9.4 of the 2004 EIS (see pages 5-67 to 5-69) and is considered acceptable. Section 5.12 also assesses impacts on land use as relevant to socio-economic conditions.

5.12 Socio-Economic Climate

5.12.1 Introduction

The assessment of impact undertaken for the 2004 EIS remains valid for the 2005 amended proposal (see Section 5.10, pages 5-69 to 5-70), however, following from concerns raised by the local community (both as submissions to the 2004 EIS and development application and at subsequent forums and meetings held), it has been considered appropriate to undertake a more detailed assessment of the socio-economic impact of the proposed quarry extension as it relates to selected landholdings surrounding the 2005 amended Project Site (Section 5.12.2) and the local area generally (Section 5.12.3).

5.12.2 Specific Residential Impacts

The updated assessment considers each of the closest non-project related residents or landowners (see Figure 8) including:

• F. & J. Gazzana of Residence 3 and 7; • Mrs B. Kashouli of Residence 5; • A.M. & R.A. Townsend of Residence 6; • C.A. Goding of Residence 10; • R.O. King of Residence 4; and • F. & G. Rozmanec of Residence 2.

All other residents are considered together due to their extended distance from the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension.

F. & J. Gazzana of Residences 3 and 7 The Gazzana’s operate a commercial groundwater extraction operation on their property from which approximately 48ML of water is produced each year. Three-dimensional modelling of groundwater undertaken by C.M. Jewell & Associates (described within Annexures 1, 2 and 5) determined that the 2004 and proposed 2005 quarry extension would be unlikely to affect groundwater drawdown or annual yield from the production bores of the Gazzana’s given the fracture flow into these bores. That is, when water levels drop below the level of the fractures, groundwater cascades into the bore and as such groundwater level would remain consistent. Further explanation is provided under Point 9 of Annexure 2 and is reproduced below.

“… the Gazzana’s production bore holes have been modelled as constant head boundary conditions, not constant flux boundary conditions. A constant head boundary was used because it was noted during pump testing that the inflow to the bores is from fractures – when the water level in the bore is drawn down below the level of the fracture, water cascades from the fracture.

The water levels are relatively consistent in the vicinity of the Gazzana’s production bore holes because they effectively remain at their maximum drawdown before and after the proposed quarry extension – only the predicted bore hole yield changes.”

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Yield within the production bores of the Gazzana’s was predicted to decrease by 0.3L/s (from 1.5L/s to 1.2L/s) when extraction to Stage 4/3 was modelled (see Section 3.9 of Annexure 1). Given the similar drawdown predicted at the production bores of the Gazzana’s if extraction is further limited to Stage 3 (see Figure 7), this decrease in yield is considered a worst-case scenario. A decrease in yield of this magnitude would be unlikely to affect the ability of the Gazzana’s to produce the 48ML/yr required to meet their commercial contract obligations.

The predicted drawdown at the domestic bore of the Gazzana’s (see Figure 7), is expected to result in a decrease in yield proportional to the percentage change in saturated thickness of the bore. C.M. Jewell & Associates considers the proposed contingency measures to be implemented in the event of a major decrease in yield would ultimately mitigate any impact. These contingency measures are as follows.

• The impacted bore would be deepened by a depth at least equivalent to the observed decrease in saturated thickness; or

• Additional measures, agreed by the Gazzana’s would be undertaken which might include the provision of a rainwater tank or the connection of the domestic bore to one of their production bores.

In their technical appraisal of the proposed contingency measures, C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, while expressing caution in their assessment, noted there was a high likelihood an adequate replacement source to the predicted decrease in bore hole yield could be identified on the affected property (see Annexure 3).

All air quality criteria would be met at Residences 3 and 7.

Limited exceedances of noise criteria have been predicted (see Section 5.5), however, Messrs Gazzana have been notified of these exceedances and a negotiated agreement has been reached with them.

Mrs B. Kashouli of Residence 5 Mrs Kashouli operates poultry sheds on her property which require water for stock watering and cleaning. It is understood Mrs Kashouli uses some groundwater from bores on her property for this purpose. Groundwater levels at these bores have been predicted to decrease by between 3m and 5m with saturated thickness within the bore decreasing by approximately 9%. C.M. Jewell & Associates has concluded this decrease in saturated thickness may lead to a decrease in yield of approximately 9%. This level of decrease should not adversely impact on the ability of Mrs Kashouli to provide water for her poultry stock.

In the event of a significant decrease in the yield obtained from Mrs Kashouli’s bores, Rocla would deepen these or construct new bores to restore the pre-extraction yield. As noted in Annexure 3, C.M. Jewell and Associates assessed there is a high likelihood that these contingency measures would be adequate and acceptable.

With the exception of the 4 week construction period, the proposed quarry extension would meet noise criteria. The impact these exceedances, and quarry noise in general, would have on Mrs Kashouli’s poultry is difficult to quantify as no specific research has been identified on this topic. The following factors have been considered.

• Generally livestock become accustomed to constant noise levels which in this case are not anticipated to increase by a lot.

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• Startle noise, ie. short-term, high dB(A) noises such as explosions or high impact situations, would be most likely to affect the poultry. Although unlikely, this may occur during the 4 week construction period given the construction works proposed, ie. movement of overburden to create earth bunds and erection of an acoustic fence. • Given the proximity of the poultry sheds to Peats Ridge Road, it is likely the poultry are already exposed to some startle noise associated with traffic, eg. backfiring of vehicles, vehicle horns, heavy vehicle braking and/or load movement of heavy vehicles. To our knowledge, this has not impacted adversely on the poultry.

Rocla intends to landscape the acoustic barrier of the proposed 2005 amended quarry extension as presented in Annexure 11. This would ultimately improve the visual amenity from Residence 5 as the current view of cleared paddocks and the Calga Sand Quarry would be replaced by a bund vegetated with native tree and shrub species.

Mrs Kashouli, as one of the closer residents to the Calga Sand Quarry, is the most likely to be adversely affected in terms of current social and economic setting. However, any impacts are considered either within relevant environmental criteria, adequately mitigated by safeguards and/or contingency planning or are generally of an acceptable level. It is the intention of Rocla to continue to monitor impacts at this residence and maintain an ongoing dialogue with Mrs Kashouli or any future resident of the property. Where practicable, any additional controls or safeguards would be adopted by Rocla at the request of Mrs Kashouli.

A.M. & R.A. Townsend of Residence 6 With the exception of noise exceedances associated with the construction of an acoustic barrier wall, minimal impact is predicted at this residence. There is no ongoing commercial activity ongoing on the property likely to be affected by the 2005 amended proposal.

C.A. Goding of Residence 10 No exceedances of environmental criteria are predicted at this residence and similar to other residences to the east of Peats Ridge Road, groundwater drawdown is predicted to be less than 2m as the groundwater level reaches equilibrium following the cessation of extraction (see Figure 3 of Annexure 5). This level of drawdown would be unlikely to affect the yields of existing or future bores on this property. As for Residence 5, visual amenity would be likely to improve as a consequence of the landscaping of the acoustic barrier.

R.D. King of Residence 4 With the exception of noise exceedances associated with the construction of an acoustic barrier wall, minimal impact is predicted at this residence. Similar to other residences to the east of Peats Ridge Road, groundwater drawdown is predicted to be less than 2m as the groundwater level reaches equilibrium following the cessation of extraction (see Figure 3 of Annexure 5). This level of drawdown would be unlikely to affect the yields of existing or future bores on this property. As for Residence 5, visual amenity would be likely to improve as a consequence of the landscaping of the acoustic barrier.

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F. & G. Rozmanec of Residence 2 No exceedances of environmental criteria are predicted at this residence and groundwater drawdown is predicted to be approximately 2.5m as the groundwater level reaches equilibrium following the cessation of extraction (see Figure 3 of Annexure 5). This level of drawdown would be unlikely to affect the yields of existing or future bores on this property. As for Residence 5, visual amenity would be likely to improve as a consequence of the landscaping of the acoustic barrier.

All Other Residences All other residences are considered too distant from the proposal to be affected by impacts of the proposed quarry extension. Importantly, groundwater drawdown would be <1m and therefore highly unlikely to impact on any groundwater activity undertaken.

Of the residences considered, the 2005 amended proposal is unlikely to adversely affect ongoing economic enterprise. Assuming the adoption of all the proposed safeguards for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension, there would not be any major alteration to the existing social setting and conditions, which notably have included the Calga Sand Quarry for over 15 years.

5.12.3 Local Impacts

It is noted that the local area surrounding the Calga Sand Quarry is best considered a grouping of residences as opposed to a “community”. There is no community hall or common activities amongst these residents indicative of a small community. The Calga community is located to the east of the F3 Freeway. This notwithstanding, the social impacts on a local scale have been assessed for the 2005 amended proposal.

Based on submissions received during the exhibition period for the 2004 EIS and information obtained from documented or reported community meetings, the main concerns over socio- economic conditions of the local community relate to the following.

• Access to and availability of groundwater. • Maintenance of ongoing economic and recreational activities on the Somersby Plateau. • Changes to the amenity or “lifestyle” values of the Somersby Plateau.

Access to Groundwater The reports prepared by C.M. Jewell & Associates following the submission of the 2004 development application and EIS have predicted that the proposed quarry extension would decrease groundwater levels only in the immediate vicinity of the Calga Sand Quarry. This localised impact, restricted to properties immediately north and east of the proposed quarry extension, would not adversely impact on the access and availability of Somersby Plateau residents. As such, the 2005 amended proposal would have little impact on activities, economic, domestic, recreational or otherwise, that require access to groundwater.

On a regional scale, the proposed “extraction” of groundwater as a consequence of the 2005 amended proposal, predicted to be at most 49ML/yr (see page A5-2 of Annexure 5), is well within the 996ML/yr allocation for extraction under the Water Sharing Plan for the Kulnura Mangrove Mountain Groundwater Sources 2003. As such, the 2005 amended proposal is unlikely to impact on economic activities of groundwater users within this area.

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Ongoing Economic and Recreational Activities Economic activities in the vicinity of the Project Site were described in the 2004 EIS (Section 5.9, pages 5-67 to 5-69). As noted previously, the commercial groundwater extraction activities to the north and any other activity requiring access to groundwater is unlikely to be adversely affected and would be mitigated through contingency plans proposed by Rocla. Dust, which has the potential to damage crops or orchards, has been predicted to be at sufficiently low deposition levels as to have no impact on any nearby properties (see Section 5.4.6, pages 5-45 to 5-48 of the 2004 EIS).

With the exception of some LA10 noise levels >55dB(A) during construction, operations at the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension would be within DEC criteria and unlikely to impact on potentially noise sensitive activities including the poultry sheds to the north of the Project Site, horse riding within Glenworth Valley to the west, a wildlife refuge area to the south and conservation and recreation within the nearby Brisbane Waters National Park.

Community Amenity / “Lifestyle” This aspect of socio-economic impact assessment is relatively difficult to measure as what is important to one person may not necessarily have the same value to another. When considering those aspects of a community such as that on the Somersby Plateau, the 2005 amended proposal is assessed to have an acceptable impact based on the following.

(i) There would be only limited exceedances of noise criteria during a 4 week construction period. During operations of the 2005 amended proposal, increases in LAeq(15min) noise levels would be up to 6dB(A) and in subjective terms, changes in noise levels of this magnitude can be described as follows.

Negligible noise level increase <1dB(A) - Not noticeable by all people Marginal noise level increase 1dB(A) to 2dB(A) - Not noticeable by most people Moderate noise level increase 3dB(A) to 5dB(A) - Not noticeable by some people but may be noticeable by others Appreciable noise level >5dB(A) - Noticeable by most people increase

Therefore, noise level increases would be predominantly negligible to moderate but generally would not adversely affect local residents.

(ii) Neither dust deposition nor other particulate matter concentration would increase to a level above DEC criteria or that would be noticed by local residents. (iii) The number of trucks entering and exiting the 2005 amended Project Site would increase marginally but would represent only a small proportion of traffic on Peats Ridge Road. (iv) Ongoing economic and recreational activities would not be compromised. (v) The landscaping of an acoustic bund would remove the quarry from the majority of residential visual vantage points.

Overall, the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension would return 15 full-time jobs to the region as well as returning between 300 000tpa and 400 000tpa of a product in high demand in the Sydney and Central Coast construction markets. The 2005 amended proposal would allow for the importation of other products for blending which would otherwise be sent to landfill. Rocla also proposes to create a final landform amenable to future use for agriculture and/or horticulture which would therefore ensure the ongoing economic value of the Project Site / property.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED ROCLA PTY LIMITED 36 AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL Report No. 264/25 Calga Sand Quarry Extension

5.12.4 Conclusion

When considering both localised impacts to nearby residences, as well as those impacts affecting the local area, it is assessed that the benefits of the 2005 amended proposal, through employment creation and production of a product in high demand on the Central Coast and Sydney, outweigh the limited and localised impacts associated with localised decreases in groundwater level, alterations to visual amenity, minor noise increases and minimal increases to traffic levels.

5.13 Planning Instrument Compliance

The assessment of compliance undertaken for the 2004 EIS remains valid for the amended proposed (see Section 5.11, pages 5-70 to 5-71). Section 4 of this report also presented a detailed assessment of the permissibility of the amended proposal.

6 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING

All proposed environmental management and monitoring of the proposed methods presented in the 2004 EIS remain valid. However, acknowledging the uncertainty over the impact the predicted drawdown would have on the yields of Bore Hole GW066907 and the stock and domestic bore holes of the Gazzanas and Kashoulis, the following strategy for verifying the groundwater model predictions and identifying the resultant impact is proposed.

1. The Standing Water Levels (SWL) and yields of the bore holes would be identified through pump testing. 2. An intermediate monitoring well between CQ1 and GW066907 would be installed (probably on the Rozmanecs’ property, but subject to consent) and the SWL and yield would be recorded on a quarterly basis. 3. A program to monitor changing SWL would be implemented at a three-monthly interval and compared to groundwater model predictions. Yields would be reassessed in the event of apparent adverse impacts on SWL. To determine the significance of any future groundwater drawdown, C.M. Jewell & Associates suggest a trigger level of drawdown >1.5m below an average or baseline groundwater level (see page A4-2 of Annexure 4). Should this occur, it would trigger the adoption of one or more contingency measures which may include the deepening of the existing bore, or drilling of a replacement bore. C.M. Jewell & Associates also provided a technical appraisal of this contingency and considered it highly likely that this approach would adequately replace any loss in yield (see Annexure 3).

Implementing a groundwater monitoring program as recommended would allow either the confirmation that the drawdown has little effect on the low-yielding stock and domestic bores surrounding the quarry, or early identification of impacts on yield, which would allow for these impacts to be managed.

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL 37 ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

7 CONCLUSION

The proposed amendment to DA 94-4-2004 would remain permissible with consent as the 2005 amended quarry design has been prepared with reference to all appropriate planning instruments. Based on the assessments completed as part of the 2004 EIS, subsequent assessments performed following submission of the development application and further reports on groundwater and noise prepared specifically for the amended development application, all impacts have been assessed to be within the appropriate criteria or are considered acceptable due to their restricted duration or lack of definitive criteria.

8 REFERENCES

Abel Ecology, 2005, Red-crowned Toadlet Survey and Assessment for Rocla Materials Pty Ltd for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 1 Rocla report 2 March 2005

Anne Clements & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005, Target Flora Surveys and Assessment for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension – Ref 26424_Flora_Pt1_Pt2

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2004a, Three-dimensional modelling for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension for R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited – Ref J0290.55R

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2004b, Response to request for further information – Ref J0290.57L

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005a, Technical appraisal of proposed impact mitigation strategies – Ref J0290.58L

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005b, Response to request for additional information on water ‘make, local impacts and existing water licences – Ref J0290.61L

C.M. Jewell & Associates Pty Ltd, 2005c, Revised Three-dimensional modelling for the 2005 amended proposal – Ref (J0290.64L)

R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty. Limited, 2004, Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Calga Sand Quarry Extension, prepared on behalf of Rocla Materials Pty Ltd

R.W. Corkery & Co. Pty Limited, 2005, Landscape Management Plan for the proposed Calga Sand Quarry extension.

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, 2005a, Additional information provided regarding construction noise at surrounding residences – Ref RWC 030205 RB DIPNR

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, 2005b, Results of revised operational noise modelling following the implementation of additional noise controls – Ref 01127C

Wilkinson Murray Pty Ltd, 2005c, Results of revised operational noise modelling at the Gazzana Residence – Ref 01127D

R. W. CORKERY & CO. PTY. LIMITED AMENDMENT TO 2004 PROPOSAL ROCLA PTY LIMITED Calga Sand Quarry Extension Report No. 264/25

Annexures