Williamtown Sand Syndicate faced barriers in gaining State and Commonwealth approvals to operate their newly leased Cabbage Tree Road Sand Quarry due to environmental and community-related challenges. They contracted Kleinfelder to help review and amend their quarry proposal to achieve project approval.

Approvals Complexities and Opposition

The site’s proposed operation required significant modifications based on issues raised during the State and Commonwealth approval assessment processes. The existence of a threatened tree species, a newly identified frog species, radiation concerns from previous mining, air quality and noise impacts to nearby residences, and the declaration of potential PFAS contamination from a nearby source needed to be addressed before the project could move forward.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Kleinfelder prepared a Submissions Report for the State approval and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Referral and Controlled Action documentation for the Commonwealth approval. A series of management plans for construction and operations, which included ecological surveys, soil and water sampling, rehabilitation advice, noise and dust assessments, surface water and groundwater reporting, and PFAS investigations, in conjunction with regulator and community consultation was provided. Kleinfelder’s team actively participated in community relations including chairing open public forums and attending one-on-one and Community Consultative Committee meetings. Kleinfelder developed project recommendations based on stakeholder concerns.

Project Results

Kleinfelder provided solutions to reduce community and regulatory objections and suggested adaptations to improve the project. Kleinfelder’s recommendations, additional surveys and reviews, and appropriate and concise reports and plans helped alleviate community and regulator concerns, resulting in both State and Commonwealth project approvals. The quarry is now under construction and due to produce sand later this year.

Project Details

Location:
Williamtown, New South Wales

Owner:
Williamtown Sand Syndicate