Q: The community information sheet quotes two scenarios, 300Kt and 500Kt. What timeframe is this over?
CRL/QCM A: At the moment, timeframes are hard to determine as they will depend on project approval and success in the market once we start. The two tonnage scenarios (300Kt and 500Kt ) are the basis for modelling impacts from Stage One of the proposal. For example, as part of our applications, we will determine noise levels from trucking under those two scenarios. If we decided to pursue Stage Two, tonnages would be higher and would be modelled again at higher tonnages.

Q: What will be the source of sand when the OPT’s are exhausted?
CRL/QCM A: There are no current plans for sources of sand other than the OPTs. We will not be extracting sand from any areas that are undisturbed by mining.

Q: What timeframe will the OPTs be viable?
CRL/QCM A: The timeframe will depend on QCMs capture of market share and whether stage 2 progresses. CRL intend for the project to be long term.

Q: Will [trucking company] be using multi-combo trucks when hauling construction sand to reduce truck movements?
CRL/QCM A: CRL has no arrangements with any company relating to the trucking of construction sand, and such arrangements are unlikely to be made until the status of approvals for the project is more certain. Using multi-combo trucks will be considered as a noise management strategy.

Q: Will the mineral loading facility be reconfigured to allow for tonnage to increase to allow for 200% or 270% of its current use?
CRL/QCM A: Reconfiguration of the facility is currently the subject of engineering studies to determine the most efficient manner of reconfiguration. We cannot give a firm answer as yet on the actual volume increase, however we are aiming to accommodate all of stage one sand volume (ie. up to 500Kt).

Q: Will Yarraman be included [in the construction sand project] if Enterprise is successful?
CRL/QCM A: We have no intention to include Yarraman in the project.

Q: What research has been done into the environmental impact of the sand export? For example, what would be the impact on water catchment?
CRL/QCM A: Apart from some preliminary noise studies, there have been no other studies completed yet. The purpose of the community fact sheet was to both inform the community and as an opportunity for people to raise what types of studies they may want to be addressed. Redland Shire Council, as the likely assessment manager for the application, will require the impacts to be fully assessed.

Q: What is the maximum quantity of such sand ‘waste’ that CRL would be permitted to export in this process?
CRL/QCM A: We will be seeking approvals to export up to 500 000 tonnes per year. That is about the same as the sand generated from six days worth of mining at one of the mines. Fact Sheet 2 (available on our website) explains how sand swells after it is mined. Basically, for every 1 cubic metre of sand that is mined, there are 1.037 cubic metres of tailings sand generated. For one year of mining, that results in an extra 585 000 cubic metres (equivalent to 894 000 tonnes) of sand being generated through swell alone. So the 500 000 tonnes proposed is less than that generated by swelling of the sand.

Q: What is the maximum target quantity of such sand ‘waste’ that CRL would like to/could export in this process?
CRL/QCM A: Transport constraints will limit the project to 500 000 tonnes. However, if CRL decides to pursue Stage 2 of the project, the tonnage will increase but only with additional works. These would be the subject of feasibility studies, further impact assessment work and would be subject to approvals as well.

Q: Given the increase in trucking, how does CRL expect to deal with the increased traffic safety hazard (to humans and animals), noise and pollution, as well as wear and tear on roads?
CRL/QCM A: These issues will all be studied and included in the impact assessments / applications as required for the approval process.

Suggested Studies:

Study: Noise levels for residents on the trucking route.
CRL/QCM Response: CRL commissioned a preliminary noise investigation in 2005 about the noise impact from construction sand trucking on residents who live along the trucking route. The study concluded that noise limits set by government would not be exceeded, even when combined with trucking of mineral. CRL will be commissioning a more detailed study (including barge loader noise) as part of the application process.

Study: A proper Environmental Impact Study by a truly independent, scientifically qualified body.
CRL/QCM Response: While CRL cannot predict the level of assessment that government will require, we will be assessing all of the issues identified for the project to determine their impacts. CRL will shortly be announcing the organisation that has been successful in gaining the contract to undertake this work. The chosen organisation will be scientifically qualified to conduct the work and a non-CRL company.