The

Alum Mountain

 Please Help!

The New South Wales Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) is planning on locating an approximately one hundred metre wide freeway sited within a five to twenty-one metre deep cutting through the base of the only Alum Mountain in the world.

 The Alum Mountain, Bulahdelah, N.S.W., Australia

A historical photograph taken prior to 1936

Many families live in the houses which, today, are located on both sides of the street pictured above (Meade Street) and to your right, beside and near the extreme top of the road, is a public school which is currently attended by around six hundred children for (barring days off and excursions) over 1,200 hours per year during each year of their schooling.  The freeway would be located at an approximate distance of two hundred metres above the school, running in a direction which is left to right in the photograph.

In December, 2001, the announcement was made that  the Minister for Roads, Minister for Transport, Hon. Carl Scully had chosen this route, known as ‘Option E’, as his ‘preferred option’.

As a writer whose literature is principally on the system of schooling children en masse and the many damages it inflicts upon children of today, I am appalled that the ‘preferred option’ is one which would engender further suffering for the thousands of children who, in years to come, will be processed through local mass schooling institutions which are located in extremely close proximity to the Minister’s ‘preferred route’ and that, in a situation such as this, school principals are so handicapped by their lack of autonomy that they feel powerless to publicly speak out against an issue which would adversely affect those children who are placed in their keeping for one thousand, two hundred hours annually for the bulk of their formative years.

While searching the internet for information on alum, one of the small band of Bulahdelah residents who have been involved in fighting against ‘Option E’ since September, 2000 discovered that alum in powdered form is highly dangerous.  During construction of ‘Option E’ hundreds of residents and schooled children would be subjected to not just dust which is known to affect many asthmatics but to massive amounts of powdered alum.  The following information was found at a combination of websites, including that at:

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/a2856.htm

Since the creation of this web page the above site has been altered and it is now necessary to search by country. Human beings, no matter which country they are from, are all of the same physiological makeup. And alum, no matter in which country it is located, has the same potential to cause physiological damage to human beings. Alum in powdered form is known to have caused the deaths of two adults who had ingested as little as thirty grams of alum powder.  I wonder what the fatal dosage is for children!

 Inhalation of alum in powdered for can cause:

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

• Sore throat

 And the finer the dust particles, the more deeply they are inhaled into the lungs.

 Skin contact with powdered alum can cause:

• Redness

• Pain

 Eye exposure to powdered alum can cause:

• Corrosion

• Redness

• Severe deep burns

Ingestion of powdered alum can cause:

• Abdominal pain

• Burning sensation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• And - at as little as 30 grams - death in adults

During the lengthy construction process of 'Option E', children would be swallowing powdered alum breathed in through their nostrils and mouths!

When stored in factories, alum powder must carry the ‘Hazard Identification’, “WARNING!  HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED OR INHALED. CAUSES IRRITATION TO SKIN, EYES AND RESPIRATORY TRACT.”  Alum hydrolises in water to form sulfuric acid.  This is why powdered alum is corrosive to the eyes, mouth, respiratory tract and lungs.  Why did this apparent safety hazard have to be discovered by private citizens instead of by the firm employed by the RTA to investigate the area involved?  And why, as this matter was brought forth and passed on to PPK, the RTA’s consultants, in early 2002, has the Hon. Carl Scully not revoked his decision?

It is not only during construction of ‘Option E’ that children could be damaged.  After completion of this gargantuan monstrosity children would be subjected to both traffic fumes and extremely high noise levels:

• Exposure to carbon monoxide has long been known to adversely affect the intellect

• Exposure to noise pollution as low as 60 decibels has recently been proven to cause high blood pressure in children

• Exposure to noise pollution as low as 60 decibels is strongly suspected as being a contributing factor in the emotional and mental disorder 'Learned Helplessness Syndrome'.

In these days of pedal towards the metal transportation, the very conception of the initial idea of ‘Option E’ displays primitive thought processes involving fear that a highway bypass would entail businesses being passed by.  That the RTA seemingly supports money-hungry cries of, “Keep the highway close to town,” from those few ignorant and unintelligent shopkeepers who wrongly claim that they would suffer financial loss if the highway deviation were located to the west of Bulahdelah is appalling!  And that, in its apparent goal to alter a picturesque country village into a noisy, dirty ‘service town’ as a part of their ‘STOP, REVIVE, SURVIVE’ campaign, the RTA has shown no concern whatsoever for the environment, either natural or human, is outrageous! 

‘Option E’ is not the safest option - OPTION A IS THE SAFEST OPTION - and in their blind promotion of ‘Optiionn E’, the RTA and PPK have made a grim and shocking travesty of the entire RTA ‘STOP, REVIVE, SURVIVE’ campaign.

Those wishing to help in the battle against this insanely dangerous ‘option’ can email their objections to any or all of the following.  If you would prefer to use a standardised letter for your email please click here.

N.S.W. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Hon. Craig John Knowles: macquariefields@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Major Projects, Hon. Kerry Chikarovski: kerry.chikarovski@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Leader of the National Party, Hon. Hon. George Souris: georgesouris@parliament.nsw.gov.au

N.S.W. State Forests: cumberland@sf.nsw.gov.au

The Minister for Roads, the Hon. Carl Scully: carl.scully@transport.minister.nsw.gov.au

The Shadow Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, MP: askinner@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Shadow Minister for the Environment, Hon. Patricia Forsythe MLC: Patricia.Forsythe@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Minister for the Environment, Hon. R.J. Debus, MP: adebus@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. John Howard: secretariat@nsw.liberal.org.au

Adele Carrall, initiator of the “Say NO to ‘option’ E” campaign: adelecarrall@yahoo.com.au

Malcolm Carrall, spokesperson for the above campaign: mlclmcrrll@bigpond.com

A website containing maps and further information on the ‘Pacific Highway Upgrade’, Bulahdelah can be viewed at: http://www.geocities.com/lockstar/roads/pacific/bulahdelah.html

 Thank you

A Brief History

For many years numerous residents of Bulahdelah have known that Bulahdelah would, one day, be bypassed and based upon the route which was to have been utilised for a former proposed freeway, ‘Motorway Pacific’, believed that the bypass would be to the west of and well away from the township (in the approximate location of the route now known as ‘Option A’) – and many were looking forward to the day when the bulk of highway noise and air pollution would be removed from the township.  Not even in their wildest imaginings would most residents have envisioned that anyone would dream up, let alone seriously consider, running a highway through the base of the only Alum Mountain in the world.

In March, 2000, those members of the community residing within the ‘survey area’ received an RTA, PPK ‘newsletter’ with an orange blur and the word ‘BULAHDELAH’ over the Bulahdelah area and at the foot of the page, in fine print, “Area being examined as part of preliminary investigations.”  Of course ‘BULAHDELAH’ was ‘being examined as part of preliminary investigations’ for the ‘Pacific Highway Upgrade’, Bulahdelah!

Already confused by the March ‘newsletter’, the community, a community which had long believed that the highway was to be deviated to the west of the township, was shocked to see five ‘Route Options’ in ‘Newsletter 2’ of July:

Option A – to the west of the township

Option B – to the west of the township but slightly closer at its north and south ends

Option C – following the route of the existing two lane highway which has homes on both sides

Option D – following the existing highway for some distance and then curving east to encroach upon part of the base of the Alum Mountain

Option E – through the base of the Alum Mountain and its much used Alum Mountain Park Area.

And by the time the July, 2000 RTA, PPK ‘newsletter’ was released, it was too late for those community members who had been belatedly alerted to the fact that the RTA was considering options other than to the west of the township to join the ‘Community Focus Group’ and to become actively involved in the ‘consultation’ processes which took place 'Community Focus Group' meetings.

The following is extracted from page 123 of the book ‘The Orchid Man – The Life, Work and Memoirs of the Rev. H.M.R. Rupp 1872 – 1956’ by Lionel Gilbert (with bold type added for emphasis):

“After three months of uneventful relief work, I accepted charge of Bulahdelah on the Myall River, about seventy miles north of Newcastle.  The village is scattered along the western base of one of the most remarkable rocky hills in Australia, known as the Alum Mountain.  Barely 1,000 feet high, its bold cliffs and rock-masses make it the dominant feature of the landscape for miles along the Myall Valley.  I know of few more striking scenes than that which greets the traveller’s eye when, climbing to the summit of the range that walls in this valley on the west, the road suddenly curves, and he finds himself looking over a sea of undulating tree-tops to the strangely tinted Bulah Delah – ‘the Great Rock’ – on the far side of the valley.  The colour scheme of the Alum Mountain is unique. …”

“If you approach Bulahdelah in the late afternoon and are lucky enough to see a passing shower sweep across the Great Rock, you will never forget the opalescent sheen that suddenly gleams as the rays from the western sun strike the wet cliffs.”

“The Alum Mountain is the pride of Bulahdelah.”

At the birth of the twenty-first century it is considered that we live in times of ‘environmental awareness’.  That a highway route which would violate this unique mountain which, at around a quarter the height of the Blue Mountains, still serves as a majestic and welcoming beacon to travellers, was even thought of as being an option at all, let alone the one which should be proffered to the Hon. Carl Scully for his selection as the ‘Preferred Option’ for the ‘Pacific Highway Upgrade’, Bulahdelah, totally negates this belief.

‘Option E’ would not only irreparably damage the base of the only Alum Mountain in the world, a mountain so unique that it should be regarded as a National treasure – ‘Option E’ could possibly cause ‘stabilisation’ scarring to the mountain’s peak:

On the front page of the RTA’s ‘Newsletter 2’ of July, 2000 it is stated that the upgrade must complement the existing community and landscape features.  Under the heading ‘Boulders on Alum Mountain’, the RTA ‘Geotechnical Issues for Community Information’ (which information was not issued to the general community) state, “A small group of Rhyolite irregularly shaped boulders up to 6 metres in diameter was observed at the base of the mid-slopes below and west of the Alum Mountain peak.  These rocks are on the eastern edge of the power transmission easement and approximately 50 metres east of the Jackson Street interchange.  These boulders are thought to have originated from the peak of Alum Mountain, directly upslope from their current position.  These rocks are an indicator of previous rock face instability, which could potentially impact future route development in this area.”  This report goes on to say, “Further examination of Option E will require careful mapping and an assessment of risk of the instability for the cliffs at the peak of Alum Mountain.  Risk reduction measures may include cliff stabilisation works, re-alignment of the route and construction of protective mounds.” 

Of course the Alum Mountain is unstable for excavation works which, as the gargantuan ‘Option E’ would be set between five and twenty-one metres below current ground level, would be of a mammoth scale. "Mass movement occurs on steep slopes, particularly the Alum Mountain Volcanics, which are also prone to rockfall," ['Soil Landscapes of the Dungog 1:100 000 Sheet', Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney, L.E. Henderson, 2000] and the Alum Mountain was mined for many years; with the Runcorn Alunite Company blasting from the centre of the rock face for around five years, between 1878 and 1883-4. 

*‘Option E’ would demolish the area in which the extremely rare eastern underground orchid, Rhizanthella (formerly Cryptanthemis) slateri, was first discovered. 

The eastern underground orchid lives out its life cycle completely under the ground with, at most, the very top of the flower head rising to just above soil surface, hence the origin of the name given to it by Rev. Herman Montague Rucker Rupp, a renowned orchid specialist who called it Cryptanthemis slateri (Cryptanthemis meaning 'hidden flower' and slateri after its discoverer, Ernest Slater).  Rhizanthella slateri cannot be cultivated and is dependent upon surrounding vegetation for its survival.  Despite the determined efforts of orchid specialists this irreplaceable scientific marvel has only ever been found by accident.

*N.B. On Thursday, 16th May, 2002, thirteen year old Evan Carrall of Bulahdelah made the first discovery of Rhizanthella slateri on the Alum Mountain since 1985.  Evan, who is not schooled at all, had learnt about the eastern underground orchid through natural learning techniques and his knowledge and careful handling of the initial specimen he found has led to the first DNA testing of a fresh specimen of Rhizanthella slateri from the Alum Mountain and on Sunday, 23rd June, 2002, fourteen year old Estelle Carrall, Evan's sister, discovered a single capitulum of the species growing in a separate area. Despite the determined efforts of many people, including orchid specialists, to locate this 'hidden flower', Estelle's discovery is the first ever deliberate find of a live plant of the species.

‘Option E’ would defile all of and demolish part of a stunningly beautiful and peaceful area which, rife with fauna and flora such as the Black Eyed Susan and many exquisite orchids, is readily accessible to pedestrians and is currently visited and explored by many tourists, bush walkers and holidaymakers.  An area which is also utilised for respite purposes by not only many residents but by travellers who both want and need a tranquil and relaxing environment right away from the highway.  In the RTA’s own document, the ‘Non-Indigenous Heritage Report’, Bulahdelah is described as, “Most well known for its extensive natural resources including the Bulahdelah Mountain [that’s the Alum Mountain], Forest Park [the Alum Mountain Park] and the Myall Lakes National Park.” [The latter is located some ten kilometres away from Bulahdelah.

‘Option E’ would eradicate a large part of the historical mine site complex.  The RTA document ‘The Bulahdelah (Alum Mountain) Alunite Mine Site-Complex’ reports, “The Bulahdelah alunite mine site complex is assessed as having high local and state significance.  Some historical aspects of the mine have national significance,” (page 2) and goes on to state, “Based on the results of this investigation, two alignment options have been drafted for the option E route within the Mountain Park area,” (page 2)  [PLEASE NOTE ‘within the Mountain Park area’] and, “Both alignment options result in the imposition of a modern linear road development across the mine site complex, and as such would have a significant impact on the heritage and broader landscape context values.” 

‘Option E’ would pollute all of and eradicate part of an area which is an intrinsic part of local lifestyle; thereby not only negatively affecting the emotional well-being of many residents but – as this is the only bushland area in Bulahdelah which is readily accessible to pedestrians – adversely impacting upon the physical health and fitness of those many residents and the over six hundred schooled children who currently use this area for recreational and sporting activities.

By eradicating parts of the majestic Alum Mountain, the spacious and restful Alum Mountain Park and its surrounding bushland area, all of which are uniquely beautiful and are the major part of Bulahdelah’s aesthetics, 'Option E' would destroy the principal aesthetics of Bulahdelah.

Due to its batters and to its high mountain backdrop, 'Option E' would exacerbate already extremely high levels of highway noise pollution and the noise pollution created by ‘Option E’ would affect the atmospheric aesthetics of the mountain and its park area.

‘Option E’ has, “A potential adverse impact on flood plain/swamp,” (‘Value Management Workshop Report’ – page 29) in a township which already has some flood prone residential areas.

‘Option E’ would cause air contamination in an area which has many residences and also has mass schooling institutions where (currently) over six hundred children are present (barring days off and excursion time) for over 1,200 hours per year for each year of their schooling.

Additionally, there is already a seemingly ongoing problem with blue-green algae in the Myall River and the Myall Lakes.  During construction ‘Option E’s’ cutting would drain into the Myall River.  Alum hydrolyses in water to form sulfuric acid.   Alum is dangerous for fish and ‘Option E’s’ raw cutting would drain into the Myall River.

In contrast, ‘Option A’:

Would be located in part of a mountain range which is not unique in any whatsoever.

Has no rare or endangered species of either fauna or flora which could be identified by the RTA and PPK representatives present at a meeting which I attended on the morning of 12/12/’01.

Is of no tourism value whatsoever. 

“Would have no direct or potential indirect impacts on any listed non-indigenous heritage item,” (page 13, ‘Non-Indigenous Heritage Report’)

Would be situated in an area which is not an intrinsic part of either the township of Bulahdelah or the lifestyle of the majority of its residents.

Would be located at a distance from the township in an area which is not a major part of Bulahdelah’s aesthetics.

Would improve the atmospheric aesthetics of the Alum Mountain and its Alum Mountain Park area.

Would not have, “A potential adverse impact on flood plain/swamp,” (‘Value Management Workshop Report’ – page 29) in a township which already has some flood prone residential areas.

Would remove the bulk of highway noise pollution from the township, including its schools.

Is geotechnically a better and safer option than ‘Option E’ (ref. ‘Geotechnical Report for Community Information’ – which report was not released to the general community).

Would greatly improve air quality within the township.

Is the safest option.

Would have the lowest ‘user delay costs’ during construction.  (Option A - $348,000, Option E - $650,000 – ref. ‘Value Management Workshop Report’.) 

With full interchanges at both ends, would provide the opportunity for the existing section of highway to be used as an easily and safely accessed service road which would enable travelers to re-enter the new section of highway at a point closer to their ultimate destination. 

Further information on the Alum Mountain, Bulahdelah can be found at the Alum Mountain Park page:

http://www.users.bigpond.com/mlclmcrrll/park.htm

 To say NO to ‘option’ E

Please contact any or all of the following (if you would prefer to use a standardised letter for your email please click here):

N.S.W. Minister for Infrastructure and Planning, Hon. Craig John Knowles MP: macquariefields@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. John Brogden, M.P.: johnbrogden@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Shadow Minister for Infrastructure and Major Projects, Hon. Kerry Chikarovski: kerry.chikarovski@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Leader of the National Party, Hon. George Souris, MP: georgesouris@parliament.nsw.gov.au

N.S.W. State Forests: cumberland@sf.nsw.gov.au

The Shadow Minister for Health, Jillian Skinner, MP: askinner@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Minister for Roads, the Hon. Carl Scully: carl.scully@transport.minister.nsw.gov.au

The Shadow Minister for the Environment, Hon. Patricia Forsythe MLC: Patricia.Forsythe@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Minister for the Environment, Hon. R.J. Debus, MP: adebus@parliament.nsw.gov.au

The Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon. John Howard: secretariat@nsw.liberal.org.au

Adele Carrall, initiator of the “Say NO to ‘option’ E” campaign: adelecarrall@yahoo.com.au

Malcolm Carrall, spokesperson for the above campaign: mlclmcrrll@bigpond.com

Forward to A Review of the Value Management Workshop Report - Pacific Highway Bulahdelah Upgrade.

'Upgrading the Pacific Highway' :- DOWNGRADING BULAHDELAH!

Forward to Internet petition against the use of 'option' E for the Pacific Highway 'Upgrade', Bulahdelah.

Forward to Bulahdelah - Landscape of the Alum Mountain. Don't believe RTA 'Newsletter' '4'!

Forward to Contrary to the RTA's statement in 'Newsletter 4', 'option' E eradicates the greater part of the Alum Mountain Park.

Forward to The RTA stated in 'Newsletter 4' that the realignment of 'option' E would 'avoid' the Alum Mountain's historical areas. It does not!

Forward to Regarding RTA 'Newsletter 4' of August, 2002.

Forward to Astoundingly ignorant responses from NPWS and the EPA to letters of complaint regarding alum. Alum (or Alum stone) does occur naturally!