The proponent behind the proposed Bluestone Hardrock Quarry near Singleton says it has taken significant measures to address community concerns and mitigate its community impacts.
The proposal, which is on public exhibition until July 7, would result in the extraction of about 30 million tonnes of rock over 30 years for use in the Greater Sydney Region.
It is estimated the 165-acre quarry would employ 15 people in addition to contractors.
However, the proposal has generated strong community opposition based on concerns around safety, noise, dust pollution, vibration caused by blasting and flora and fauna impacts.
"Our roads are unsuited for high volumes of heavy trucks," Stanhope resident Pam Austin told the Newcastle Herald earlier this year.
The proposal's newly released environment impact statement says a combination of direct project refinements and targeted technical mitigation measures have been introduced to address community concerns.
In relation to traffic, road safety and pavement damage, the proponent agreed to eliminate haulage on Saturdays and reduce weekday haulage hours to 6.30am to 4pm, with no haulage on weekends or public holidays.
A traffic management plan and drivers' code of conduct will mandate time gaps between heavy vehicle dispatches to avoid school bus routes.
The proponent has also agreed to widen and upgrade a 300-metre section of Springvale Road near the quarry entrance through a Voluntary Planning Agreement.
Standard and advanced environmental controls would be applied to mitigate fears surrounding airborne diesel particles, silica dust, and respiratory illnesses.
These include:
Singleton mayor Sue Moore, who has declared a pecuniary interest, said many people were not aware of the project's impacts.
"A lot of people don't know where it is and secondly they don't understand how it will impact them," she said previously.
"They are not aware of how many truck movements there will be or level of noise and dust."
