Friday, 13 January 2012
CSG operator releases toxic water pollution in Pilliga Forest
Confirmation by mining giant Santos that Eastern Star Gas released about 10,000 litres of untreated water from CSG activities in the Pilliga Forest [1] highlights the urgent need for sensitive natural areas to be placed off-limits to the risks of mining, according to the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
“The failure of Eastern Star Gas to report its release of high volumes of toxic water extracted during the mining process shows NSW has not gone far enough in protecting natural areas and water resources from CSG activities,” CEO Pepe Clarke said today.
“The toxic incident in the Pilliga confirms our belief that government and regulators are struggling to ensure the CSG industry can responsibly manage their polluting activities.
“The site of NSW’s largest coal seam gas field proposal has been plagued by severe environmental impacts, poor regulation and a lack of compliance with even weak rules during the exploration phase.
“The community needs answers about whether the release of 10,000 litres of untreated CSG water in the Pilliga is an isolated incident or if more unlawful water pollution releases have occurred without raising the alarm with regulators and local communities.
“Our political leaders should listen to community and scientific concerns and make certain areas of NSW off limits to coal seam gas based on water and environmental values, including our drinking water catchments and sensitive environments,” Mr Clarke said.
[1] http://www.santos.com/Archive/NewsDetail.aspx?p=121&id=1304
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