21 May, 2013
Santos’ safety claims tarnished by major oil spill
“A major spill at a Santos oil field in south-west Queensland [1] has tarnished the company’s reputation as an environmentally competent operator and casts doubt on its ability to manage risky enterprises in sensitive natural areas and drinking water catchments,” Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Officer Pepe Clarke said.
“Santos wants to develop a coal seam gas field in the Pilliga in the north-west of NSW claiming it can exploit the resource without damaging the largest remaining temperate woodland in eastern Australia.
“But actions speak louder than words. The company took days to detect and stop the leak that spilled almost 250,000 litres oil onto the surface. They are now reportedly removing tonnes of contaminated soil and replacing it with soil from elsewhere.
“How can the people NSW trust Santos will protect the wildlife and water resources of the Pilliga when it has failed to do so in south-west Queensland?”
[1] http://m.afr.com/p/national/santos_oil_well_leaks_litres_UysxzpK1dmvVqMsbrOz2MP
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Coal and gas
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