Split seams over mining

An environmental group stands behind US-based research which affirms the toxic effects of coal seam gas (CSG) and says St Peters residents are justified in their health concerns.

Stop CSG Sydney has reported key findings in Dr Michelle Bamberger and Professor Robert E Oswald’s research at the University of Massachusetts reveal many aspects of gas drilling lead to health problems in livestock which are continually exposed to contaminated air, soil and water.

Spokesperson for Stop CSG Sydney, Jacinta Green, said the State Government has continued to brush off the concerns of the community.

“This report vindicates our concerns for the health of the local community in St Peters,” she said.

“Barry O’Farrell and Chris Hartcher should reconsider their decision of refusal to rule out drilling in urban areas.

“At the very least, they should halt all CSG activity until detailed, rigorous, independent studies can be conducted.”

Dart Energy, also owner of Apollo Gas Ltd, is the holder of Petroleum Exploration Licence 463 in the suburb of St Peters.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Resources and Energy, Chris Hartcher, said Apollo Gas Ltd, announced that no drilling has occurred at this stage and that a consultative program would be carried out prior to any test drilling.

However, Ms Green said self-regulation is not a suitable monitoring system and the government should ensure independent assessments on the effects of drilling are carried out.

The Greens spokesperson on mining, Jeremy Buckingham, said there is a need for precaution before opening up NSW to the risks associated with unconventional gas extraction, such as CSG.

“This is a heavy industry, using and extracting potentially harmful industrial chemicals on farms, in our forests and even near homes in our cities,” he said.

“I’ve already seen tracts of dead trees where coal seam gas water has leaked through the environment in the Pilliga Forest. Recent reports of further spills and tree kills in this area are concerning.”

Mr Buckingham referred to the 10,000-litre leak of saline water at the Narrabri site in north-western NSW, an incident which was not reported to the State Government for six months.

At the time of the spill, the site was managed by Eastern Star Gas.

CEO of the Nature Conservation Council of NSW, Pepe Clarke, said: “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 coal seam gas activities.”

A spokesperson for Chris Hartcher said the Government released new rules for coal and CSG mining including new public consultation guidelines to increase transparency and accountability.

Ms Green said the Government has been masterful in coming out with media statements but have not taken decisive steps towards investigating the effects of CSG.

“Maybe [the mining companies] assume there is a danger and they don’t want this information made public.

“It’s all about making mega profits overseas.”