Shell QGC fined $60k for leaking coal seam gas water onto Western Downs property

The resource company has been fined $60,000 for leaking potentially contaminated water onto a Western Downs property.

IN COURT: A coal seam gas company has today been fined $60,000 in the Dalby Magistrates Court for the unauthorised release of coal seam gas water from a pump station. Pic: Supplied

Shell QGC has been fined $60,000 for breaching the Environmental Protection Act after 1.1 megalitres of coal seam gas water leaked onto a Western Downs property.

The global energy giant operates a number of coal seam gas reserves in the Surat Basin throughout southwest Queensland.

CSG water is high in salts and minerals and can be harmful if it comes into contact with cropping land.

The Dalby Magistrates Court last week heard the coal seam gas water was released from the company’s pump station in June, 2021.

A Department of Environment and Science spokeswoman said on Monday the release was not authorised under the company’s environmental authority conditions.

“Following an investigation by officers from the Department of Environment and Science, the company was charged with one offence contrary to section 430 of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for contravening a condition of its EA and releasing contaminants to land,” she said.

“(We) welcome the fine that was handed down. As Queensland’s environmental regulator, DES treats breaches of the act very seriously and will take strong enforcement action.”

In addition to the $60,000 fine, the company was ordered to pay $1750 in legal costs and $2292.90 in investigation costs.

A Shell spokesman said the business was striving to improve following the incident.

“Shell’s QGC business accepts the outcome of court proceedings relating to a breach of our Environmental Authority, following a water release that occurred on QGC-owned land in June last year,” he said.

“QGC takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is committed to protecting the environment across our operations.

“Immediately following the incident, QGC undertook a detailed investigation and action accordingly to ensure future risks are minimised as far as possible.

“We will continue to drive better environmental performance and have programmes in place to improve the reliability of our facilities.”

The community is urged by DES to report all pollution events and environmental emergencies by calling the 24/7 Pollution Hotline on 1300 130 372.