CSIRO Queensland fracking study ‘a good sign’ for NT operations
THE findings of a CSIRO three-year scientific study into the impacts of hydraulic fracturing in Queensland are of significant importance to the Northern Territory
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THE findings of a CSIRO three-year scientific study into the impacts of hydraulic fracturing in Queensland are of significant importance to the Northern Territory.
The comprehensive study found little or no impact into the air, water and soil impacts of hydraulic fracturing.
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The CSIRO study also found current water treatment technology used for treating water produced from coal-seam gas wells was effective in removing hydraulic fracturing chemicals and naturally occurring (geogenic) chemicals to within relevant water quality guidelines.
The findings serve to reinforce the safety of fracking in the Northern Territory which has implemented far more stringent regulations than the Queensland Government.
Research objectives for Air, Water and Soil Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing in the Surat Basin, Queensland, conducted by the CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance, were developed in response to community concerns about the potential for chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations to affect air quality, soils and water resources.
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The study analysed air, water and soil samples taken before, during and up to six months after hydraulic fracturing operations at six coal-seam gas wells in the Surat Basin in Queensland.
GISERA director Damian Barrett said that the CSIRO research conducted via GISERA in the region was an Australian first and provided unique insights into the impacts of hydraulic fracturing in Australia.
“This new research provides valuable data about hydraulic fracturing in coal-seam gas formations in the Surat Basin, Queensland,” Dr Barrett said.
“Previously, the only information about hydraulic fracturing was from overseas studies in quite different shale gas formations.
“Clearly governance, industry regulation and operational integrity are crucial in managing risk and potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing.”
GISERA is a collaboration between the CSIRO, Commonwealth and state governments and industry established to undertake publicly reported independent research.
The purpose of GISERA is for the CSIRO to provide quality-assured scientific research and information to communities living in gas development regions focusing on social and environmental topics.
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Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association chief executive Andrew McConville said the CSIRO field study backed up over a dozen independent scientific inquiries that had confirmed that properly regulated, hydraulic fracturing was a safe practice.
“Hydraulic fracturing has been used safely in Australia for more than 60 years, and is part and parcel of the safe, sustainable development of our abundant natural gas resources,” Mr McConville said.
“While there are some in the community who continue to make false and exaggerated claims about the environmental impacts of gas exploration and production, all the credible evidence confirms properly conducted gas activities have negligible impacts.”
The three-year study measured the impact of hydraulic fracturing at six coal-seam gas wells operated by Origin Energy in the state’s Surat Basin region near Roma.
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