Discovery of new species of tiny aquatic animals raises concerns for NT fracking plans
THE discovery of several new species of tiny aquatic animals in Top End aquifers raises concerns over the risks of fracking in the Northern Territory, according to a new report
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THE discovery of several new species of tiny aquatic animals in Top End aquifers sheds new light on the risks of fracking in the Northern Territory, according to a new report.
Researchers from the CSIRO and Charles Darwin University (CDU) have discovered a variety of animals known as stygofauna, measuring between 0.3mm and 20mm long, in aquifers in the Beetaloo Basin area.
The research was undertaken for an initial CSIRO report on water sampling, as part of an assessment process for fracking set up by the Pepper Inquiry.
The report found the low genetic divergence of the stygofauna across about hundreds of kilometres of groundwater meant there was a high level of interconnectedness between aquifers – meaning in the event of a fracking pollution event there would be significant risk of widespread contamination.
One of its recommendations states: “Risk of contamination by pollutants associated with shale gas and other industries in the region must be mitigated sufficiently to prevent contaminants from entering this subterranean aquifer of high connectivity.”
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Protect Country Alliance (PCA) spokesman Graeme Sawyer said the report’s findings showed there was “no known way” fracking companies could drill, frack, or seal gas wells “that totally eliminates the risk of contamination”.
“This report serves as a grave warning to the Gunner Government, which must now put in place a moratorium on fracking in this interconnected groundwater region, at least until these serious contamination risks are totally removed,” he said.
“Fracking companies are already pumping hundreds of thousands of litres of chemicals such as biocides, that are extremely toxic to aquatic organisms with long lasting effects, into the ground in the Beetaloo.
“This report shows a spill or a leak at a fracking well could have devastating consequences for the drinking water of a community, bore water of a farm, or hot spring site.”
Mr Sawyer said report’s findings had serious implications for communities and businesses in the NT.
“We are calling for an immediate reinstatement of the fracking moratorium in light of these latest findings until the required science is complete,” he said.
CSIRO scientist Dr Gavin Rees said fracking proposals for the NT would need to consider the high level of connectivity within the aquifer as indicated by the stygofauna.
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“CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance is undertaking further research to quantify the risk of contamination impacts on stygofauna from possible industrial spill events,” he said.
“This research takes into account migration pathways and processes, including adsorption, dilution and microbial metabolism in soils and aquifers as well as the suspected high connectivity in groundwater systems.”
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