Pilliga coal seam gas operator fined for water pollution

MEDIA RELEASE

6 July 2012

The Greens NSW spokesperson on mining Jeremy Buckingham has expressed concern at the extremely light fines imposed on Santos for polluting waterways with coal seam gas waste water, after the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) issued two penalty notices for a total fine of only $3,000.

The EPA announced two penalty notices to Eastern Star Gas, and issued a formal warning to Santos - http://bit.ly/LZ7by8

“It is good that the EPA has investigated these incidents of coal seam gas pollution, but the penalty is hardly a disincentive to the industry not to pollute,” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“Coal seam gas produces large amounts of waste water that can be highly saline and can contain heavy metals and volatile organic compounds and poses a risk to our water resources.

“The industry claims it does not pollute water, but here we have two fines and one warning for water pollution. 

“The government should not let this industry go ahead while it remains unclear how it can deal with the large volumes of waste water it produces without risk to the environment,” he said.

Contact: Max Phillips - 9230 2202  or  0419 444 916

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