Coal seam gas well hisses leaking gas next to homes in Western Sydney

spring farm leak

MEDIA RELEASE - 31 August 2014

The Greens NSW spokesperson on coal seam gas Jeremy Buckingham today called on the NSW Government to immediately suspend all coal seam gas activity and initiate an independent investigation into why there was a major gas leak from an AGL coal seam gas well only 200 metres from homes at Spring Farm, near Campbelltown.

“This afternoon terrified residents at Spring Farm, near Campbelltown reported a loud hissing from a coal seam gas well and were concerned gas could be smelt in their houses.  An AGL coal seam gas well is located only 200 metres from homes at Spring Farm,” Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham said.

“I arrived at the area to find the fire brigade and Jemena gas workers in attendance, but no AGL personnel, and to witness loud hissing from the gas well.  The fire brigade has formed a cordon around the area and families from nearby homes are out in the street very concerned about their safety and what’s going on.

“I have spoken to a number of the residents who are very distressed. They are worried about their health and safety, especially as many of the residents are families with small children, but are concerned about speaking about the issue because of the implications this may have for their property values.

“This is yet another piece of evidence that coal seam gas extraction is unsafe.  Is Premier Mike Baird happy to continue to allow coal seam gas wells to be located near to homes, either in Western Sydney or in Gloucester?

“The NSW Government needs to act immediately to suspend all coal seam gas operations and approvals in NSW and conduct a thorough, independent investigation of this incident,” Mr Buckingham said.

Contact: Jeremy Buckingham at Campbelltown – 0439 460 691

Daniel Robins (Lock the Gate Western Sydney Organiser) – 0406 049 871

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