Chief Scientist and Engineer, Professor Mary O’Kane, has reported that ‘risks and challenges’ associated with the coal seam gas industry can ‘in general’ be managed.
Prof O’Kane had been
commissioned by the former NSW premier Mr O’Farrell to carry out a review of the industry in the light of ‘community concerns.’
Prof O’Kane’s review, compiled after extensive research across the
community over 19 months, found that the industry could proceed, but with regulation and careful management. Santos, operators of the Narrabri Gas Project said the company was confident it could continue to develop the industry within the parameters and in a ‘safe and sustainable manner.’
This report is the final and overarching report of the independent review of coal seam gas activities in NSW.
The Review was undertaken by the Chief Scientist and Engineer, commissioned on February 21, 2013 by the former Premier, in a climate of community unease about CSG extraction.
With the release of this final report, the Review is also releasing reports on regulatory compliance and managing risk.
In preparing these reports, the Review drew on information from a large number of experts from around the world in a range of fields.
It also consulted extensively with community groups, industry and government agencies.
Having considered all the information from these sources and noting the rapid evolution of technological developments applicable to CSG from a wide range of disciplines, the Review concluded that the technical challenges and risks posed by the CSG industry can in general be managed through:
• careful designation of areas appropriate in geological and land-use terms for CSG extraction
• high standards of engineering and professionalism in CSG companies
•creation of a State Whole-of-Environment Data Repository so that data from CSG industry operations can be interrogated as needed and in the context of the wider environment
• comprehensive monitoring of CSG operations with ongoing automatic scrutiny of the resulting data
• a well-trained and certified workforce, and
• application of new technological developments as they become available.
All of this needs to take place within a clear, revised, legislative framework which is supported by an effective and transparent reporting and compliance regime and by drawing on appropriate expert advice.
Of course, as the technologies involved are applied in new regions where the detailed hydrogeology is not yet fully characterised, there could be unexpected events, learnings, or even accidents.
“This is common for new applications in the extractive industries and underlines the need for Government and industry to approach these issues with eyes wide open, a full appreciation of the risks, complete transparency, rigorous compliance, and a commitment to addressing any problems promptly with rapid emergency response and effective remediation.
“It also highlights the need to record and capitalise on the data and knowledge gained from CSG extraction activities in new regions and to take advantage of new technology developments which, if harnessed appropriately, can make CSG production increasingly safer and more efficient over time.”