In light of the government spin put on the Chief Scientist’s report released on Wednesday, October 1, on Coal Seam Gas mining, it is important to read what the report actually said.
The Chief Scientist report confirms there are serious risks of groundwater pollution and food contamination from Coal Seam Gas mining, as well as possible negative impacts on human health
– vindicating community concerns. The Chief Scientist has recommended a complete overhaul of all the laws managing Coal Seam Gas in New South Wales, saying that the New South Wales Government needs to go back to the drawing board on managing this risky industry, including setting out clear no-go zones to protect water supplies and food-producing land. Coal Seam Gas miners still can’t manage the toxic wastes they produce, and using those wastes for irrigation or re-injection both come with serious risks according to the Chief Scientist. The Chief Scientist has identified a lot of uncertainty about the impacts of Coal Seam Gas mining, including on human health, and recommended extensive research, risk assessments and baseline data collection before any drilling occurs. In light of these findings, the Narrabri and Gloucester Coal Seam Gas projects should be put on hold until all of those studies have been completed and the archaic laws overhauled.
Email, 1 Oct 2014
Doug Williamson,
Wamberal