Narrabri Gas - Bibblewindi Exploration

Isn't there plenty of gas in Western Australia?

There is to much negative about Gas Exploration and it is only mining profitability for the Government and companies that overrule the important facts against such a project. Not to mention the negative affect on the land and animals.

I OBJECT TO DISRUPTION OF THIS FRAGILE AREA BY THIS ACTIVITY

Please don't allow CSG mining or other destructive operations in the beautiful Pilliga Region. It is a pristine environment and should be conserved forever. See more information below for reasons why CSG should not be allowed.

Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

As an Australian citizen and voter I want to register my strongest feelings against any gas drilling, exploratory or otherwise, in the Pilliga State Forest.
My reasons are included below:

Before they even start, Santos need to clearly state what their future developments in the area so we know what the long term prognosis is for the Pilliga.

The Pilliga Forest helps to recharge the Great Artesian Basin. Before any work starts we need comprehensive baseline water studies as requirede by The Director General. As far as I know there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

I believe that the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for endangered speices such as the Pilliga Mouse. Before destroying their habitat, the breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga need to be properly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl. Otherwise we won't know what is being threatened and destroyed until it is too late.

We need more information on fugitive emissions and their effect on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted. It is crazy to start the work before we have this information.

The Pilliga is a high fire danger area. I believe that it is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

Please stop this drilling at least until the above concerns have been addressed.

Santos are requesting expanded exploration before the recent review regarding Santos and the Pilliga environmental damages has been concluded with its future recommendations. I find this is an injustice.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

No CSG drilling in the Piliga , or anywhere else in NSW !!!

WATER -Australia can't risk especially with Santos's poor environmental record! The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

I live on the irreplaceable Liverpool Plains of New South Wales; it is my home and I am protective of this area and the idyllic life it provides me. I am a young woman of 28 and I hope to be blessed with many decades more on the Liverpool Plains untainted by environmentally damaging industries. I am an active and passionate opponent of the coal seam gas (CSG) industry and Santos' plans to turn north-west New South Wales into a gas field.

I am utterly appalled that Santos' CSG exploration is being allowed in the Pilliga Forest. Utterly appalled! In my opinion the national significance of the Pilliga Forest is on par with the Liverpool Plains. We cannot afford to lose either of these national treasures. They are no place for the destructive practices of coal seam gas extraction. Both should be protected from this industry and what Santos has planned. Under no circumstances should companies like Santos be allowed to put their survival at risk.

I find it absolute madness that this significant forest which contributes to the health of Australia's natural environment is being put at such grave danger of irreparable damage. Coal seam gas is considered more important to the New South Wales Government than the sustainable future of our environment; the very same environment that supports human life. Santos is being allowed to operate against the wishes of people like myself who are fighting incredibly hard against coal seam gas' invasion of north-west New South Wales; all because of profit, and the furphy that we are headed for a gas shortage crisis. Santos has NO social licence to be operating here! Coal seam gas is not of national significance. It is most certainly not of greater national significance than the Pilliga Forest or the Liverpool Plains! Its extraction must be stopped!

If Santos gains a foothold in the Pilliga Forest, then what hope is there that the Liverpool Plains will be spared? I deeply fear that if the Pilliga is destroyed and lost to a gas field then so will my home, the Liverpool Plains. If the irreplaceable assets such as the native flora and fauna of the Pilliga are not important enough to protect then the irreplaceable soil and water of the Liverpool Plains stands no chance of protection either. My home is no place for extractive industries and I hold grave concerns for this region to sustain the way of life that is so dear to me. The Liverpool Plains cannot support the co-existence of CSG and other industries such as the unmatched productivity of its agricultural industry. CSG will destroy all that makes the Liverpool Plains unique and the only place that I wish to live my life.

I request and have high expectations that the New South Wales Government will carefully consider and genuinely take on board the importance of my home and its protection by nipping the coal seam gas industry in north-west New South Wales in the bud with the protection of the Pilliga Forest. I wish to also draw to the Government's attention the following generic points that have been provided to me, which I support fully.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimants, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

The Pilliga Forest MUST be protected from coal seam gas. It MUST! My life here on the Liverpool Plains depends on it!

I thank you kindly for the opportunity to have my say in opposition to Santos' plans for the Pilliga.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

I wish to oppose this gas exploration licence or any other activity that damages this valuable forest. All products of mining are temporary assets in our lives because they are finite, sooner or later we must learn to replace them with sustainable commodities, if we do not the whole country and its eco-systems will be irreparably damaged. Whilst we are learning Bibblewindi is one place of obvious value to keep safe.

DIRECTOR ASSESSMENT POLICY,

DEPARTEMENT OF PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE

Submission on Proposed Bibblewindi Gas Explorsation Pilot Expansion SSD 13 5934
Once again our elected representatives are prepared to ignore their own guidelines in their rush to exploit our natural resources at the cost of our precious environmental heritage.
I have grave concerns about Santos lack of transparency about their future developments in the area despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production"
No baseline water studies have been completed for the Pilliga groundwater system. The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. It would be unthinkable to allow any drilling which poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin or any other Aquifers.
There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.
No Baseline studies have been conducted to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health.
Who is prepared to take responsibility for the increased fire risks, which could result from gas flaring in a highly volatile area.
One of the most prominent principles underlying environmental law is the precautionary principle and at its core lies the idea that decision makers should be taking steps to address the threat of serious and irreversible harm before scientific evidence has been established to prove that the harm will occur. Its application is especially aimed at containing the potential impacts of new technologies, as the full impacts on the environment and society are unknown.
Yours sincerely
Gabrielle Mogck

dear whomever it may concern.the pilliga is irreplaceable.it also has a native title claim.the great artesian basin is at risk.please,do not sacrifice all this for short term gain.yours sincerely;sophia weigang.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

Please don't take short cuts in assessing this land. It is a vital and intergral part of the local indiginous community and there would be many complications involved with any mining, let a lone gas mining in this area, as has been forwarded to you already in the following form.
RESPONSE TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.
WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimants, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a
comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There
must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west
NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.

RESPONSE TO THE DIRECTOR GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS - Despite the Director General requiring Santos to state "the likely interactions between the development and existing, approved and proposed gas exploration and production" Santos have not yet come clean with their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. The Director General requires baseline monitoring, however there is still no baseline water study completed for the Pilliga groundwater systems. The aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.

In addition, the cumulative water model used by Santos lacks the basic data required to assess the impacts of drilling for coal seam gas on groundwater in the future. There must be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. The drilling through the casing of wells poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers as it is very difficult, if not impossible, to seal the junction between the casing and the lateral.

BIODIVERSITY - Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat for the Pilliga Mouse. The breeding status and population dynamics of the threatened species in the Pilliga are very poorly understood. There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.

HAZARDS - The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fires, largely due to the high incidence of ironstone attracting lightning strikes. It is not unusual for the Rural Fire Service to record up to 1000 over a 24 hour period in the Pilliga region. Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days.

CONSULTATION - It is extremely disappointing that Aboriginal Heritage requirements for were taken out of the Director General Requirements. There is a Native Title claim over the project area and Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimnts, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation.
http://majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au/index.pl?action=view_job&job_id=5934

I am against Santos drilling in the Pilliga Forest. Santos need to come clean about their future developments in the area BEFORE they are allowed to do any drilling in the area.

The aquifer monitoring bores required by the Director General need to be constructed along with a baseline water study completed, for the Pilliga groundwater systems, again, BEFORE Santos start drilling.

It is essential that there be thorough sampling and testing across the project area to enable modelling of regional groundwater flows and a comprehensive assessment of Groundwater Dependant Ecosystems in the Pilliga region including the potential impacts any groundwater drawdown or contamination may have.

These two Bohena wells are part of an exploration program that involves the multi-lateral drilling. How are Santos going to ensure that the drilling through the casing of wells, which poses a risk to the Great Artesian Basin and other aquifers, are properly sealed at the junctions between the casing and the lateral? Without effective seals the aquifers will be at risk both in the short term and long term.

There must be baseline ecological surveys to assess the population dynamics and status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and Barking Owl or Australia will increase its status of having 30% of all wildlife become extinct. We only have one chance to save what is left of our indigenous species therefore Santos MUST do the survey before they start drilling.

AIR QUALITY - Another requirement is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on environmental and human health. The baseline atmospheric methane data collection against which to assess any future potential fugitive emissions and Independent Health Impact Assessment of north-west NSW to establish baseline health data and air quality information must be conducted BEFORE work begins. Haven't they heard about climate change??? This is a direct result of thoughtless human activity on our precious Earth. Santos obviously does not care about our health and the environment. But we do!!!!!

Santos needs to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days particularly considering the bushfires that have been and still are effecting NSW this last month and in Spring. It would be an absolute disaster if they were allowed to drill and then they had a gas flaring on a hot dry summers day, which we experience EVERY year guaranteed!!!.

Santos must include the Gomeroi Native Title Claimants, Gomeroi Traditional Owners of the Pilliga and the Narrabri Local Aboriginal Land Council in their consultation BEFORE they start any drilling operations.

Santos should NOT be allowed to start any drilling operation until all of the proper surveys and consultations have been instigated and acted upon in accordance with the best interests of the people and environment and not just the interests of Santos.

I, Rick Laird include this submission against this project on the grounds of potential damage to the water aquifers including draw down. The CSG industry uses chemicals which contaminate water supplies,bring salt and other saline substances to the surface which have huge impacts over the long term to people's health,and the health of the environment.

The reality is, this project is the springboard for a much larger project, a project I am bitterly opposed to after studying the effects of similar projects in various other areas in Australia. CSG is not only very destructive but is also unsustainable. Until the industry changes it's practice and is able to prove this to the community, they should be halted, and a moratorium on CSG be put in place. The industry has no social license, and never has. Not all projects should be approved, and I feel this one should never go ahead for the sake of our future generations.