Narrabri Gas - Bibblewindi Exploration

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.

COAL SEAM GAS- The practice of extracting unconventional gas via fracking has an ever widening reputation for environmental destruction via contamination and pollution of groundwater supplies, rendering them poisonous. The CSG extraction methods and associated infrastructure are also proving to have a negative health impact and are a source of major social disruption to the local residents and the wider regional communities. CSG is sold as a greener alternative to conventional carbon energy sources, yet there is mounting evidence, as baseline studies finally reveal the truth of the matter, that the collateral escape of CSG into the surrounding atmosphere, poses a significant global of risk for present and future generations by adding to and accelerating the global warming phenomenon.

I am writing to object to this proposal for the following reasons -
1) 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 for the Pilliga groundwater systems. In fact, the aquifer monitoring bores required to do this have not even been constructed.
2) - BIODIVERSITY. Santos have admitted that their CSG exploration will destroy habitat of the Pilliga Mouse. There must be ecological studies to assess the population status of the Pilliga Mouse, Eastern Pygmy Possum and the Barking Owl before mining commences
3) - AIR QUALITY. A requirement of the Director General is to assess the risk of fugitive emissions on the environment and impact on health. Baseline studies to establish health data and air quality information has not yet been conducted.
4) - FIRE HAZARD. The Pilliga is highly susceptible to fire yet Santos does not appear to have a clear bushfire strategy, especially for gas flaring which cannot be shut down on catastrophic fire days
5) - INDIGENOUS CONSULTATION. It is extremely disappointing that aboriginal involvement was not considered, 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 consultations prior to commencement of their activities
In conclusion, I must add that I have visited the Pilliga following the departure of Eastern Star and witnessed the destruction caused by the activities of this company. This must not be allowed to be repeated by Santos
Thank you
Neil Denison

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.

ADDITIONAL POINTS TO BE INCLUDED - Fugitive emissions from the expected expansion of this industry and therefore future production of natural gas by Santos in the Pilliga is unacceptable. As a greenhouse gas, methane, which is the major component of natural gas, is 105 times more potent than CO2 over a 20 year period and 33 times more potent over a 100 year period with an uncertainty of 23%. This 20 year period is vital if we, as a global community and in Australia as high emitters of greenhouse gases, are to seriously address climate change. These statistics also highlight the importance of assessing even small leaks of methane and ensuring an independent body assesses and monitors emissions from well before any drilling takes place, throughout the entire process, should production go ahead.

Additionally, methane has also recently been shown to have an even greater impact on climate change when considering indirect effects with atmospheric aerosols (Howarth et al. 2011, 2).

Greenhouse gas emissions from the unconventional gas industry include "direct emissions of CO2 from end-use consumption, indirect emissions of CO2 from fossil fuels used to extract, develop, and transport the gas, and methane fugitive emissions and venting". These points must also be considered.

Additionally, the loss of carbon sequestering woodland and bushland cleared for the development of the drill sites, pipes, gas field infrastructure and roads must be considered. We should be addressing climate change urgently rather than continuously allowing the expansion of fossil fuel industries.

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 remain extremely concerned about the impact drilling and exploration is having on the environment, and I am joining with all the other voices in expressing our deep dissatisfaction at the granting of licences, without waiting for the appropriate safeguards being put in place. 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. The endangered wildlife will have their habitat probably irreversibly damaged; there is a risk of emissions impacting on the health and well being of humans, flora and fauna; and the high risk of bushfire events, through lightning strikes, in the area, due to ironstone, does not appear to have been addressed.
Under these circumstances it would be reasonable to allow more stringent controls to be put in place to avoid catastrophe's in the future. I appeal with all my heart, and soul to ask that this submission be rejected..

Dear Planning Commission,
The Pilliga forest is a significant remaining temporal native forest of considerable fragility which is home to a number of threatened species. It is not an appropriate area for extension of coal seam gas extraction. The application does not deal with the environmental consequences of expanded operations as follows:
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 do not accept this application as it fails to meet the necessary means and methods to protect the environmental values of the Pilliga.

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.

Gas flaring on catastrophic fire days cannot be stopped and Santos has not set out its bushfire strategy. Lightning strikes are a particular risk in the Pilliga.

Santos has not drilled the bores necessary to monitor the groundwater for the baseline required by the Director General. Nor is there baseline data collected regarding methane in the air. Determining these baselines is the first priority. No development should occur before baseline data is collected.

Ecological surveys to establish parameters for maintaining the viability of threatened wildlife have not been carried out.

Santos hasn't met the Director General's requirement to declare likely future developments beyond their current known exploration and production plans.

Community consultation should include consideration of Aboriginal heritage.

Good Afternoon :
I wish to voice my strong objection to Santos drilling for coal seam gas in the Pilliga Forest. The Pilliga State Forest is
one of the last remnant wilderness area's in this region.
Coal seam gas drilling will cause irreversable damage to this critical ecosystem that provides a vital habitat for rare &
edangered Flora & Fauna.
The reassurances from Santos are totally inadequate. The majority of community opinion oppose CSG activities
especially in such important rare ecosystems such as the Pilliga

CSG is a health hazard to Australian's, our water and our land! The Pilliga will be devastated by CSG! Money grabbing
companies with little inside to the future of anything or anyone, wake up and smell the roses people! Oh, sorry can
they survive in the gas fields ????

i dont believe that csg exploration or development should take place in the Pil or anywhere else in Australia for that
matter ! it has been shown to be an unsafe and unnecessary form of gas production and in my view a cheap grab for
cash by the mining industry ! there is more than enough natural gas in production already and the development of the
csg industry has no bearing on the price i pay for electricity !

I object to any form of csg mining in any area of nsw and the pilliga forest you are endangering our water supply and
our health I have seen what it has done in queensland and do not want that for nsw or any state in australia its
dangerous and toxic and has no place here in australia

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" To date Santos have not yet outlined their future developments in the area.

WATER - The Pilliga Forest is an important recharge area for the Great Artesian Basin. 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. My understanding is 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.

Based on the above, I strongly object to the Santos proposal and demand that this expansion be refused.

Yours Sincerely,
Dianne Child

The importance of protecting the Pilliga is very clear. It is the largest temperate woodland in eastern Australia and the largest forest remnant left in the heavily cleared wheat-sheep belt west of Narrabri. The Pilliga has very high species diversity and forms part of the Brigalow belt South Bio Region, recognized by the Federal Government as one of only 15 national hot spots within Australia.
It also has high cultural significance and is rich in heritage sites, including rock shelters, burials, grinding grooves and scarred trees.
Just as important is the fact that the Pilliga forms the southern recharge area of the Great Artesian Basin and contributes surface water flows to the Murray-Darling Basin.
It is difficult to believe that people could approve the widespread industrialisation of the Pilliga. What has happened in the U.S.A. and is now unfolding in Queensland should be proof enough that this industry is a cancer on our land and our people.
Remember also that the CSG industry is not sustainable. One day soon they will be gone leaving a mess that will never be put back together and more importantly a water supply that almost certainly will be damaged forever. The fact that the CSG industry will not and cannot guarantee our water supply will not be adversely be affected as a result of their activities is proof.
The consent authorities have to stop this lunacy.

It is imperative that independent and comprehensive base line studies are conducted prior to mining activity. This is even more important when we are talking about the invasive, unconventional and highly destructive impacts of coal seam gas mining. It is folly to think that self monitoring by Santos or any other companies involved would come close to offering protection to locals of the area, water, flora and fauna. It is against their interests to have the information so any such monitoring would be lax and open to falsities.
CSG, shale and tight gas procedures are causing devastating effects across Australia. Air, water, health, earth, people, flora and fauna are suffering. 'For the greater good' does not wash when those that are affected will not reap ANY benefit and indeed will find hardship in the wake.

The Pilliga Forest is a national icon and no place for a coal seam gas field!

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.

Hi there,

Pilliga Forest is a national icon and no place for a coal seam gas field.

I object to the Bibblewindi Gas Exploration Pilot Expansion.

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 consultation 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.

Thank you, Jon Singleton

Fracking is not the answer. we have more gas than we need and we can presently use. Selling off to SAntos any more gas only adds to the carbon emissions problems which already exist. Allowing companies to mine in Native forests is against our wellbeing and Australia's long term future. Money should be spent on renewal able energy and you, as a government, should be encouraging this energy source as a way to eliminate our carbon emissions problems.

Fracking is not good for any part of our environment and I ask you to stop it now. look long term and make Australia a safer place to live - not a line of gas pipes across our wonderful land.

Dear Sir / Madam

Please reject all applications for mining or exploration within the Pilliga and adjacent lands in order to prevent the immediate damage and further ongoing increased risk of destruction of our heritage and agricultural assets. As a nation we owe it to our children to protect and treasure our continent , its reserved areas , state forests , national parks , sacred sites , natural wonders , waterways and aquifers .

Lets not give our children a time bomb under their feet .

Sincerely
Robert Schmiga

Hello,

My Submission on the Santos EIS - Bibblewindi Gas Exploration Pilot Expansion SSD 13_5934

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. 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.

Thank you.