Narrabri Gas

We have a chance now to start to safeguard the future for our children. I oppose gas mining because of the environmental risk; the financial costs (fossil fuel industry is subsidised; the fact that solar and wind energies are available and cost effective and environmentally much safer.

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer

The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas--potentially stopping the free flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin.¹

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

2. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed

There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

3. Farmers and other local community reject the project

Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG. This stretches across a massive 3.2 million hectares of country surrounding the Pilliga forest, including 99 communities. Hundreds of farmers have participated in protest actions unlike any previously seen in the region.

4. The Narrabri Gas Project has a long history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water--Santos cannot be trusted to manage the project safely

Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, as well as lead, aluminium, arsenic and barium². In addition, there have been over 20 reported spills and leaks of toxic CSG water from storage ponds, pipes and well heads. Santos cannot be trusted.

5. The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife

The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed 'biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the Koala, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Black-striped Wallaby, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Pilliga Mouse and South-eastern Long-eared Bat. The forest is home to over 200 bird species and is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area². The Santos gasfield would fragment 95,000 hectares of the Pilliga with well pads, roads, and water and gas pipelines--damaging vital habitat and threatening the survival of endangered species.

6. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change

Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

7. Human health is compromised by coal seam gas

A range of hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds can be released into the air from coal seam gas operations, including flaring of gas wells. The effects of volatile organic compounds vary, but can cause eye, nose and airway irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination⁴. These impacts have been documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

8. The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk

The Siding Springs Observatory, situated in the Warrumbungles and adjacent to the Pilliga, is under threat from the Narrabri Gas Project due to light and dust pollution⁵. The area has been internationally recognised as a 'dark sky park'⁶ and the 50m high gas flares proposed by Santos threaten the viability of the facility.

9. Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project

Santos has no solution for disposing of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt that will be produced. Between 17,000 and 42,000 tonnes of salt waste would be produced each year. This industry would leave a toxic legacy in NSW.

10. Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions

Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is prone to severe bushfires. The project would increase ignition sources as well as extracting, transporting and storing a highly flammable gas right within this extremely fire-prone forest.

SoilFutures Consulting 2014, Great Artesian Basin Recharge Systems and Extent of Petroleum and Gas Leases. http://www.gabpg.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/GAB-Report1.pdf
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/santos-coal-seam-gas-project-contaminates-aquifer-20140307-34csb.html
BirdLife International (2017) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Pilliga http://www.birdlife.org
Marion Carey Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), Air pollution from coal seam gas may put public health at risk The Conversation, November 20, 2012
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/21/siding-spring-observatory-threat-coal-seam-gas-light-pollution
http://darksky.org/first-dark-sky-park-in-australia-designated

Priority must be given to preserving the integrity of the environment . Coal seam gas extraction is too fraught with potential environmental dangers, and should be banned. Guarantees cannot be given that water contamination or other environmental problems will not occur. I therefore object to the proposed gas development.

There is already enough gas being produced in Australia. We don't need anymore and we can't risk the Great Artesian Basin.
Please reject this application.

I oppose any expansion in these drilling projects. There is a huge amount of objective evidence to show that there are risks to groundwater sources, risks of methane leaks and degradation of environments that can be serious and long lasting. I believe this industry does not have a social licence to opperate and that many thousands of mainstream people are concerned about this sort of development as evidenced by the huge amount of opposition throughout Australia. I believe the stated benefits are often exaggerated and based on very short term thinking. The precautionary principle should apply as the potential for long term damage is large and the evidence against is still mounting.

I am writing to oppose the drilling for gas in the Pilliga by Santos.
This company has already polluted water in the Pillga and can not be trusted.

The Great Artesian Basin and the Murray Darling Basin are threatened by this proposal. Pollution and damaging extraction are two big risks to the area. These are precious resources, way too precious to be put under threat.

There will be an enormous quantity of salt produced in the CS gas drilling process which has not been adequately addressed.

This project is not wanted by the Traditional owners, farmers, or the local communities. But it goes way beyond that. The Australian people see the harm big industry is doing to our fragile environment and are crying "Enough!".
Politicians close their ears to their peril.

The protection of the natural environment, including native animals is of prime concern to the majority of the electorate.
This project is outdated, past its time and outside the ethos of a modern forward looking country.

We do not need to mine this way for gas and Australia does not need it anyway. This is a company with a poor environmental record exploiting the land for profit, whilst risking the quality of the land and water for the agricultural sector. I strongly object to this proposal and wish this section of the Pilliga Scrub to be preserved as a reserve.

Santos have already proven they can't be trusted to look after the environment and precious resources like water. They've poisoned an aquifer at Narrabri with uranium 20 times over safe levels, and there have been over 20 other reports of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water.

The risks are too great. Santos' drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin -- the sole water source for towns and farms across 1/5 of rural Australia.

Australia doesn't need new gas fields. Solar and storage can now provide cheaper power than coal and gas (with the added bonus of not destroying our climate and farmland).

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer

The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas--potentially stopping the free flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin.¹

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

2. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed

3. Farmers and other local community reject the project
Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG. This stretches across a massive 3.2 million hectares of country surrounding the Pilliga forest, including 99 communities. Hundreds of farmers have participated in protest actions unlike any previously seen in the region.

4. The Narrabri Gas Project has a long history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water--Santos cannot be trusted to manage the project safely
Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, as well as lead, aluminium, arsenic and barium². In addition, there have been over 20 reported spills and leaks of toxic CSG water from storage ponds, pipes and well heads. Santos cannot be trusted.

5. The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife

6. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change

7. Human health is compromised by coal seam gas
A range of hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds can be released into the air from coal seam gas operations, including flaring of gas wells. The effects of volatile organic compounds vary, but can cause eye, nose and airway irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination⁴. These impacts have been documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

8. The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk

9. Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project
Santos has no solution for disposing of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt that will be produced. Between 17,000 and 42,000 tonnes of salt waste would be produced each year. This industry would leave a toxic legacy in NSW.

10. Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions

I object to the application for Santos to mine gas in the Piliga.
850 wells is a recipe for disaster on many levels.
The threat to the artesian water that can be poisoned and is a promary source of water for many. Once poisoned there is no return.
Dangers of health to children and adults as experienced globally from coal seam gas mining.
Risk of fires from burning methane in an area infamous for fires.
Problem of salt from the water that is pumped up and also risk of spills of toxic chemicals, which Santos has been responsible for before.
Problems for the observatory through the air pollution.
Destruction of the environment in a area known for it's environmental beauty and tourism.
Imstrongly object to this application. Please do not put our future at risk for short term financial gain,
Sincerely Liane

Santos have already proven they can't be trusted to look after the environment and precious resources like water. They've poisoned an aquifer at Narrabri with uranium 20 times over safe levels, and there have been over 20 other reports of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water.2

The risks are too great. Santos' drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin -- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia.3 It will produce 100 tonnes of salt every day at peak production.4

The craziest part? Australia doesn't need new gas fields. Solar and storage can now provide cheaper power than coal and gas (with the added bonus of not destroying our climate and farmland).

Dear Sir,
As a civil engineer and a senior citizen, I hold grave concern that development of the Narrabri and environs coal seam gas field will permanently damage the ground water system upon which current agriculture depends. Once the gas has been depleted, the aquifer will be permanently and irretrievably damaged. Future generations of Australians depend for their daily food on the agricultural produce from this area. The coal seam gas extraction is both greedy and short sighted and must not proceed. Once the aquifer is polluted, the agriculture will suffer and degrade as a food source. Please heed the warnings of others and cease coal seam development.
Richard Cortis BE, MIEAust, CPEng, NER.
Clovelly

I submit 10 reasons why this ecologically and socially irresponsible project should NOT go ahead under any circumstances.

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer

The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas--potentially stopping the free flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin.¹

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

2. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed

There are hundreds of cultural sites as well as songlines and stories connecting the Gamilaraay to the forest and to the groundwater beneath. Gamilaraay people are deeply involved in the battle against CSG, and have told Santos they do not want their country sacrificed for a coal seam gas field.

3. Farmers and other local community reject the project

Extensive community surveys have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG. This stretches across a massive 3.2 million hectares of country surrounding the Pilliga forest, including 99 communities. Hundreds of farmers have participated in protest actions unlike any previously seen in the region.

4. The Narrabri Gas Project has a long history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water--Santos cannot be trusted to manage the project safely

Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium at levels 20 times higher than safe drinking water guidelines, as well as lead, aluminium, arsenic and barium². In addition, there have been over 20 reported spills and leaks of toxic CSG water from storage ponds, pipes and well heads. Santos cannot be trusted.

5. The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife

The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed 'biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the Koala, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Black-striped Wallaby, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Pilliga Mouse and South-eastern Long-eared Bat. The forest is home to over 200 bird species and is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area². The Santos gasfield would fragment 95,000 hectares of the Pilliga with well pads, roads, and water and gas pipelines--damaging vital habitat and threatening the survival of endangered species.

6. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change

Methane is by far the major component of natural gas, and is a greenhouse gas 72 times more powerful than CO². CSG fields contribute to climate change through the leakage of methane during the production, transport, processing and use of coal seam gas.

7. Human health is compromised by coal seam gas

A range of hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds can be released into the air from coal seam gas operations, including flaring of gas wells. The effects of volatile organic compounds vary, but can cause eye, nose and airway irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination⁴. These impacts have been documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

8. The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk

The Siding Springs Observatory, situated in the Warrumbungles and adjacent to the Pilliga, is under threat from the Narrabri Gas Project due to light and dust pollution⁵. The area has been internationally recognised as a 'dark sky park'⁶ and the 50m high gas flares proposed by Santos threaten the viability of the facility.

9. Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project

Santos has no solution for disposing of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt that will be produced. Between 17,000 and 42,000 tonnes of salt waste would be produced each year. This industry would leave a toxic legacy in NSW.

10. Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions

Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days. The Pilliga is prone to severe bushfires. The project would increase ignition sources as well as extracting, transporting and storing a highly flammable gas right within this extremely fire-prone forest.

After reviewing the risks involved in the extraction of CSG and the location in which this will take place, I wish to express my concerns and objection for this project going ahead. There is the threat to wildlife species living in the forest area and precious water resources. This is also a farming area that needs water, clean water access. Water springs and bore wells can also be affected by CSG wells.

There are risks of leaks and spills of toxic substances (like uranium at high levels) and the company proposing to construct 850 gas wells has a record of over 20 times having mishaps and creating environmental damage.

I am concerned of the long term damage this project will cause long after the monetary gain is obtained. With the advancement of solar technologies and power storage that provides much cheaper energy for all Australians the push for this project I see is not in the public interest. There is also the problem of what to do with the thousands and thousands of tonnes of salt waste a by-product of the extraction.

We are also part of a Global Community and our actions affect the planet warming and the climate changing. Methane gas is also produce into the atmosphere when the CSG is extracted adding to climate change. Our neighbours, countries in the Pacific Region are seeing the sea levels rising and their Island Nations are under threat.

For people living near the wells there are also health risks.

Thus with the threats of damage to the environment, our precious water resources, human and wildlife health I strongly oppose this project going ahead.

Thank you for your consideration of my submission and the rights of our First People who are also opposed to this project.

The great Artesian Basin is one of the largest aquifers in the world and I do not want its waters polluted because of CSG mining. The mining companies care nought for our country, just look at their record in their own countries.
As for The Pilliga Forest it is the largest temperate woodland in N.S.W. Home to diverse and unique wildlife populations. It would cause the fragmentation of this forest if you were irresponsible and removed an estimated 1000 hectares of this precious woodland.
Thirty five billion litres of toxic groundwater will be extracted in the first five years. There are no plans for the disposal of tens of thousands of tonnes of salt from the treated ground water. Where does it go? They do not have an answer.
The Great Artesian Basin, The Pilliga and CSG mining are not compatible because CSG is an environmental nightmare that has to be stopped before it wreaks anymore destruction on this beautiful country of ours.

Please do not allow CSG mines to go ahead in the Narrabri/Pilliga area...as it has been well documented that Santos has no ability to control contamination from the CSG mining projects already on offer. The Water supplies that can be affected by this contamination are priceless and irreplaceable to the farmers and towns people that live in and around the proposed mining area. We need to protect and preserve these water resources now and for future generations

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer

The Narrabri gasfield poses a real risk to our two most precious water resources: the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin. The area of the Great Artesian Basin with the highest recharge rates is almost entirely contained within the Pilliga East forest. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure in the recharge areas--potentially stopping the free flow of waters to the surface at springs and bores across the whole Great Artesian Basin.¹

Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills and the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells.

The real possibility of permanent damage to aquifers and water tables should ensure that this type of development is prohibited.

Sincerely, Dennis Burt.

I object to the Narrabri Gas Project as it risks important water sources, including Australia's largest groundwater aquifer, the Great Artesian Basin This aquifer supports a wide and complex natural ecosystem as well as prime agricultural land. Any potential economic gains associated with the project could be outweighed by long term, irreversible losses of important farmland due to salination
The company involved (Santos) already appears to have a history of poor practices, resulting in aquifer contamination.
Another concern is government support of Coal Seam Gas extraction, at odds with its supposed support for international action on Climate Change, especially at a time when safer renewable energy sources are increasingly available

Dear Sirs. Please protect our farmland,water,native flora and fauna and the environment we all must live in, do not approve the Santos CSG fraking proposal in the Piliga. Santos can't be trusted on environmental and water issues. They have already poisoned an aquifer at Narrabri and there have been numerous toxic spills and leaks of CSG water. The risks to the water in the Great Artesian Basin from Santos' drilling and fraking are just too great. Many towns and farms in the area relie on the purity and plentiful water in the Great Artesian Basin. Also huge amounts of salt will be a by product of this highly intrusive and damaging gas extraction method. It would be smarter,safer,cheaper and far better for the environment if Santos put their money into solar and storage. We don't need dangerous fraking in NSW the risks to our water and the environment are just too great. Yours Sincerely. Geoff Wright