Narrabri Gas

Fracking is a dangerous practice as everyone knows and should not be allowed ANYWHERE.
I used to own shares in Metgasco from very early on and as soon as I knew they used this method I quickly sold my shares for a nice profit thankfully. As a share trader I'm encouraging my fellow traders to short Santos's shares each time they have a bit of a run which helps drive them down. That's what I believe we can do to show our disdain for any company that employs this behaviour.

1. The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer - once aquifers are contaminated - there's no going back.

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.

Our hottest summer ever, now sweltering in March, and the NSW Government are still considering allowing greater use of burning hydrocarbons. Pure madness. When will our political leaders put the health of our environment ahead of the greed of a few shareholders.

Please do not go ahead with any gas projects. Evidence shows that they are disastrous for any environment.>Prime example already in Chinchilla, where the town itself has suffered as well as the farming land in its surrounds.It is unnecessary to use coal seam gas for energy when we have ample supplies of every other renewable source in this country.

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.

The Pillage is a unique ecosystem, not just in NSW but also across Australia there is nowhere else with the black cypress forest and abundance of emus and other iconic fauna. There's certainly nowhere else like it in the world. I understand that this is the last CSG project standing in NSW, and as an ex-farmer I am extremely concerned that the proposed drilling of 850 gas wells could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin -- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia. I have been informed that this will produce 100 tonnes of salt every day at peak production. Surely we need to protect our arable land and our precious water supply? How can we look our children's children's children in the eye and tell them that we're very sorry, but we can no longer offer them pure water and safe food? I'm outraged at the short sightedness of the whole CSG industry: purely there for corporate profit with no concern for the long term viability of our arable land and Artesian water supply.

I am appalled that Santos are continuing to apply to destroy the Pilliga Forest.
A few facts which should be taken into account are that 96% of the community do not want CSG mining .
It will affect 99 communities.
Their health will be at risk, and there is a good chance that the mining will cause spills and pollution. Mining is not without it's risks and they are huge.
A number of endangered species live in the Pilliga.
It is 3.2 million hectares.
If you are so lucky as to still be able to afford a quarter acre block in Sydney the Pilliga is the equivalent of 32million quarter acre blocks. That is incomprehensible!
And as to the 17,00042,000 tonnes of salt waste for which Santos has proposed no solution, this is another toxic waste dump waiting to happen.

Coal Seam Gas is much more costly to our economy than clean energy.

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/politics/federal/2017/03/09/renewables-now-aust-cheapest-power-option.html

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155256167008714&set=a.10154863841563714.1073741913.776718713&type=3&theater

Why? Because Coal Seam Gas fracking is unsafe, making our water undrinkable and unusable for other household uses or for farming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-cC3BXwoMQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ifUjjP3aL4

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155300311908714&set=a.10153228354698714.1073741872.776718713&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155300265438714&set=a.10154863841563714.1073741913.776718713&type=3&theater

On top of that, Coal Seam Gas adds to climate change, taking us towards a climate apocalypse:

Worse and worse hurricanes, cyclones, floods, droughts and fires. Less and less fresh water. HUGE areas of farmland becoming useless. Wars over water and farmland. Economic crises that will make the Great Depression look like a picnic. 1+ billion climate refugees and mass-migrations, social conflict and migration wars which will dwarf the barbarian invasions that caused the fall of the Roman Empire.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10155300316008714&set=a.10151572430803714.1073741826.776718713&type=3&theater

Clean energy is the only safe way to power our economy: wind, solar, tidal, geo-thermal and bio-mass.

Santos has committed several breaches of environmental conditions in the past. The risk to the groundwater is too great. Moreover fugitive emissions from CSG add to our greenhouse gases. Finally, there is plenty of gas being produced in Australia. Because supply is controlled by a handful of companies in an opaque market abuses of power are rampant. Action here will obviate the need for this risky development.

The Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources,
The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed to it,
Farmers and other local community reject the project,
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,
The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife
Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change,
Human health is compromised by coal seam gas,
The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk,
Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the project, and
Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box conditions.
What amount of job opportunities or economic gain for the very short period that it will last is going to make all this destruction seem like a good idea, a wise decision, or a considered one?

The expansion of 850 wells into the old growth Pilliga Forest by Santos should not be allowed. Santos has already caused damage in the environment! The fines Santos pays for any damage remedies nothing.
The risk to not only the old growth forest and the endangered species within it but also farmers and their communities as well as our Great Artesian Basin is far to great to allow Santos to plunder by there gas mining.
Renewable energy has advanced in leaps and bounds and is so much safer for the environment as well as proving to be cheaper.

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.



1. 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
2. http://www.smh.com.au/environment/santos-coal-seam-gas-project-contaminates-aquifer-20140307-34csb.html
3. BirdLife International (2017) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Pilliga http://www.birdlife.org
4. 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
5. https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/21/siding-spring-observatory-threat-coal-seam-gas-light-pollution
6. http://darksky.org/first-dark-sky-park-in-australia-designated





References
1. Great Artesian Basin coal-seam gas 'risk', The Australian, 7 November 2014
2.'Not seen anything like it': Pleas for extension to examine huge Santos CSG plan, Sydney Morning Herald, 21 February 2017

This huge Coal Seam Gas project could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin, and the large area which it feeds. It is unnecessary as we have all the gas we need. It is a pointless environmetal risk, which will cause serious long term damage. It should not be allowed to proceed.

This is the most stupid political mistake in living memory to support this destructive and short term project.

If you want to see an even bigger swing against the nationals and the coalition than we saw in orange then just try to press on.

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

Please remove CSG from the agenda in NSW and fund solar, batteries such as Tesla's and wind. They are cheaper and more efficient. Protect the Artesian Basin. Please do not publish my name or contact information.

I object to any creation of more coal-steam gas wells in Australia, and in particular in NSW. There is plenty of scientifically validated evidence for the risks and likely consequences of CSG wells as an energy source. We need to instead invest money in environmentally sustainable energy projects that don't destroy our environment. There is only one environment - that is planet Earth, which your kids, mine and theirs will inherit. We need to stop thinking in the short-term commercial gain and instead prioritise long-term energy sources. Thanks for reading!

Santos can not be trusted. The Great Arterial Basin must not be contaminated!
Dene McMillan
Arakoon 2431

Frack off Santos, we don't need you and we certainly don't want you.

Santos' drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin -- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia.1 It will produce 100 tonnes of salt every day at peak production.
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.

It could also produce similar damage to the Murray Darling basin.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 gas fields in Queensland, Sydney and in America.

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.
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.

Since the government is hell-bent on increasing the population, it's a dangerous idea to jeopardize the viability of large areas of farmland by risking ruining its water supply.

Also the damage done to the environment by mining to date is lamentable.