Narrabri Gas

I am writing to express my objection to coal seam gas mining in Narrabri. It is vital that aquifers are preserved, water ways are protected and farming land is not degraded by drilling and leakages that damage our prescious environment.

To whom it may concern,
I strongly object to the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas project and think the long term risks are Not worth the short term rewards.
I love visiting and camping at the Warrumbungles, if these wells were to go ahead they would spell the end for the nation's premier optical astronomical observatory as well as many private businesses who depend on these clear unpolluted skies.
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 Narrabri Gas Project risks precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--
Australia's largest groundwater aquifer
Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change.
At a time when most sensible countries are
moving over to renewables it seems silly to open up more coal seam gas wells which are
much more polluting than these new technologies.
What would be done with the Thousands of tonnes of salt waste which will result from the project? There is no safe way to dispose of this and it seems the majority of it is used for "dust reduction" which is a fancy way of saying "just spray it on and beside the roads"
Human health is compromised by coal seam gas.
Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on total fire ban days, surely this is almost criminal when Australia has experienced some of the hottest days on record this year and the risk of fire and destruction of people, flora and fauna is Not Worth it.
The risks of contamination to prime agricultral land is simply not worth it either and many of our Farmers and other local community leaders and menbers reject the project.
The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed to the project and rightly so, who would want there land and water polluted to this degree?
I believe the greatest risk of all is to our precious water sources, including the Great Australian Basin--Australia's largest groundwater aquifer. Coal seam gas projets effect water sources for many kilometers around and this many well would effect many hundreds if not thousands of kilometers of valuable water resources.
sincerely yours , Mr Roger Corben

Dear Sirs/Mesdames,
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, or any other CSG company, could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin -- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia. It is a known FACT that the chemicals used in fracking are carcinogenic. Why would anyone in their right mind allow such chemicals to be pumped into any water storage and collection facility? Accidents happen!

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).

I therefore urge you to put a stop to this madness. Deny all further CSG drilling programs, to Santos or any other company.

Yours Sincerely,

This application should not proceed given that:
1. CSG has too many imponderable risks attached to it particularly in relation to the Great Artesian Basin.
2. Saver alternatives such as solar and wind are available at competitive and eventually lower costs (and this includes peak load solutions).
3. Valuable agricultural land should not be alienated.
4. The poor environmental track record of Santos

Water Is Life

I object to the Narrabri Gas Project because:
*it will at best risk and at worst contaminate the Great Australian Basin; Food production and especially safe and secure food production is far more valuable to Australia moving forward than CSG.
*threaten the survival of endangered species;
*be against the wishes of the tradional custodians of the lane and threaten their sacred sites and songlines;
*we don't need CSG. Australia has ample wind, sun and LPG and hydro power opportunities;

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.

Dear Sir/Madam

I am concerned about the well-being of our beautiful country and its inhabitants including fauna and flora.
I am concerned about the power some humans in large companies, like Santos, have
I am even more concerned about the fact that some of these humans in these companies use their power to:
- destroy parts of our beautiful country
- create tens of thousands tonnes of salt waste per year
- damage vital habitat and threaten the survival of endangered species like the Koala, Spotted-tailed Quoll, Black-striped Wallaby, Eastern Pygmy-possum and over 200 bird species
- potentially poison the Great Artesian Basin and the Murray-Darling Basin
- poison the air which can cause eye, nose and airway irritation, headache, nausea, dizziness and loss of coordination (These impacts have been documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America).

These are only a few of my many concerns about Santos and CSG that make me strongly object to any drilling for Coal Seam Gas in general and strongly object to the Narrabri Gas Project in particular.

in hope
regards
Rolf Meier

We object to the Santos' Narrabri Coal Seam Gas project which proposes 850 gas wells drilled in and around the Pilliga Forest.
Such drilling could threaten the health of the Great Artesian Basin which is the principal water source of farms and towns across more than 20% of rural Australia.
It is estimated that the proposed drilling would produce up to 100 tonnes of salt per day.

There is not a real shortage of gas in Australia, if the offshore resources are included. The foreign investors in the gas industry want to get into NSW before we wake up . By all means let them drill anywhere that is legal if, and only if,they can incontrovertibly prove there is no possibility of harming aquifers essential to agriculture. They know they can't do this!

Please disallow Santos' Narribri CSG mining bid.

The risk to the Great Artesian Basin water supply is just too great. Once the damage is done it can't be remidiated by man - it will take natural processes hundreds of years to rectify.

Damaging this aquifer can render useless prime farming lands from the Pilliga to the Flinders Ranges, throgh salination and chemical pollution of the underground water.

Australia's capacity to feed itself and to export food to the world will be greatly affected.

Are you prepared to take the risk?

Sincerely
Neil Bevege

I object to the proposed Narrabri coal gas Project application SSD 6456 by Santos

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

The Narrabri gasfield proposed extraction project 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 of NSW. In a worst-case scenario, the water removed for CSG extraction could reduce water pressure and water heights 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 Currently many bores are at a deep level requiring multi stage pumps, if water levels (as they will) drop lower the towns/ farms/ free flowing bores may cease or be unable to be extracted. The aquifer isn't a infinite resource and any major disruption to its recharge/ flow rates can have a detrimental effect to farming communities all over Australia. For the aquifer isn't just Pilliga based as you and the proponent would well know. The proponent must prove that no harm would come from this proposed CGS extraction this must be a condition of consent. With out the farmer or other water user having to prove beyond any doubt that the CGS extraction caused them harm. If the proponent can't give that assurance then with any risk, harm can be a consequence of their actions. So with all hierarchy of risks controls if it can't be engineered out of the proposal just don't' do it.
Creeks in the Pilliga run into the Namoi River--a vital part of the Murray Darling Basin. This system is vulnerable to contamination from drilling fluid spills plus the salty treated water produced from the proposed 850 wells. These salty water coming from these mining or extraction processes isn't just the normal Sodium Chloride (table salt) that we are all associate salt with. Mineral salts include sodium, calcium, ammonium phosphate, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, sulphur and phosphorus to name a few. Mineral salts are naturally occurring inorganic substances that are extracted from below the ground surface and become free flowing in extracted water. In small amounts they cause little problems but the quantities to be removed by the proponent in huge amounts will leave a stained legacy for this and future generations. Once they have made their profits and run it will be left up to local communities to try to re-mediate the damage done. Or so it would seem but the Government also through the granting of licence then charging and receiving royalties for gas extracted are complicit in the action of damage. For they have received money to assist an environmental crime. No amount of retrospective legislation can remove that complicity. It would only take a brave Wilderness Society or others to take action through the EDO to test this action.
2. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed to this proposal

There are hundreds of cultural sites in this area 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 as proposed.
3. Farmers and other local community reject the CGS project

Through extensive community surveys they have shown an average of 96% opposition to CSG. This stretches across a massive 3.2 million hectares of beautiful country surrounding the Pilliga forest, including 99 communities. Hundreds of farmers have participated in protest actions unlike any previously seen in the region or the state. Also most states in Australia have a ban or moratorium on the CGS extraction.
4. The Narrabri Gas Project has a long history of spills and leaks of toxic CSG water--Santos cannot be trusted to manage the proposed project safely

Santos has already contaminated a freshwater aquifer in the Pilliga with uranium 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 nor the EPA charged with monitoring/ prosecuting pollution offences. In the Hunter Valley coal mining area were I recently worked in a pit it was common practice to disregard pollution controls on night shift or weekends. Due to the companies admission the EPA doesn't work then and it was more productive to have bums on truck seats than dust control water trucks. Santos is no different with the EPA Sydney based and no spot inspections with out notice conducted. By the time a farmer/ community group raises a complaint the EPA (with dwindling numbers to prevent incidents reporting) inspector is dispatched, weeks will have elapsed and all evidence covered up. Just like the Garden of Stones in Sydney were mine discharges and slips effected rivers. The EPA didn't know about it and it took community groups to pressure action. The mine concerned was fined and re mediation undertaken that failed but as far as the company was concerned it was just an Oops, carry on with business as usual. Santos is no different and unless real-time free source monitoring is made compulsory to all mineral/ gas/ petroleum extraction/ production/ wellheads and aquifer/ water sources the communities will never trust its Governments role in facilitating/ monitoring Environmental Vandalism. This real-time free source monitoring would not be an impost on the proponent it would just be best practice and the way we work to a better future and must be made a condition of consent if approved. If the consent authority and its servants have no problem granting the licence to extract could they please drink a bottle of water from the previous Santos Pilliga contamination site to prove no harm exists to us. We will gladly supply the water to you that eventually we and future generations will have to drink after licence approval.
5. The Pilliga is a haven for threatened wildlife and habitats

The Pilliga is one of 15 nationally listed 'biodiversity hotspots' and is vital to the survival of threatened species like the Koala (major NSW population relatively disease free), Spotted-tailed Quoll, Black-striped Wallaby, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Pilliga Mouse, South-eastern Long-eared Bat and the Gang Gang Cockatoo. 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/ conductivity and threatening the survival of endangered species. The Pilliga has a high percentage of She-Oak Pine trees that are a valuable food source for the Gang Gang Cockatoo and other wildlife. When companies plan such a proposal as CSG they look to minimise risk to there assets. A typically scenario would entail the clearing of acres of land around well head/ roads and facilities to prevent fire risk to its assets. This reduction of trees and clear lines will effect food sources and habitats for wildlife. It must be a condition of consent that such practices are discouraged. Also in storage ponds of contaminated water awaiting treatment, wildlife do not understand well intentioned signs declaring polluted water. So as a condition of consent each holding pond must be plastic lined/ fenced and covered to prevent ground seepage/ animals drinking from and birds flying to drink polluted water. This isn't an impost against the company it is a diligent caring company ensuring the survival of species that can't read yet. Plus managing it's pollution control through best practice. Currently this is practices in some Hunter Valley Coal mines so the bar is already set.
6. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change that we have signed many treaties to reduce

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. If the proponent can guarantee no leakage will occur the application should proceed if all other condition are met. So it would be a condition of consent that no leakage will occur. But all is not bad as coal seam gas does a marvellous job of holding up the ground, let it do its job. In accessing this proposal the authority will no doubt take in to account all of the ratified treaties the State of NSW and Australian Governments have signed on CO2 and methane abatement and reduction strategies. With no misgiving the authority must give the Australian public and the world an assurance that no harm will come from this proposal?
7. Human health is compromised by coal seam gas being released and burnt

A range of hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds can be released into the air from coal seam gas operations, transport and 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 coordination in both humans and wildlife. These impacts have been well documented in human populations nearby to existing gasfields in Queensland, Sydney and in America. We have all seen the video clip of igniting water from a faucet in an Americans house next to a CGS well and the Condamine River set on fire in Queensland buy Greens MP ignited bubbling methane coming from nearby CGS wells (7). As currently there is no reported methane bubbling in any aquifers/ streams or rivers a base line would be established from that. So as a condition of consent any reported occurrence after the proposal is authorised to extract would have to be accepted by the proponent as a consequence of their actions and shut down of actions and remedial work undertaken to rectify occurrence and prevent similar events in the future.
8. The nation's premier optical astronomical observatory is at risk from loss of night sky

The Siding Springs Observatory, situated in the Warrumbungles and adjacent to the Pilliga, is under threat from the Narrabri Gas Project and adjacent coal mine due to light and dust pollution. The area has been internationally recognised as a 'dark sky park' and the 50m high gas flares proposed by Santos threaten the viability of the facility and the astronomical community. I have travelled to this area many times to view the heavens through the Observatory telescopes and my own. It's ability to have a dark sky is the attraction but with the proliferation of new mines and now gas flares this area is under threat. Other areas have shown great empathy for the need to protect Warrumbungles night sky. When Canberra street lighting for new suburbs is planned the orientation and luminescence is taken in to account to prevent harm to night sky pollution that would effect Warrumbungles Observatory specifically. Yet the proponent and authorities that may grant licence to operate take no regard for this. So it must be a condition of consent that no harm to night sky will occur to protect a multi million observatory and tourism associated with that facility. If harm occurs then shut down of operations until nil harm can be established must be enforced. Plus as a condition of consent compensation to the Federal Government that funds the Observatory must be forthcoming from those that receive profit / royalties from this project that will effect its viability.
9. Thousands of tonnes of salt waste will result from the proposed project

Santos has no solution for disposing of the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of salt that will be produced from this project. Between 17,000 and 42,000 tonnes of salt waste would be produced each year. This industry would leave a toxic legacy in NSW which admittedly is out of Sydney so it shouldn't matter. But it does for the salt can't be removed/ treated or buried with out causing more harm. If the proponent is unable to come up with a viable plan to minimise/ reduce or dispose of the projects salt pollution then it shouldn't proceed. It must be a condition of consent that salt waste will be managed in a environmentally sustainable way. Currently many inland aquifers and rivers are suffering from increased salt levels through man's actions on the land. Which is currently being addressed through community Landcare groups/ individuals actions and Government participation. All of these measures will account for nothing if this load of toxic waste is forced upon us.
10. Risk of fires would increase throughout the Pilliga's tinder-box prone conditions

Methane flare stacks up to 50m high would be running day and night, even on regional or state total fire ban days. The Pilliga is prone to severe bushfires with devastating effects. The project would increase ignition sources as well as extracting, transporting and storing a highly flammable gas right within this extremely fire-prone forest. It must be a condition of consent that no fire risk will come from this proposal. But if licence is given as a show of good faith to the community and a condition of consent, Santos should support all regional bushfire brigades with financial/ manpower and material support.
11. Nil Gas shortage in NSW
Currently many companies are running around tell all who will listen that there is a looming gas/ electrical shortage about to hit NSW. This is just a beat up and then media frenzy to achieve an objective of the approval of new gas extraction mines for profit only. Unfortunately South Australia had a embarrassing power outage that has now fuelled mass hysteria on pending candles for lights and burning of cow dung for heat. So much of our current oversupply of gas extracted is being shipped overseas on long term contracts leaving domestic supply short. It must be Government of the peoples duty to supply the people that own the natural resource first before offloading it overseas at a cheaper price than domestic supply. This is the responsibility of our Government to action this. The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has only this week undertaken such a task by asking for assurances and getting them from industry to guaranty domestic supply. NSW Government has to step up to the plate also and get similar guaranties from gas suppliers for domestic first at cheep overseas supply prices for we own the stuff. We are currently in oversupply and don't needed this approval.
12. Usual Post licence alterations
It is normal practice on completion of the public comments and even after licence approval for companies to complain about erroneously harsh condition of consent and apply for watering down of these conditions. This watering down doesn't give the community a chance to respond to claims and alterations proposed by the proponent and must be discouraged. It must be a condition of consent that during the life of the operation with any owner that no alteration to consent conditions can occur. Unless it is to improve environmental out comes or remove harm to fauna and flora.


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
7 ABC News 22/03/2016 Condamine River set on fire after Greens MP lights bubbling methane


Geoffrey Pettett
1339 Gloucester Rd Wingham 2429 NSW
0427478189

1. It is safehaven for threatened wildlife
2. Coal seam gas fuels dangerous climate change - methane is by far the major componet of natural gas, & 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 & use of coal seam gas.
3. It risks our clean water
4. The Gamilaraay Traditional Custodians are opposed
5. Bushfire risk will rise

I want to make a submission against a company like Santos fracking in the Pilliga. It could ruin the Great Artesian Basin

I wish to object to the energy giant Santos making a final push to drill 850 gas wells through the heart of the Pilliga forest and the Great Artesian Basin. I think it is an absolute shocker of a project. It is completely indefensible in every possible way.

I understand that local communities around Narrabri have been fighting hard to protect farmland, water and forest from Santos. These comprise sentient - feeling - human beings, not corporate psychopaths.

Santos has already proven it can't be trusted to look after the environment and precious resources like water. It's 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 way too great. Santos' drilling could permanently damage the Great Artesian Basin Â-- the sole water source for towns and farms across 22% of rural Australia. It will produce 100 tonnes of salt every day at peak production.

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).

No-one (except the ill-informed, Abbottonian idiots and Hansonites) wants to see more fracking in the Pilliga.

States like Victoria are already leading the way with a permanent ban on dangerous fracking. Please lets follow their example and make NSW CSG-free. Our water is too precious to risk.

the amount of water produced is criminal, with no plan this can only lead to ground water contamination as it has in the U.S. please this is not a good way extract gas.

It will lead to large deliberate emissions of methane
Coal Seam Gas is harmful to health! Neither the NSW Government nor Santos have investigated or dealt with the serious health effects of coal seam gas now appearing in peer-reviewed research in the United States.

I object to any gas drilling in the piliga region.

I strongly object to fracking in general, and to this project in particular for the following reasons:

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.


¹SoilFutures 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
²http://www.smh.com.au/environment/santos-coal-seam-gas-project-contaminates-aquifer-20140307-34csb.html
³BirdLife International (2017) Important Bird Areas factsheet: Pilliga http://www.birdlife.org
⁴Marion Carey Doctors for the Environment Australia (DEA), Air pollution from coal seam gas may put public health at risk The Conversation, November 20, 2012
⁵https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/oct/21/siding-spring-observatory-threat-coal-seam-gas-light-pollution
⁶http://darksky.org/first-dark-sky-park-in-australia-designated/

- See more at: https://www.wilderness.org.au/articles/final-push-pilliga#sthash.zc3w0AjS.dpuf

I have now heard, with consternation, reports that Santos has applied for some 800 CSG wells, again in the Pilliga west of Narrabri and near to and/or amongst farms on good agricultural land.

Given that groundwater contamination cannot be predicted or mapped at present and the notion of `world's best practice' is meaningless when the best delivers such damaging outcomes as happened with a spill from a pond which contained uranium in the water pumped from a well it is time to require a higher level of information before any approval is given.

I commend to you the article in "Australian Mining" , reachable at this link:

https://australianmining.com.au/news/santos-csg-project-contaminates-groundwater-2/

Included below is a list of links to other reports of that spill.

If the NSW State Government is considering approval of Santos' CSG wells, the Precautionary Principle should be factored into the decisions.

Sincerely

Penny Rosier

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-03-12/environmentalists-alarmed-at-coal-seam-gas-contamination-scare/5315926

http://dea.org.au/news/article/media-release-doctors-alarmed-by-water-contamination-from-unconventional-ga

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/santos-coal-seam-gas-project-contaminates-aquifer-20140307-34csb.html

http://theconversation.com/coal-seam-gas-water-leaks-could-be-a-problem-for-decades-24718

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
References

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