Water catchment gas drilling should be called off
Friday, 01 July 2011 13:00
The authority announced this week for Apex Energy to undertake exploratory drilling for gas in Sydney’s water catchment close to Burragorang Dam, should be withdrawn, Total Environment Centre said today.
“To even begin exploratory drilling in such a sensitive area so important to millions of people in Sydney is unacceptable. We should not be considering the introduction of gas extraction here in view of the pollution and damage to the landscape and water systems that can occur with the production and disposal of polluted water out of drill sites, a matrix of pipelines, vegetation clearing and truck traffic,” said Jeff Angel, Executive Director of the Centre.
“Companies don’t explore with the intention of doing nothing. Further this particular company is small and we don’t believe has the resources to back up its risk management intentions.”
“While this permit was not covered by the NSW government’s moratorium there should have been exceptions to cover more advanced applications for high risk situations. The authority should be withdrawn,” Mr Angel said.
Apex Energy NL was subject to controversy last year with the release of confidential company documents revealing its gas industry ambitions in Sydney’s water catchments and intention to use the polluting ‘fracking’ technique.
