Agreement with Protestors Sees Delays NSW CBM Drilling

An agreement to end a protests by farmers will see Santos delay the drilling of a pilot coalbed methane well on the Liverpool Plains in northern New South Wales following fears about the potential for consequences to water quality and soil contamination led farmers to set up a blockade.

Santos, which was proposing to drill one pilot well and a water monitoring well near Spring Ridge, about 70 kilometres south of Gunnedah, said it had reached an agreement with the NSW government, the NSW Farmers Association and the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG).

Santos has agreed to postpone drilling activities at the site until the completion of the Namoi catchment water study, which is expected in March next year and will give the company more time to carry out further consultations with the community on the pilot testing process.

“Given the sensitivities about the potential impact of coal bed methane activity on the groundwater resources associated with the black soil, we have agree to delay the planned work at Spring Ridge,” Santos vice president eastern Australia James Baulderstone said.

“Santos remains committed to working with the regional communities to develop their gas resources safely and sustainably, while maintaining their vital role as food producers.”