Australia Mulls Imposing Tougher Checks for CSG Industry

Australia is mulling to impose tougher environmental checks on coal-seam gas and large coal mines to protect Australia's water resources, Australian Associated Press has reported.

Under changes approved by cabinet, federal environmental powers will be extended to cover the cumulative impacts on water of new CSG wells and mines, AAP said. National environment law will be changed to require federal assessment and approval of coal seam gas and large coal mining developments which have a significant impact on a water resource.

Environment and Water Minister Tony Burke said while the government will seek more information from business, it's not seeking to have “a needlessly delayed” process.

He said the additional information required in many instances will involve data that has already been collected in the state approval process.