Santos Pledges to Fix Coal Seam Gas Spill

Australia’s Santos said on Wednesday it would pledge $20 million in upgrading Eastern Star’s sites, equipment and processes to ensure the operations in the Pilliga State Forest meet best practice standards.

The company said in a statement that Eastern Star practices and reporting processes found inadequate. Santos acquired Eastern Star Gas in 2011.

Disposal of contaminated water from coal seam gas mining has been a controversial topic, with opponents arguing that sufficient safeguards to protect the environment are missing.