Leaking coal seam gas concerns

THE State Greens candidates for Lismore and Clarence, Sue Stock and Janet Cavanaugh, say they have been alerted about a potential leaking coal seam gas site at Lower Dyraaba, west of Casino.

“This leaking drill site is north west of Casino at Lower Dyraaba, close to Dyraaba Creek which forms the boundary between the Clarence and Lismore electorates. I was contacted by a concerned resident downstream of the well,” Ms Cavanaugh said.

“This is one of Metgasco’s exploratory drill sites. It is the third of their sites that has been found to be leaking by members of the public. According to Metgasco’s own Review of Environmental Factors, on completion of the 10 to 20 days spent drilling at the site the bore should have been abandoned to the satisfaction of the relevant Government department, namely Industry and Investment NSW.

“Is Industry and Investment ‘satisfied’ that wells are leaking methane? This is a potent greenhouse gas, with 72 times more warming potential than carbon dioxide over 20 years.”

The report of the unconfirmed leak follows a story in The Northern Star last week which reported a further two gas leaks.

“Such leakages undermine Metgasco’s claims that coal seam gas is a clean energy source,” Ms Stock said.

“We need to have more regular inspections of all drill sites by the regulators, and some clearer answers from Metgasco.

“Janet and I will be attending the upcoming public meeting on 14 March in Casino hosted by Metgasco to find out more about this issue and the concerns raised by the local communities.”

Metgasco is in the process of responding to questions from The Northern Star in regards to the Dyraaba well.