❓ Hon Robin Chapple questions the government's plan for baseline methane data collection in WA shale and coal seam gas areas before fracking, referencing UK's BGS approach. The Minister's response refers to the EPA's assessment process for environmentally significant proposals.
AnsweredQoN 853Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
In North America there is considerable debate as to whether horizontal shale gas drilling has contributed to methane contamination of groundwater. It has not been possible to conclusively resolve this debate as no pre-fracking baseline methane levels were taken. In the United Kingdom the British Geological Survey (BGS) has collected baseline methane levels in all proposed shale gas drilling areas and this information is posted on the BGS website http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwater/quality/methane_baseline_initial_results.html . In relation to baseline methane data collection in Western Australia, I ask: (a) does the Department of Mines or the Environmental Protection Authority intend to
facilitate baseline methane data collection in proposed shale or coal seam gas
areas such as the North Perth Basin and Canning Basin; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) if yes to (a), when will or did baseline data
collection commence; (d) if yes to (a), will that data become publicly
available; (e) if no to (d), why not; (f) have the companies proposing to use hydraulic
fracturing been asked to collect baseline methane groundwater level data prior
to commencement of work; (g) if yes to (f), will or is that data being made
available to the Government; (h) if yes to (f), will or is that data being made
available to the public; (i) if yes to (f), will the Minister provide a list
of those companies currently conducting baseline methane groundwater levels; (j) if no to (i), why not; (k) are companies proposing hydraulic fracturing
obliged to conduct follow up resultant baseline levels of methane in
groundwater post hydraulic fracturing; and (l) if yes to (k), and no to (a) or (f), of what value
will that data be?
facilitate baseline methane data collection in proposed shale or coal seam gas
areas such as the North Perth Basin and Canning Basin; (b) if no to (a), why not; (c) if yes to (a), when will or did baseline data
collection commence; (d) if yes to (a), will that data become publicly
available; (e) if no to (d), why not; (f) have the companies proposing to use hydraulic
fracturing been asked to collect baseline methane groundwater level data prior
to commencement of work; (g) if yes to (f), will or is that data being made
available to the Government; (h) if yes to (f), will or is that data being made
available to the public; (i) if yes to (f), will the Minister provide a list
of those companies currently conducting baseline methane groundwater levels; (j) if no to (i), why not; (k) are companies proposing hydraulic fracturing
obliged to conduct follow up resultant baseline levels of methane in
groundwater post hydraulic fracturing; and (l) if yes to (k), and no to (a) or (f), of what value
will that data be?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
8 April 2014
Responded by
Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Environment
Response time
28 days
The Minister for Environment has provided the following response:
(a)-(l) The Environmental Protection Act 1986 provides for referral of environmentally significant proposals to the Environmental Protection Authority. Should a proposal be referred, and if it is the decision of the Environmental Protection Authority to assess that proposal, then the Environmental Protection Authority will determine the form, content and timing of any assessment.
In doing so, the Environmental Protection Authority will determine what information needs to be provided by the proponent to determine the likely effect of the proposal on the environment, including baseline water quality as appropriate. The Environmental Protection Authority will also seek the advice of other departments.
(a)-(l) The Environmental Protection Act 1986 provides for referral of environmentally significant proposals to the Environmental Protection Authority. Should a proposal be referred, and if it is the decision of the Environmental Protection Authority to assess that proposal, then the Environmental Protection Authority will determine the form, content and timing of any assessment.
In doing so, the Environmental Protection Authority will determine what information needs to be provided by the proponent to determine the likely effect of the proposal on the environment, including baseline water quality as appropriate. The Environmental Protection Authority will also seek the advice of other departments.
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