Hon Robin Chapple questions the Minister for Mines and Petroleum regarding an alleged breach by Buru Energy Ltd at the Yulleroo 3 and 4 wells, specifically concerning fluid escaping from a lined dam. The Minister's response indicates no action was taken due to the incident being considered insignificant and environment plans being confidential.

AnsweredQoN 306Legislative Council
Asked
1 April 2014
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

BURU
ENERGY — YULLEROO 3 AND 4 WELLS
306. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the
minister representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum:
I refer to question on notice 760, asked in the Legislative
Council on 20 February 2014.
(1) Was the
answer to question (a) incorrect, given that all ponds had overtopped in the
week preceding, when the photos were taken, and the ponds had been drained as
per the answer to question (e), and that it had rained consistently up until
the time the photos were taken?
(2) Given that
the answer to question (c) indicates that it was not permissible for the fluid
to have escaped from the lined dam, will the minister table the conditions that
prescribe this, and indicate what action the minister will take against Buru
Energy Ltd for having failed to comply with this requirement?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(4) With respect to (2), was Buru prosecuted or issued an
infringement notice for this breach?
(5) If yes to any part of (4), will
the minister table either the prosecution or the infringement notice?
(6) If no to any part of either (4)
or (5), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of this
question. The Department of Mines and Petroleum has provided the following
advice.
(1) No.
(2) Commitments
within environment plans are confidential under the provisions of the Petroleum
and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967. There was no action taken against
Buru for the April 2013 incident, due to this incident being considered
insignificant and causing no environmental damage.
(3)–(4) See answer to (2).
(5)–(6) Not applicable.

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