Leaks cannot be fixed, wells cannot be safely capped – Greens

Greens MP and mining spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says the confirmed coal seam gas leaks from two drilling wells near Casino demonstrates the urgent need for a moratorium.

“Recently released Coalition and Labor policies will fail to protect water supplies, farmlands and communities from the gas rush that is happening in NSW right now,” said Ms Faehrmann.

“What is needed is an immediate halt to all projects, not vague commitments for review over the coming years.

“The gas companies are spreading misinformation about the safety of their wells, and the government appears to be taking its advice direct from the industry.

“Coal seam gas wells cannot be turned off. Once a well is drilled and ‘fracced’, the gas will continue to flow to the surface through cracks in the earth and water until the source is exhausted.

“There is more and more information coming from contaminated sites in the US, Queensland and now NSW, to suggest that all gas wells leak to some degree,” said Ms Faehrmann.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727