Sydney Water blocks Apex access
 STOP CSG Illawarra has welcomed the Sydney Catchment Authority's decision last week to deny access to its land for a new coal seam gas well. The decision relates to Apex Energy's application for an exploration well at Darkes Forest which the Authority says will require extensive clearing of regenerated bushland on protected catchment land. Stop CSG spokesperson Jess Moore (above) said it was revealed that while the SCA board raised objections, approval was still given despite seven of the wells being sited in SCA Special Areas. "That the SCA was left out of a decision – one that threatens our drinking water supply – is frightening," she said. "It shows a completely inadequate approval process." Ms Moore said coal seam gas mining damaged aquifers and involved drawing contaminated water out of the coal seam "that is high in salt and can contain toxic and radioactive compounds, and heavy metals". She said the NSW Department of Planning had a duty of care to protect Sydney's water supplies and should heed the Authority's call to reverse approvals already granted for wells in Special Areas. However Apex chief operating officer Chris Rogers told ABC Illawarra the decision by the SCA was politically motivated and the Authority was responding to public concerns about coal seam gas. "My personal view is that politics have played a part," Mr Rogers said. "You have one Government agency who grants you a licence and requires you to explore and then you have other Government agencies that are opposing the project. "I'm hoping that the Government is going to bring these bodies together in synergy and form a unified view so hopefully we won't have to appeal." |
