AN independent report commissioned by the Coal Seam Gas Compliance Unit has for the first time revealed that it is possible for gas from CSG development to compromise water bores, despite there being no decline in a bore’s water level. The report was prepared by independent hydrologists Klohn Crippen Berger after the Departmentof Natural Resources’ CSGCU received complaints from bore owners about gas in water bores and the impacts it has on the capacity of the bore to supply water. The report found “free” gas is formed during CSG production, which then migrates from areas of high pressure to low pressure. “Free gas, particularly methane, in a water bore is more than just a nuisance,” the report stated. “It directly affects the bore’s capacity to provide water supply for the intended purpose, unless, where possible, remedial actions are taken.”
