it isn't funny minister

"State government rejects Cougar environmental report Marissa Calligeros
August 26, 2010 - 7:51AM
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The state government has rejected an environmental report by Cougar Energy into their underground coal gasification operations near Kingaroy.

Sustainability Minister Kate Jones last night told a community forum in the south-east Queensland town she was angered by the companys failure to provide all of the information requested by the government.

The underground coal gasification plant was shut down last month after dangerous chemicals, including benzene and toluene, were found in water supplies up to two kilometres away.

Ms Jones said the government would not lift the environmental protection order which is preventing the company from reopening its operation until it received an adequate environmental report.

The government and the people of Kingaroy still do not have the answers we needed and expected from Cougar Energy, Ms Jones said.

If they cannot prove their activities can be undertaken safely, they will not be allowed to recommence operations.

The company will now have to carry out an additional environmental evaluation and submit a report to the government providing further detailed information.

The operating conditions of the companys environmental authority were clear: no contamination of groundwater was allowed and, indeed, it had to ensure groundwater was properly protected, Ms Jones said.

If there is any evidence that this company has failed to meet its legislative requirements, we will not hesitate to take action against them.

Meanwhile, residents and farmers are still demanding to know why it took three months for the community to be told about the contaminated water samples."

Ravi