not yet

Looks like we have to wait at least another 20 days!!!!!!

Sydney Morning Herald

Qld govt receives Cougar's report August 19, 2010 - 12:59PM

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AAP

The Queensland government has received a report from Cougar Energy into contaminated groundwater near Kingaroy, northwest of Brisbane.

Cougar's operations remain suspended while the report is considered.

The company was forced to shut down its pilot underground coal gasification (UCG) plant in July after the state government learnt traces of benzene and toluene were found in groundwater at the site and a neighbouring property.

Advertisement: Story continues belowResidents within a two-kilometre radius were banned from using bore water.

That ban was lifted last week after new tests showed the water was safe.

Climate Change Minister Kate Jones told parliament on Thursday the department has received an environmental evaluation report from Cougar Energy and had 20 days to consider its contents and what further actions might be warranted.

"The report will also be referred to the independent scientific expert panel engaged by the government to assess the completeness of the evaluation," Ms Jones said.

The department's assistant director-general Dean Ellwood said operations would remain suspended during the assessment.

The investigations by Cougar Energy for the evaluation were separate from the formal inquiry being undertaken by the department to determine whether the company had breached strict environmental protection legislation, Mr Ellwood said.