The IESC considers that the key potential impacts from these activities are loss and fragmentation of native vegetation and altered surface runoff (mainly from constructing access roads to well pads), and groundwater drawdown caused by wells supplying groundwater for use in hydraulic fracturing.
Impacts may also arise from accidental spills of chemicals or flowback wastewaters, failure of well integrity and the spread of invasive species. Hydraulic fracturing of the deep shales for exploration and appraisal is not considered to be a major risk to the Basin’s groundwaters if conducted according to industry best practice.
Providing mitigation strategies are adopted and correctly implemented, the IESC considers that the potential impacts on the Basin’s water resources from initial exploration and appraisal activities for unconventional gas are minor. However, these activities will likely lead to further production, exploration and appraisal which will inevitably intensify impacts, along with those from current and proposed land-uses such as irrigated agriculture (e.g. cotton, mangoes) and from climate change.
Preliminary regional surveys have been undertaken of the Basin’s water resources and its native plants and animals but substantial gaps still exist in our knowledge about how these may respond to impacts from unconventional gas development. Detailed local-scale environmental studies are needed to ensure adequate understanding and protection of the Basin’s surface and groundwater water resources in areaswhere unconventional gas development is planned.
A personalised tool to help users track selected stocks. Delivering real-time notifications on price updates, announcements, and performance stats on each to help make informed investment decisions.
(20min delay)