More CSG goals outlined Metgasco drills onwards GAS company Metgasco has highlighted its relationship with Richmond Valley Council in a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange.
Metgasco also said it was looking ahead to: . Demonstrate there will be no adverse impacts on aquifers from CSG activity. . Will soon form a community consultative committee. . Will continue to hold shop-front forums to address community concerns. Metgasco says: "With the strong amount of environmental interest in the industry, Richmond Valley Council independently undertook a fact-finding tour of the Queensland gas fields to search for information about the industry and the role that it could play in rejuvenating local communities".
"Following the tour, Richmond Valley Council released a position statement on CSG, with some of the more pertinent findings including the following:
'The Richmond Valley Council acknowledges that coal seam gas mining activity is happening in its local government area, will continue to happen and that this activity will increase over time and a workable collaboration is necessary.'
Metgasco continues: "The above comments are reinforced by a statement from Richmond Valley Council general manager who said recently:
"We know there's lots of gas and we know there's lots of coal and if it flows at the rates they (Metgasco) would hope... you'll see enormous economic growth, you'll see great development in the Richmond Valley, lots of jobs, lots of opportunity... and infrastructure improvements as well."
Metgasco says it will continue to work in a constructive and professional manner with Richmond Valley Council.
Metgasco says it remains focused on a two-stage development in the Northern Rivers region: . a local industrial natural gas market; and . gas sales of 30-90PJ/pa for LNG export and domestic gas supplies.
"Metgasco commenced work on the North-West Casino Natural Gas Project with a view to displacing LPG and diesel fuels used by local industry," the company says.
"CNC Project Management and OSD are assisting Metgasco with the regulatory and engineering aspects of the project respectively. Submissions to government for the appropriate petroleum assessment lease and/or petroleum production licences will be made shortly. The submissions will support pipeline distribution to Casino and distribution of compressed natural gas.
"The proposed Lions Way Pipeline remains Metgasco's preferred route to the national pipeline grid.
"The alternative major sales route, via a floating LNG facility off the coast, remains an attractive option in terms of approvals, costs and profitability.
"The ultimate route choice will be influenced by the nature of the gas off-take agreement(s), with Metgasco working on both pipeline and multiple gas sales options at this stage.
"During the quarter, Metgasco completed a review of its groundwater monitoring requirements and will be shortly announcing its preferred consulting contractor for this work.
"The groundwater monitoring project will use existing ground water data available in combination with a new hydrological model that will be developed for the region to demonstrate that there will be no adverse impacts on aquifers from CSG activity.
"Significant efforts have been undertaken to enhance communication with the local community regarding the activities of Metgasco and the coal seam gas industry in general.
"Metgasco held the first of its 'shop fronts' in December, with the objective of understanding and addressing any concerns of the local community.
"These forums are an opportunity to further demonstrate that our industry is safe, proven, backed by the NSW Government, and capable of providing significant economic value to Casino and the Northern Rivers region.
"It is intended that these 'shop fronts' will be held regularly throughout 2013, depending on public interest.
"By the end of January, many landholders in the Casino region will receive a letter and information on the CSG industry that Metgasco has prepared. The information provides details of CSG operations and demonstrates that the industry is safe and environmentally acceptable.
"Metgasco is also proposing a community consultative committee that is hoped to be launched early in 2013."
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