I would summarise the situation as face-saving and ass-covering...

I would summarise the situation as face-saving and ass-covering through due process by DERM.

i.e. DERM now realise that the ban should not have been put in place in the first place. But, to be extra careful, and to minimise the impression that it was a stuff up from the start, they will ask for some new well bores. That way they can appear like they are doing their job diligently, and soften up the protestors in advance for the final approval to start business again.

Very good news...apart from the 1-2 month delay...and the cost of the new bores.