Protestors claim gas leak

Protestors claim gas leak at Kimberley fracking well

By Erin Parke
Updated 41 minutes agoWed 7 Jan 2015, 6:45pm
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VIDEO: Environmentalists say the footage shows dangerous levels of gas at an inactive fracking well in the Kimberley. Video supplied. (ABC News)
PHOTO: Activists say the image shows a high level of gas at a fracking well in the Kimberley. (Supplied)
RELATED STORY: Buru Energy delays part of fracking preparation program
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Safety inspectors have been sent to a fracking well in Western Australia's north, in response to footage apparently showing dangerously high levels of leaking gas.
The ABC has obtained a video of a hand-held gas metre reading at the Yullerroo 2 site, about 70km east of Broome, showing what activists say are likely to be high levels of methane.
The drilling well was previously fracked in 2010 by Buru Energy.
Environs Kimberley Director Martin Pritchard said it showed how poorly regulated the fracking industry was.
"The footage that I've seen shows the gas detector going off the scale," he said.
"Basically it's gone higher than the gas detector can actually take.
"That's a really dangerous level so very concerning and it just shows that this kind of fracking industry is not suitable for the Kimberley."
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) said it had sent dangerous goods officers to the site, but they had initially been blocked from entering by protesters.
The ABC understands the officers were eventually able to gain access.
A statement attributed to DMP Executive Director Petroleum Jeff Haworth said if the alleged gas levels were correct, the public must stay clear of the site.
"No uncontrolled gas leaks are permitted from wells and if such a leak is found to be occurring it must be addressed immediately.
"The department's investigation will determine if further action is required."
The DMP described it as a suspended gas well.
Buru Energy has been contacted for comment.


http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-07/protesters-claim-gas-leak-at-suspended-fracking-well/6005208