From Friday's edition of the South Burnett Times 14th Jan 2011,...

From Friday's edition of the South Burnett Times 14th Jan 2011, page 15.

MORE BENZENE FOUND

Then highlighted in the centre of the article:-

"IT'S TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SHOW THEY ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTOR."


The last time benzene showed up in Cougar Energy's groundwater testing in December cougar said it was surprised.

The carcinogen was detected again last week.

This is the second time it has shown up since the underground coal gasification plant was shut down in July and Kingaroy concerned Citizens Group secretary John Dalton is still appalled.

He said the group had been through the company's reports which indicated gas was still evident at the site despite being shut down for so long.

"On December 1 Cougar said there was still gas coming from the chamber so the detection of benzene isn't surprising to us," Mr Dalton said.

"But after nine months and 1000mm of rain, that is surprising.

"And what's amazing is they still can't even explain why."

In a statement the company said the chemical could do no harm to the residents surrounding the plant.

"This finding does not present any danger to local landholder water supplies and does not exceed the Australian Drinking Water Guideline for benzene," the statement said.

"The results from monitoring bore T5066 have been inconsistent, with a number of readings showing no detectable levels of benzene."

With the State government's deadline looming for its decision about whether the plant will go ahead, Mr Dalton said it was an opportunity for it to regain residents' faith.

"It's time for the government to show they are the environmental protector," he said.

I mean what else could have gone wrong in such a small burn?

"We think the government would be embarrassed about approving the plant in the first place and it'll be a relief to close it down."

ENDS

There is a photograph of two of the concerned citizens group members holding one of their "UCG IS TOXIC UCG POLLUTES WATER BAN UCG NOW" signs. Below the photo reads:-

MORE BENZENE: Cancer-causing chemical benzene has again been detected at Cougar Energy's underground coal gasification plant at Coolabunia. The Kingaroy Concerned Citizens Group are not happy.

ENDS