A little more info. on Kogan Creek in this article than was...

A little more info. on Kogan Creek in this article than was reported in SMH/ABC/Courier Mail etc versions:

http://qcl.farmonline.com.au/news/state/agribusiness-and-general/general/bore-restrictions-lifted-near-kingaroy-ucg-plant/1910502.aspx?storypage=0

Bore restrictions lifted near Kingaroy UCG plant
11 Aug, 2010 01:37 PM
The State Government has lifted a ban on landholders using water from bores near Kingaroy's controversial underground coal gassification project.
Restrictions had been placed on the use of groundwater bores in a two kilometre radius around the Cougar Energy plant following the detection of dangerous chemicals in the water system.

But Department of Environment and Resource Management director general John Bradley has confirmed that the latest testing results again show that there are no concerns with water quality in the local bores.

"While the latest tests show low levels of benzene and toluene at the Cougar Energy plant itself, these are below Australian Drinking Water Guideline standards and only trace levels of toluene can be detected at some neighboring bores," Mr Bradley said.

"After reviewing the fifth round of testing results, DERM is advising Kingaroy landholders there is no need to continue restrictions on access to groundwater sources in the 2km radius.

"DERM's scientific staff consider the groundwater quality at neighbouring bores is comparable to the water quality shown in tests undertaken before the UCG plant commenced."

Biosecurity Queensland has now confirmed that no special precautions are required before cattle in the 2km zone are taken to slaughter.

Landholders had been advised previously to restrict access to the groundwater in that area for 48 hours prior to slaughter.

Since July 15 DERM has completed five rounds of sampling from bores and spring fed sources within two kilometres of the plant which have consistently shown benzene and toluene at levels less than the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG).

However, Mr Bradley said DERM's order to Cougar Energy not to burn underground coal until further notice would remain in effect.

The investigation into Cougar Energy's activities at the site was continuing and regular testing will continue to be undertaken.

Meanwhile, DERM said further testing for hydrocarbons in Kogan Creek again confirmed there were no concerns for stock watering.

Mr Bradley said the agency had completed further analysis of hydrocarbon levels in Kogan Creek, which DERM had previously advised on 30 July were 2000 times below the acceptable standard for stock water.

Mr Bradley said the latest samples taken by DERM did not detect the presence of mercury and identified that the levels of heavy metals such as iron and aluminium and hydrocarbons did not exceed stock watering standards (ANZECC Guidelines).

"The results of water quality tests from Kogan Creek near Carbon Energy's Underground Coal Gasification plant near Dalby has not detected any contamination which could cause a risk to humans, plants or animal," Mr Bradley said.

"The hydrocarbons in samples taken on 30 July were at very low levels, similar to what you would expect to find in this kind of environment.

"There was no evidence at the concerned landholder's property of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, nor of any polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) associated with coal or petroleum products.

"There was no detection of mercury in water column or creek bed samples undertaken at 12 locations along Kogan Creek.

"The very low concentrations of hydrocarbons seen in the testing results are what you would expect to find naturally in the environment."

Biosecurity Queensland have advised that based on the results received to date the risks to cattle which drink water from Kogan Creek health is negligible.

Biosecurity Queensland have also advised that it is not necessary to prevent cattle from accessing water from Kogan Creek or withhold them from slaughter if they have accessed the water.

Investigations into Carbon Energy's activities are also continuing.