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ENVIRONMENT Mine Water Spills

Toxic Chemical BTEX Found In AGL Mine Flowback

AGL BTEX test was positive

After discovering potentially toxic chemicals in flowback water, gas company AGL has halted operations at the Gloucester coal seam gas project north of Newcastle.

The company voluntarily shut the controversial program when the chemical BTEX was found in a sample of the flowback water, taken from two wells and an above-ground tank, but they said BTEX was not in any of the hydraulic fracturing fluids used in their pilot operation.

AGL managing director Michael Fraser said a full review of the samples taken was underway.

“Because of the community’s concern about any detection of BTEX and in the interests of acting prudently, AGL has voluntarily suspended the Waukivory Pilot Project until a full review of the sample results has been completed,” Mr Fraser said.

NSW Greens party spokesman Jeremy Buckingham said AGL should leave the Gloucester Valley.

“BTEX chemicals in the water are an absolute nightmare and the Greens want a permanent ban on coal seam gas and fracking in NSW,” he said.

“Coal seam gas is unsafe, unnecessary and unwanted.

“AGL should pack up and leave the Gloucester Valley for good following this latest pollution incident before they do any more damage to either their battered corporate reputation or our precious water.

“How many more spills, leaks and accidents will it take before the government acts to ban coal seam gas?”

NSW Government Energy Minister Anthony Roberts said AGL had notified the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), NSW Office of Water and Office of Coal Seam Gas about the discovery.

“The NSW Government supports AGL’s decision to suspend its operation pending further investigation,” he said.

“The use of BTEX chemicals for fracture stimulation processes are banned in NSW.”

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