Energy giant AGL has been given the all clear to resume its coal seam gas operation at Gloucester, after it was suspended in January.
Traces of toxic B-TEX chemicals were detected in flowback water at the company’s Waukivory site after drilling four wells, resulting in the project’s immediate suspension.
Following a three-month investigation, the Environment Protection Authority and NSW Division of Resources and Energy found no evidence of pollution in waterways or harm to the environment.
The authorities found the chemicals were naturally occurring from coal seams more than 600-metres underground and were not used in AGL’s fracking process.
“We are pleased the process is complete and for the thoroughness of these investigations which show we have not caused harm to the environment during the Waukivory pilot,” said AGL’s acting general manager of upstream gas Scott Thomas.
