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Santos Gas Plan Risks NT's Water Supply
27 Nov
Summary
- Fossil fuel company plans 12 fracking wells in Beetaloo basin.
- Environmentalists warn of major groundwater contamination risk.
- 90% of Northern Territory water supply relies on groundwater.
Environmental activists are expressing grave concerns about Santos's ambitious gas exploration plans within the Beetaloo basin. The fossil fuel giant intends to drill up to 12 fracking wells, a development environmentalists fear could herald a significant increase in fracking activities across the Northern Territory. This expansion is particularly worrying given that groundwater sources supply 90% of the territory's water, raising fears of contamination.
The Environment Centre NT highlights that even this initial appraisal phase signals a strong intent from Santos, who is described as the largest remaining company in the Beetaloo. Experts are concerned that a full-scale production could lead to thousands of wells, potentially polluting vital aquifers. Methane bubbles observed at local hot springs suggest a concerning connection between surface water and the targeted shale gas layers.
Scientists also point to the potential for significant greenhouse gas emissions and uncontrolled wastewater releases, citing past incidents from other operators. A recent report indicated critical data gaps preventing a proper risk assessment of water contamination and over-extraction. Environmentalists are urging for the proposal to be assessed under federal laws, emphasizing the unknown impact on newly discovered waterways and sensitive sites.
