Well Stimulation

CSG Well Stimulation methods (such as hydraulic fracking) create expanded pathways for the movement of water and gas underground. These processes bring with the added risks to groundwater supply and groundwater quality. Equally important is the possibility that well stimulation operations may mobilise dangerous, naturally occurring compounds from the coal seam into water supplies.

BSA suggests that is important that an independent assessment of the risk profile of petroleum well is made to gauge its appropriateness for well stimulation. Such assessments should include, but not be limited to:

• The nature and depths of underlying strata formations
• The porosity of the coal seams
• The nature and depth of confining layers separating the coal seam from water bearing horizons
• The separation densities to existing water bores for which bore users have an entitlement to access groundwater
• The volume of water entitled for take by nearby bore owners
• The target zone for well stimulation
• Understanding if any prior interconnectivity exists which maybe be exacerbated

BSA is concerned that there is inadequate regulatory oversight over fracking practices.