The mining of coal seam gas (CSG) has raised the question of “how safe is our water to drink, and in the years to come, how safe will it be for our children?”

The process of mining these gases is called fracking, a concoction of chemicals and sand are hydraulically rammed into the well to fracture the coal seam and release the gas. The chemicals used are a closely guarded secret by mining industry officials.

This cocktail is then seeping into our water ways and underground systems.  The result is contaminated drinking water, which affects both humans and live stock alike. There are grave concerns by many experts that the fallout of CSG mining can lead to illnesses, including cancers and neurological disorders.

It is putting at risk our underground water system which is the biggest in the world. This Great Artesian Basin supports life across more than 20% of our continent and it is under attack from the mining industry.

All of our rivers are fed from below; we are a spring fed nation. Our own Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, one of the planets’ great treasures will be next to fall if something is not done.

The government seems to be backing the mining industry regardless of the health and environmental issues that it is causing.  Mining companies are sinking wells all over NSW and Queensland.

Even though the government saw potential risks in a paper that was published in October 2008, Liquefied natural gas and coal seam gas issues paper, (outlining the possible of consequences of gas and other resources exploration and development) they seem to have now turned a blind eye are firmly fixed on the financial profits it will bring.

The paper said “Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, CSG water is classified as a waste… CSG water has the potential to cause environmental harm if released to land or waters. Without treatment, beneficial uses for CSG water are limited. Currently, most CSG water is disposed of in evaporation ponds ranging from 1 to 100 hectares in area.”

If you are worried about the effects of CSG mining on our future drinking water then you can sign the online petition at ipetitions: Stop Coal Seam Gas Mining Now.

Part of the petition states that “International Corporate concerns bent on exercising a greater power than that of our State or Federal governments have decided on the carve-up of our country. The decimation knows no bounds or limits. We feel that we are the victims of a silent corporate conspiracy of unbridled ambition. Our continent is being sub-divided for industrial consumption in the northern hemisphere. It is now being proposed that the toxic by-products of industrialization are to be buried, hidden from view of the world in Australia. Roxby Downs uranium mine, the Mucketty Station ‘spent’ waste plutonium deposit, and the monster in the eco-system, Coal Seam Gas mining (CSG) in every state and territory of our country are some of the dangers threatening the eternal contamination of our entire continental water supply.”

For other information on this issue you can go to the following resources:
The Western Downs Alliance has been formed to look at the issues and problems confronting the diverse communities that occupy the Darling Downs with relation to the coal seam gas mining industry.

The Basin Sustainability Alliance has been formed to support individuals, landholder groups and communities concerned about the rapid development of the coal seam gas industry.

The Queensland Department of Mines and Energy provides information to landowners and occupiers facing pressure for access to their lands for mining, mineral, gas and other resources exploration and development.

Coal seam gas information sheet from the Qld Government:

Writer Helen Splarn. Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha.
Source: ipetitions. 60 Minutes.