GLOUCESTER residents fear AGL’s plans to frack four coal seam gas pilot wells could trigger an explosion on their doorstep similar to one that occurred in the area a decade ago.
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The 2004 gas blowout occurred 300 metres from one of the wells that form the Waukivory project.
Homes are now built within 300 metres of the wells and the Forbesdale residential estate is only 600 metres away.
The former Labor state government approved the Waukivory pilot project on the eve of the last state election.
The approval means nearby residents do not enjoy the security of a two-kilometre buffer zone, like those living near new coal seam gas projects.
‘‘There has already been [in 2004] gas leaking some 300 metres from the well head not at some distant location but right here in Gloucester,’’ Burrell Creek farmer and coal seam gas analyst Bruce Robertson said.
‘‘There should be a considerable buffer zone around these wells. Surely a company of AGL’s stature would not wish to risk the lives of locals.’’
An AGL spokeswoman said the company was committed to the highest safety standards even though the two-kilometre buffer zone did not apply to the project.
‘‘Everywhere we work, AGL commits the same level of operational rigor. So whereever you are you get the same level of safety,’’ she said.
AGL was not involved in the project when the 2004 incident occurred. However, it is referred to in the company’s 2009 environmental assessment.
The spokeswoman said mitigation measures were in place to prevent a repeat of the incident.
‘‘AGL Energy has submitted a plan to the office of coal seam gas that includes identifying, sealing with cement and securing any former coal exploration bore holes that may be at risk of communicating with our pilot wells around the proposed Waukivory Pilot,’’ she said.
mkelly@theherald.com.au
