Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell said the CSG Water Management Policy, produced with the assistance of the GasFields Commission, would provide certainty for landowners and wider the community, and give industry a clear understanding of the government’s priorities for managing CSG water.

“After extensive community consultation the Queensland Government has identified two clear priorities for CSG water management," Powell said.

Firstly, CSG water could be used for the benefit of the environment, water users or water dependant industries.

Secondly, after all feasible beneficial use options have been considered, CSG water must then be treated and disposed of in a way that minimises impacts to the environment.

In resolving the management of brine and salt as part of the management of CSG water, operators will need to demonstrate that priority 1, outlined below, has been fully considered and determined not to be feasible prior to considering priority 2.

Priority 1 – Brine or salt residues are treated to create useable products wherever feasible; and

Priority 2 – After assessing the feasibility of treating the brine or solid salt residues to create useable and saleable products, disposing of the brine and salt residues in accordance with strict standards that protect the environment.

Powell said that CSG operators must be strategic and proactive in their management of CSG water. “That will ensure that impacts on the environment are avoided and the water is used in a way that reflects its value as a resource,” he added.

“The aim of the new policy is to encourage industry to use CSG water in a way that protects the environment and maximises its productive use as a valuable resource. By giving the CSG industry clear priorities for CSG water management we hope to encourage industry-led compliance.”

An extensive study into CSG water late last year found that the CSG industry extracts water from underground coal seams in order to release gas. It is estimated up to 125 gigalitres will be produced each year by the industry in the Surat Basin Cumulative Management Area, with 95% of the volume expected to be treated to make it available for beneficial uses.

Collating CSG and groundwater research has been the top priority for GasFields Commissioner Steven Raine since joining the GasFields Commission in August.

To view the policy click here.