BAD PRESS – GOOD VIBES Mr Stephen Hancock Special Consultant URS Australia Pty Ltd Melbourne.

BAD PRESS – GOOD VIBES

Mr Stephen HancockSpecial Consultant

URS Australia Pty Ltd

Melbourne


The GOOD NEWS ? Or The BAD NEWS ?

About Coal Seam Gas

An Introduction

Note: CSG Exploration and Development is

NOW contentious


What is Coal Seam Gas ?

It is a biogenic gas comprised of Methane (CH4) and

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

generated by the anoxic decomposition of organic matter

As occurs in -

Sewage ponds / Landfills / Swamps /

Coal Deposits


How does it occur ?

CSG is restrained in source strata by hydrostatic and lithostatic pressure within the matrix of coal / lignite


How is it extracted ?A By fully sealed (cased and cemented) drillholes orientated to

intersect permeable structures (cleats) in the coal

B By reducing the hydrostatic pressure containing the gas

C By supporting the permeable structure where necessary with sand in a process called fracturing or “fracking” `


Does CSG extractions inhibit alternative land uses ?

NO !

BUT – Exploration and evaluation may stimulate new uses !


What is involved in CSG exploration ?

A Drilling test wells generally to depths > 1000m

B Sampling and evaluation of the hydrogeology, hydrochemistry of the sequence including

• CSG source strata• Overlying and underlying aquifers• Hydrogeological environment

C Undertaking qualitative testing involving

• Depressurisation (water extraction)• Water pressure monitoring in all aquifers• Gas flow depressurisation analysis

D Hydrogeological and gas kinetic modelling

of local and regional impacts


What deleterious effects can arise from exploration and development ?

• Gas leaks via poorly constructed wells• Interaquifer leakage via poorly constructed wells• Microseismic events due to overpressurising during “fracking”• Interaquifer leakage due to aquitard fracturing• Land subsidence due to strata compression on depressurisation


What beneficial effects can arise ?

• The sourcing of a readily and efficiently convertible energy

source• Reduced GHG emissions in energy generation• Valuable data on groundwater resources and their sustainability • Water availability for other beneficial uses (geothermal, spa,

water supply)• Use of aquifers as reservoirs for water security


Can the deleterious impacts be managed ?

YES !

• By appropriate application of the data obtained during exploration and operational monitoring

• By managed aquifer recharge of water not approved for other uses


Why does CSG get such a Bad Press ?

A Because NGO’s oppose any form of energy derived from fossil fuel

B Because the need for transitional energy sources to get to a carbon free energy is not recognised by NGO’s

C Because some CSG developers in Queensland were initially insensitive in their approach to landholder interests

Bad Press is catalysed :

• By misunderstandings• By misinformation• By a lack of confidence in regulatory and political

processes


It all started in the Great Artesian Basin (Qld and NSW)

A The issue was pressure maintenance

- Landholders were subject to strict restrictions on water use

- CSG developers appeared not to be subject to restrictions

B Lock the Gate emerged and brought in NGO’s

C Lock the Gate and NGO’s spread

- Fear

- Risk

- Distrust

- Misinformation and

- Confusion

D The media feed on the controversy



Are there real issues of concern ?

YES - there are

• Quality data gathering and modelling• Quality engineering of wells and pipeline• Rational water management• Quality in rational risk based regulatory regime• Transparency in all aspects• Adequacy of regulatory conditions


What are potential benefits in Victoria ?

1. Reliable evaluation of groundwater resources for all uses

2. Knowledge of alternative water uses

3. Improved water supply reliability

4. Provision of engineering facilities for future water management

5. Improved local and regional infrastructure

6. Economic stimulation (employment, maintenance, servicing)

7. Reduced GHG releases

8. Enhanced local industrial development


Do we have enough CSG to sustain Australia ?

YESBut we need to develop it where it is most economic


What are the generic benefits of CSG ?

• The availability of data on hydrological, hydrochemical, hydrogeological and geothermal parameters derived from CSG exploration

• The value of the engineering compensation and infrastructure supplied to sustain the industry

• The reduced GHG releases associated with the energy efficiency conversion

• The efficient energy to transit to a carbon free source

BAD PRESS – GOOD VIBES Mr Stephen Hancock Special Consultant URS Australia Pty Ltd Melbourne.

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Transcript of BAD PRESS – GOOD VIBES Mr Stephen Hancock Special Consultant URS Australia Pty Ltd Melbourne.