CSIRO study finds little to no environmental impact from fracing in Queensland
27 April 2020
A comprehensive three-year scientific study into the air, water and soil impacts of hydraulic fracturing (HF) in coal seam gas (CSG) in Queensland, Australia has found little to no impacts on air quality, soils, groundwater and waterways.
The study also found current water treatment technology used for treating water produced from coal seam gas wells is effective in removing hydraulic fracturing chemicals and naturally occurring (geogenic) chemicals to within relevant water quality guidelines.
CSIRO scientist sets up a solar-powered air-quality-monitoring station in the Surat Basin, Queensland. Source: CSIRO
Research objectives for Air, Water and Soil Impacts of Hydraulic Fracturing in the Surat Basin, Queensland, conducted by the CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA), were developed in response to community concerns about the potential for chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing operations to affect air quality, soils and water resources.
The three-year research program comprised two phases: review, design and test best-practice sampling and monitoring techniques and methods; and an extensive field-based monitoring and sampling program for air, water and soils, and a laboratory analysis of soil samples exposed to HF chemicals.
The study team included researchers from CSIRO, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Macquarie University and The University of Queensland. Australia Pacific LNG’s upstream operator, Origin Energy, provided researchers with access to production wells and HF operations during the research period.
The study analyzed air, water and soil samples taken before, during and up to six months after hydraulic fracturing operations at six coal seam gas wells in the Surat Basin in Queensland.
GISERA Director Dr Damian Barrett said that the CSIRO research conducted via GISERA in this region was an Australian first and provided unique insights into the impacts of hydraulic fracturing in Australia.
This new research provides valuable data about hydraulic fracturing in coal seam gas formations in the Surat Basin, Queensland. Previously, the only information about hydraulic fracturing was from overseas studies in quite different shale gas formations. Clearly governance, industry regulation and operational integrity are crucial in managing risk and potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing.
—Dr Barrett
CSG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) operations in Queensland are subject to strict laws to minimize impacts on the environment. The Queensland Government has monitoring and compliance regimes in place, including laws that protect groundwater and the Great Artesian Basin, impose conditions and controls around the treatment and use of produced water, prohibit harmful chemicals, protect landholders’ water quality, and protect regional interests. Overall, the handling, transport and storage of HF fluids, flowback fluids and CSG determines the impacts on air, water and soil quality.
Results from the studies showed:
Air quality monitoring found hydraulic fracturing operations had little to no impacts on air quality, with no significant variation between air quality at hydraulic fracturing operational sites and control sites where no hydraulic fracturing activities occurred.
Levels of most atmospheric air pollutants detected were generally below relevant national air quality objectives. Increased levels of airborne particles were associated with dust from vehicle movement.
Hydraulic fracturing chemicals were not detected in water samples taken from nearby groundwater bores, soil samples from sites adjacent to operational wells, or in water samples from a nearby creek.
Water produced from the wells immediately after fracturing contained hydraulic fracturing chemicals, elevated concentrations of major ions (salts), ammonia, organic carbon, some metals and organic compounds, with concentrations reducing to a pre-fractured state within 40 days.
Current water treatment operations are effective in removing hydraulic fracturing chemicals and geogenic chemicals either completely or reducing levels to within acceptable limits according to water quality guidelines.
Some types of biocides used in hydraulic fracturing fluids and some geogenic chemicals were completely degraded in soil samples within two to three days.
Soil microbial activity was reduced by the addition of hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water.
GISERA is a collaboration between CSIRO, Commonwealth and state governments and industry established to undertake publicly reported independent research.
The purpose of GISERA is for CSIRO to provide quality-assured scientific research and information to communities living in gas development regions focusing on social and environmental topics.
Between the lines
Posted by: Arnold Garnsey | 27 April 2020 at 02:54 PM
There are several points that can be interperated from this report. It should also be understood in the context of C.S.I.R.O. as a majority(?) govt funded organisation has been nobbled by the pro fossil right wing lobby within govt and the usual industry support funding. It is common knowledge that industry or gov'ts of a certian persuasion don't tend to fund studies unless they are sure of favorable outcomes. A bit of orientation of the state of politics.
The current (federal) energy minister Angus Taylor is currently under investigation by state and federal police for misleading parliament over a fraudulent document originating from his office. Stating that the pro renewables City of Sydney council spent au$15,000K on travel (most often by air) when the real figure was less than $300K.
I'll continue to the relavent points in the article as I see it.
Posted by: Arnold Garnsey | 27 April 2020 at 03:07 PM
Point 1; before the concluding comments.
From this report
" This new research provides valuable data about hydraulic fracturing in coal seam gas formations in the Surat Basin, Queensland. Previously, the only information about hydraulic fracturing was from overseas studies in quite different shale gas formations. Clearly governance, industry regulation and operational integrity are crucial in managing risk and potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing."
But the coal seam gas referred to is a very minor component of the planned shale formations across the larger part of northern .au.
It should not escape the notice of the veiled referance to 'strong legislation and good practice in .au. - Compared to what? anywhere with less regulation ?
If the emissions and environment in toto is to a global common are we all subject to the deliterious effects of poor practice anywhere. As for where? by ranking this must refer to the U.S.A.
Posted by: Arnold Garnsey | 27 April 2020 at 03:19 PM
"Water produced from the wells immediately after fracturing contained hydraulic fracturing chemicals, elevated concentrations of major ions (salts), ammonia, organic carbon, some metals and organic compounds, with concentrations reducing to a pre-fractured state within 40 days."
And we know that dewatering will be required for the life of the operation so 40 days is not the whole story. The frack chemicals may be one off followed by progressive site expansion. The other chemicals of interest are mobilised in water and will flow between and intrude into a location anytime that site is dewatered. That suggests for the life of the operation.
"Soil microbial activity was reduced by the addition of hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water."
But ground water is also abundant with diverse lifeforms often site specific.
Finally seemingly contradictary assuming it is even comprehensible.
"Some types of biocides used in hydraulic fracturing fluids and some geogenic chemicals were completely degraded in soil samples within two to three days."
"Soil microbial activity was reduced by the addition of hydraulic fracturing fluids and produced water."
Posted by: Arnold Garnsey | 27 April 2020 at 03:38 PM
They inject polluted frack water deep in the earth, no problem?
Posted by: SJC_1 | 27 April 2020 at 10:45 PM