AGL Energy Limited has commenced the permanent decommissioning of eight gas wells and two seismic monitoring bores in the Hunter Valley.

 

The decommissioning work follows AGL’s recent decision to exit the Hunter Gas Project and sell back its two Petroleum Exploration Licences in the Hunter region to the NSW Government.

 

AGL’s Head of Land and Approvals, Suzanne Westgate, said the work would be undertaken in accordance with the NSW Office of Coal Seam Gas’ Well Integrity Code of Practice and all other relevant legal requirements.

 

“The decommissioning involves the use of a rig to fill the well with cement, which is specified for this purpose, to the depth of the coal seam,” Ms Westgate said.

 

“The cement-filled well casing, which already has several layers of steel and cement, is cut off at least 1.5 metres below ground level and sealed with a metal plate which records data including the well name, its depth and exact location. These details also are provided to NSW government regulatory authorities for any future reference,” she said.

 

“The site is then rehabilitated, meeting licence conditions and giving utmost regard to environmental protection, subsoil and topsoil management, erosion control and revegetation.

“This will take around two to four weeks per well and the project will take approximately three months to complete,” Ms Westgate said.