AGL has modified its Review of Environmental Factors application regarding the Waukivory Pilot Project at Gloucester.

This project is designed to gather data from four natural gas wells drilled in 2012 at two properties near Forbesdale. The wells were drilled into the deep coal seams hundreds of metres below the surface, and completely sealed off from surrounding rock layers and beneficial aquifers.

This information will show how much water is produced from the coal seams, assess the natural gas potential of the wells and determine the impact (if any) on overlying groundwater systems.

The three modifications which AGL have said will provide operational, community and environmental benefits, are the replacement of an in-ground turkey’s nest dam with a double lined, above ground temporary water storage tank, smaller enclosed flares and an underbore beneath a creek.

A Review of Environmental Factors has been submitted to the NSW Office of Coal Seam Gas to perforate, hydraulic fracture and flow test these wells. Activity will begin once the appropriate approvals have been received.

According to AGL’s Head of Land and Approvals, Suzanne Westgate, “The modifications are expected to result in fewer truck movements, improved leak detection and less visual impact.”