By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
BARWON Water has revealed concerns about fracking potentially contaminating water supplies.
Barwon Water managing director Joe Adamski said the organisation supported the Victorian Government’s moratorium on coal seam gas mining.
“Barwon Water would object to any proposal deemed detrimental to the region’s water resources,” Mr Adamski said.
Barwon Water’s environmental consultative committee has alerted the authority’s board to concerns on future mining in the region, according to Geelong Environment Council’s Joan Lindros.
Ms Lindros said the committee, which includes an environment council representative, requested that Barwon Water “build a detailed understanding of potential hazards and impact (that) may arise and potential interactions with water resources”.
The committee urged Barwon Water and other agencies to “form a pro-active position on specific mining and exploration within our water supply regions”, she said.
The Independent revealed in June that Lakes Oil had conducted geological and geophysical studies in its permit area, PEP 163, stretching from Geelong to Anglesea.
Victorian Greens leader Greg Barber released a 2005 environmental assessment report for a Lakes Oil drill site on Willowite Rd, Paraparap, obtained under Freedom of Information laws.
The assessment showed the site was 200m from a drainage line connected to Thompson Creek’s catchment.
“A natural drainage line exists south of the drill site about 200m from the lease pad that is hydraulically connected to the downstream Merrigig River,” the report said.
The report identified potential water contamination due to leaks from the well or cross-contamination of aquifers.
Lakes Oil Chairman Rob Annells said the Greens campaign against his company was “dishonest”.
“All creeks are under native title and we excise all creeks from any permit area – we don’t go near creeks,” Mr Annells said.
“All the necessary precautions are there, the authorities police it and monitor it and the penalties are strong.”
Mr Annells said Lakes Oil had no intention of fracking in the region.
“It’s too hard, there’s nothing there. We don’t hold that permit in high esteem – I’d be surprised if we still hold it.”
Mr Annells said Lakes Oil intended to go ahead with drilling at its other Otway basin site near Port Campbell.
