THE state government may prosecute a coal seam gas miner after it admitted releasing 10,000 litres of saline water into a state forest near Narrabri more than six months ago, which was not reported until last week.

A resident had complained to the government about dead trees near the Narrabri coal seam gas project, formerly operated by Eastern Star Gas and now operated by Santos, on October 28, 2011 but the spill came to light only two weeks ago, when a farmer rang the local radio station. (Read on …)

THE state’s first case of water contamination from coal seam gas drilling has been discovered in north-western NSW, according to independent tests.

High levels of ammonia, methane, carbon dioxide, lithium, cyanide, bromide and boron were found around a water discharge point near a Santos coal seam gas operation in the Pilliga forest, near Narrabri.

The state government last night confirmed it would conduct its own investigation and testing of the site.

Water samples gathered by environment groups Friends of the Earth and The Wilderness Society were tested by East West EnviroAg, an independent laboratory in Tamworth that services agricultural and mining clients. (Read on …)

Whangarei District Council is to change land leases in some areas to try to stop cattle fouling rivers.

The decision follows action by a local man Milan Ruka, who bought a boat and camera and began filming the pollution of waterways.

The Regional Council has said there is little it can do, despite pictures of dead cows, cattle grazing on unfenced river banks and stock drinking from streams.

However, Whangarei deputy mayor Phil Halse says his council leases riparian land to farmers in the Hikurangi drainage area and it has a reponsibility to look after it. (Read on …)

Palmerston North’s struggling wastewater treatment plant has been chosen for a $1 million pilot scheme to recycle waste sludge into re-useable chemical by-products.

Environment Minister Nick Smith announced government funding for the project in the city this morning.

But the boost does not shift his resolve to ensure both councils make progress on cleaning up the Manawatu River after Horizons withdrew an abatement notice allowing the councils to work together to resolve the pollution problems.

“I am sending a very clear message that ongoing non compliance is not acceptable. (Read on …)

Four hotly-contested resource consents to pump both treated and untreated sewage into the Tasman Sea have been approved.

Permission has been given for New Plymouth District Council to pump Waitara and New Plymouth sewage during the building of a $14 million pipeline and then for 30 years from the treatment plants of both towns.

The move follows a packed hearing in front of independent commissioners in New Plymouth at the start of the month.

The four consents granted range from five years, covering the building of the pipeline, to 30 years, for when the pipeline and treatment plant upgrades are finished. (Read on …)