AN ANTI-GAS mining activist has accused the State Government of trying to cover-up “environmental vandalism” at an abandoned geothermal site north of Mount Gambier ahead of Beach Energy’s new conventional gas drilling program.
This comes as State Government contractors recently moved onto the site with heavy machinery to fill a two megalitre waste pond that stored potentially toxic liquid.
It is understood the liquid has been dumped into Mount Gambier’s sewerage system, which will flush into the sea near Port MacDonnell.
Environmentalist and Mingbool grazier Tony Beck – who has taken liquid and solid waste from the pond for independent testing – had reported potential leakage of the waste water into the groundwater just two months ago to the Environment Protection Authority.
The Salamander 1 geothermal well site – nestled in pine plantations and considered a pioneer project – has remained untouched for seven years following the collapse of the multi-million-dollar geothermal exploratory project.
Standing at the entrance of the site, Mr Beck claimed the government was trying to make the site disappear ahead of gas mining expansion in the region.
“The government is trying to hide this site ahead of Beach Energy’s new drilling activity,” Mr Beck said.
Mr Beck revealed bulldozers had entered the site, knocking down trees and back-filling the expansive waste water pond.
Interestingly, he said the plaque commemorating the $7m government grant by former Federal Minister Martin Ferguson – had also been removed.
“The government is trying to make this site disappear because it is an embarrassment,” Mr Beck said.
He warned the geothermal site was a snapshot of what could be left behind at other energy mining sites.
“I believe this activity on the site is all happening because I reported possible leaking into the groundwater two months ago,” Mr Beck said.
Although he had yet to have the liquid and solid waste tested, he said he believed it could contain naturally occurring radioactive compounds and heavy chemicals because it had come from 4000 metres below the surface.
“This liquid is now being flushed out to the sea at Finger Point, I wonder what the lobster fishermen would think of this,” he said.
Department of State Development spokesperson yesterday confirmed remediation works were now under way.
“Decommissioning and remediation works at the Salamander 1 geothermal well site are being undertaken in stages, with work programs associated with each stage assessed and approved by the department in accordance with the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Act 2000,” the spokesperson said.
“The first stage of works, which started in June and are now complete, included the decommissioning of a high density polyethylene lined dam and the camp water bore.”
He said the water in the dam was analysed against SA Water’s Restricted Wastewater Acceptance Standard and a one-off liquid waste discharge authorisation was issued allowing disposal via the Mount Gambier Wastewater Treatment Facility.
The water was trucked from the Salamander 1 site to the treatment facility at Mount Gambier by a licensed waste disposal transport company.
“The high density polyethylene (HDPE) liner and any remaining sediments from the dam were disposed of at an EPA licensed waste facility,” the spokesperson said.
“The dam was then back-filled, re-contoured and will be returned to the landholder on completion of the final stage of remediation works.
“Following stages of works will include the full decommissioning of the Salamander 1 well – including well head removal – and the remediation of the remainder of the lease, camp and access tracks.
“The Salamander 1 well is currently in a safe state while the technical aspects of the final decommissioning program are being developed.”
