It is reported that the Mid Western Community Action Network and Bylong Valley Protection Alliance are among 642 groups which have made submissions to the NSW Parliamentary inquiry into coal seam gas mining.

The inquiry is looking at the environmental, health, economic and social impacts of coal seam gas activities and the role of coal seam gas in meeting the future energy needs of NSW. In its submission to the inquiry, MWCAN has raised concerns that CSG mining is a very young industry and its effect on water resources are not fully understood.

Mr Chris Pavich vice-president in the group submission said “Commencing CSG mining in areas without knowing the full impacts that this mining will have on groundwater systems and without detailed hydrological mapping of that area is irresponsible and short sighted.”

The group submission said “Agriculture and tourism are examples of two industries that cannot operate side by side with CSG extraction no matter what is suggested. Contamination of ground water, visual pollution, noise and property interference are just a few of the reasons why.”

The BVPA submission also calls for a precautionary approach to CSG exploration, and in particular the potential impact on water systems.

The group has called for detailed water studies in each catchment before any further mining or CSG projects occur.

(Sourced from www.mudgeeguardian.com.au)