NSW EPA clears AGL and Transpacific in sewer discharge case in Newcastle

New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has informed Hunter Water that neither AGL nor Transpacific breached environment protection licence though they discharged wastewater into Newcastle’s sewer system during coal seam gas drilling.

Both the companies were accused of releasing wastewater into Newcastle’s sewer system during fracking operation last year in Gloucester, when they were carrying out a pilot project to test for coal seam gas.

Hunter Water, which is a state-owned Corporation providing water and wastewater services, had refused to accept flow-back water from the AGL site as it was contaminated with chemicals in its ground water.

Following the incident, Transpacific has received four notices from Hunter Water for the breach of its trade wastewater agreement.

After it was found that AGL’s contractor Transpacific released treated flow-back water into the sewer system at its site on Kooragang Island in Newcastle, EPA launched an investigation into the matter.

EPA Hunter manager Adam Gilligan said, "The EPA received the information requested and has reviewed it and determined that there has been no breach of environmental legislation or environment protection licences by AGL or Transpacific in relation to this matter."

"It is evident that AGL contracted Transpacific to transport and treat the flowback water from its Gloucester operations. Transpacific treated the flowback water and then discharged it, as trade waste water, from its Kooragang Island treatment facility to Hunter Water’s sewerage system."

"However, Hunter Water has advised the EPA that it is undertaking its own investigation and may be taking further action in relation to its Trade Waste Agreement. Any enquiries relating to this should be directed to Hunter Water, which is the appropriate authority to enforce conditions with the Trade Waste Agreement."

The EPA has however advised AGL and Transpacific that any liquid waste must be discharged lawfully and in accordance with any directions from the receiver of the waste.