APPEA: Western Australian Onshore Gas Industry Sets High Operating Standards

Western Australian onshore gas explorers have adopted a code of practice to set industry standards for the State’s next generation of clean energy production.

The code, developed by members of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, will provide a best-practice framework for the safe, responsible production of shale gas and tight gas for the State’s domestic market.

The emerging industry has the potential to generate clean, reliable and efficient long-term supplies of gas for WA homes and industry for at least 50 years.

Details of the new exploration and operating standards were released today, following this week’s Department of Mines and Petroleum report on the review of WA’s shale gas and tight gas regulations.

The industry code’s major provisions include:

– Recognition of the community’s right to know how the industry operates, the materials used, and how the operations are monitored;

– Public reporting on hydraulic fracturing environmental management plans and chemicals;

– Protection and conservation of underground water supplies; and

– The use of safe, well established technology.

APPEA spokesman Stedman Ellis said the code would provide clear guidelines for developing an industry of major importance to the future of WA.

“Onshore gas production has been a successful, well managed and regulated industry for more than 40 years. We are now moving to a new era with new technology and opportunities.

“By implementing this code of practice, explorers and producers are committing to the highest standards of management and consultation. This will help ensure that industry standards are high and will help the community understand the way the industry operates.

“The code was used to provide industry input into the review of regulation being undertaken by the State Government. It is consistent with the key directions arising from these reforms.”

APPEA has welcomed this week’s Department of Mines and Petroleum report on the review of regulations covering shale gas and tight gas production. Mr Ellis said the industry supported the department’s initiative to strengthen the regime overseeing the industry’s development and it looked forward to participating in developing further environmental and resource management regulations.

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Source: APPEA, November 3, 2011