Beach Energy plans to use Waste Water for Irrigation of pasture

The holding pond left at Jolly1 Penola in May 2014 containing heavy metals, hydrocarbons and salt.

Limestone Coast Protection Alliance are alarmed that Beach Energy are planning to use the drilling waste water from Bungaloo1 and Jolly1 wells to irrigate pasture.  Analysis of this water shows it is half to two thirds the salinity of salt water, with high levels of sodium, potassium, heavy metals such as barium and copper, plus traces of hydrocarbons and phenol.   Some of these hydrocarbons are polyaromatic hydrocarbons, a group of chemicals which are persistant with some causing cancer and deformities in developing babies.

LCPA are seeking more information from the EPA and the Dept of Water.

We have asked SELGA and the NRM Board if they will discuss at their next meetings in October.