DMP response to report
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Independent report on the regulation of unconventional gas
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
The Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) has released an independent review report and departmental response on the ‘Regulation of Shale, Coal Seam and Tight Gas Activities in Western Australian’.
The report by Dr Tina Hunter, from Bond University, provides an independent assessment of existing regulatory framework governing the onshore gas industry in Western Australia, under the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967 (WA).
The report found that current DMP processes are adequate to ensure the management of risk across the environment, workforce safety and resource management, due to rigorous assessment by highly skilled and dedicated staff.
DMP executive director of environment, Dr Phil Gorey, said the report also outlined areas of improvement in legal enforceability.
“The report recommended strengthening of legislation through a number of enhancements to regulations. Along with improved transparency through the public release of approved Environment Management Plans (EMPs), regulatory processes and compliance measures,” Dr Gorey said.
“While regulation amendments are being finalised, we are encouraging companies to publicly disclose their EMP, including all chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing.”
DMP has also undertaken other recent initiatives to ensure WA’s regulatory framework meets global best practice, while being supported by appropriate and transparent processes, standards and guidelines.
These initiatives include seeking advice from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and establishing an interagency working group with the Departments of Water, Environment and Conservation, Health, Agriculture and Food and Office of the Environmental Protection Authority.
“DMP has reviewed this advice and is implementing a comprehensive reform package to strengthen our regulatory framework,” Dr Gorey said.
“The DMP reform package will propose legislative amendments to strengthen enforcement provisions for regulators, mandate full disclosure of chemicals and public release of approved EMPs.”
Unconventional gas has attracted an increased level of interest in WA. It is the process whereby rock formations need to undergo hydraulic stimulation, also known as fraccing, to release gas and enable recovery.
DMP is preparing new Environment Management Regulations, which are expected to be released for stakeholder input by the end of 2011.
The new Resource Management Regulations are expected to be released for stakeholder input by mid 2012.
Both regulations are anticipated to be in place in 2012.
DMP will also be conducting regional community information sessions in early 2012.
The DMP Response to Report and Dr Tina Hunter Report are available on the top right of the following link http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/12872.aspx
