A LEAK at AGL’s Camden coal seam gas (CSG) operation prompted a swift response from the NSW Fire brigade last night, with residents reporting loud hissing from a nearby well.
The leaking gas well was around 200 metres from homes in Reynolds Street, in the suburb of Spring Ridge.
Fire and Rescue NSW received a report of the leak at 7.20pm on Sunday night. The leak was isolated and fire crews sprayed water over the area to disperse the gas, under standard practice.
"While bringing the Spring Farm number 5 well back online (on Sunday), a safety release valve was activated, causing a loud hissing noise,” a spokeswoman for AGL said.
“This caused a small amount of natural gas to escape exactly as is designed. At no time were any local residents at any risk. The well is now back online and operating safely.”
NSW Greens CSG spokesman Jeremy Buckingham attended the scene while fire crews were in action.
“I have spoken to a number of the residents who are very distressed. They are worried about their health and safety.”
Mr Buckingham called on AGL to explain why the safety valve opened, what went wrong with well and how much gas escaped.
The government needs “to act immediately” to suspend all CSG operations and approvals in NSW and the Environmental Protection Authority must investigate the incident, he said.
AGL has been contacted for further comment.
Mike Foley
Senior journalist for The Land.
Senior journalist for The Land.
