Action item 5.2
Progress
Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.
That the Government:
- implements a mandatory program for regular monitoring by gas companies of decommissioned onshore shale gas wells (including exploration wells), with the results from the monitoring to be publicly reported in real-time. If the performance of a decommissioned well is determined to be acceptable to the regulator then the gas company may apply for relinquishment of the well to the Government; and
- implements a program for the ongoing monitoring of all orphan wells.
Completed
Action item update
Implementation
The Northern Territory Government commissioned CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environment Research Alliance (GISERA) to evaluate options for the long-term monitoring of decommissioned wells in the Northern Territory. The ‘Assessing practices and monitoring for onshore gas well decommissioning in the NT’ report was published in May 2022 and details an appropriate monitoring methodology and program for decommissioned wells. Decommissioning of wells are required under the Petroleum Act. Decommissioned well status will be made public on POINT portal.
The NT Government has been systematically assessing the status of all 112 orphan wells in the Territory since 2021. Desktop and field inspections have been undertaken as part of this monitoring program. The risk-based monitoring of all orphan wells is now ongoing and will inform the need for any remediation works required on the orphan wells. Recommendation 14.14 Orphan Well Levy has more information on how any required works will be funded by industry.
Gas companies must monitor and report on all decommissioned wells as part of their well operations management plans.