Action item 7.12

Progress

100%

Complete.
Approved by decision makers.
Recommendation implemented.

That prior to the grant of any further exploration approvals, to reduce the risk of contamination of surface aquifers from on-site spills of wastewater:

  • the Environment Management Plan for each well pad must include an enforceable wastewater management plan and spill management plan;
  • enclosed tanks must be used to hold all wastewater; and
  • the well pad site must be bunded to prevent any runoff of wastewater, and be treated (for example, with a geomembrane or clay liner) to prevent the infiltration of wastewater spills into underlying soil.
Target completion date

Completed.

Reform area
Ensuring accountable industry practice
Project action
Managing wastewater and chemical safety
Lead agency
Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade

Action item update

Implementation

The Northern Territory Government worked with independent scientific experts to develop the Code of Practice for Onshore Petroleum Activities in the Northern Territory (the Code) relative to the Inquiry recommendation. The Code is legally enforceable through the Petroleum (Environment) Regulations 2016. The finalised Code was published on 12 June 2019 and is on the DEPWS website.