Groundwater monitoring results

Groundwater is a key environmental value that must be protected during onshore gas exploration and development activities in the Northern Territory.

In accordance with the Code of Practice: Onshore Petroleum Activities in the Northern Territory, at least 6 months of local baseline groundwater data must be collected prior to drilling or hydraulic fracturing.

The department publishes these results quarterly to increase the transparency of groundwater use and environmental performance by the onshore gas industry.

View all environment management plans.

Each quarter, petroleum interest holders submit groundwater monitoring data, providing transparency on the impact of hydraulic fracturing on groundwater.

Groundwater monitoring data is submitted quarterly by petroleum interest holders in compliance with the Code of Practice: Onshore Petroleum Activities in the Northern Territory.

The results are published on the department's website, with monitoring to continue for 3 years.

Relevant approved EMPDescription Groundwater Submissions
Central Petroleum Ltd (CTP002-02) - Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for Dingo Gas Field and Surprise Oil Field PDF (7.3 MB)CTP2-2 Dingo Gas Field and Surprise Oil Field Groundwater Monitoring Report-2024CTP2-2 Dingo Gas Field and Surprise Oil Field Groundwater Monitoring Report-2024 PDF (15.2 MB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program IMP3-4 Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report 2023 to 2024 PDF (2.5 MB)
Central Petroleum Ltd - Dingo Gas Field and Surprise Oil Field environment management plan PDF (7.3 MB)
Central Petroleum Ltd - Mereenie Workover and Wellhead Equipment, Safety Systems and Gathering Line
Project environment management plan PDF (6.3 MB)
Annual Groundwater Interpretive Report for Mereenie, Palm Valley, Dingo and Surprise Fields. CTP Annual Groundwater Monitoring Report 2023 PDF (12.7 MB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP4-3 PDF (20.0 MB) IMP4-3 2021-2025 EP187 Work Program IMP4-3 Annual Groundwater interpretative report 2022 to 2023 PDF (6.1 MB)
Sweetpea - environment management plan SWP4-3 PDF (9.1 MB) SWP4-3: Well drilling, hydraulic fracture stimulation and well testing EMP EP136 SWP4-3 Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report at RN042730 2023 PDF (820.0 KB)

SWP4-3 Groundwater data for RN042730 to July 2023 XLSX (29.8 KB)
Tamboran B2 - environment management plan PDF (9.6 MB) ORI6-3: Beetaloo sub basin Kyalla 117 N2 multiwell drilling, stimulation and well testing program

Table 1 Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Formation bore comparison July 2023 XLSX (14.5 KB)

Table 2 Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Formation bore comparison July 2023 XLSX (14.5 KB)

Table 3 Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Formation bore comparison February 2024 XLSX (19.7 KB)

Table 2 Kyalla 117 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison February 2024 XLSX (22.3 KB)

Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP4-3 PDF (20.0 MB) IMP4-3 2021-2025 EP187 Work Program IMP4.3 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 2) XLSX (85.4 KB)

IMP4.3 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 4) XLSX (28.1 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program IMP3.4 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 1)
XLSX (60.8 KB)

Origin Energy B2 Pty Ltd - environmental management plan PDF (7.3 MB)

ORI10-3 Amungee multi-well drilling, stimulation and well testing program Amungee NW1 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison XLSX (14.7 KB)

Amungee NW1 EMP Annual Groundwater Report PDF (3.2 MB)

Amungee NW1 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison July 2023 XLSX (14.7 KB)

Reponse Groundwater results Amungee NW1 PDF (396.5 KB)

Table 2 Amungee NW1 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison February 2024 XLSX (20.1 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report IMP3-4 Annual Groundwater Interpretive Report 2022 to 2023 PDF (1.0 MB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) 2023 IMP3-4 Carpentaria EP 187 Work Program Annual Groundwater Interpretive Report 2023 IMP3-4 Annual Groundwater Interpretive Report PDF (1.0 MB)
Santos QNT Pty Ltd - environment management plan McArthur Basin Drilling Program PDF (15.9 MB) STO2-7 EP161 Drilling EMP Annual Groundwater Monitoring Data Review STO2-7 EP161 Drilling EMP Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report 2023 PDF (5.4 MB)

Central Petroleum Ltd -  Dingo Gas Field and Surprise Oil Field environment management plan PDF (7.3 MB)

Central Petroleum Ltd - Mereenie Workover and Wellhead Equipment, Safety Systems and Gathering Line
Project environment management plan PDF (6.3 MB)

Annual Groundwater Interpretive Report for Mereenie, Palm Valley, Dingo and Surprise Fields. CTP Annual Groundwater Interpretive Report 2022
PDF (10.2 MB)
Santos QNT Pty Ltd - environmental management plan STO3-8 PDF (11.2 MB) STO3-8 EP161 HFS EMP Annual Groundwater Monitoring Data Review STO3-8 EP161 HFS EMP Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report 2022 PDF (6.2 MB) 
 
STO3-8 Non-Technical Summary of Water Reports and Data 2022 PDF (245.6 KB)
 
STO3-8 EP161 HFS EMP Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report2023 PDF (6.4 MB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP4-3 PDF (20.0 MB) EMP 2021-2025 EP187 Work Program IMP4-3 Groundwater Interpretative Report IMP4-3 Annual Groundwater Interpretative Report and Appendix A PDF (1.4 MB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environmental management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program 230117 IMP3.4 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 1) XLSX (58.1 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP4-3 PDF (20.0 MB) IMP4-3 2021-2025 EP187 Work Program 230102 IMP4.3 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 2) XLSX (76.1 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environmental management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) EP187 Groundwater Interpretative Report - 2022 Rev 1 Groundwater Interpretative Report - 2022 Rev 1 PDF (991.1 KB)
  EP187 Impact Monitoring Bore Pressure and Groundwater Level monitor RN041800 – Impact Monitoring Bore Pressure and Groundwater Level monitor PDF (5.7 MB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environmental management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program 220717 IMP3.4 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 1) XLSM (56.7 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP4-3 PDF (20.0 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program 220717 IMP4.3 GW Quarterly Submission (Comparison - Carp 2)  XLSM (78.2 KB)
Origin Energy - Beetaloo Basin Kyalla drilling, hydraulic fracture stimulation and well testing program EP117 N2 PDF (7.4 MB) - approval date 05/08/2019 ORI3-2 2019-24 EP117 Drilling, Stimulation and Well Testing Program Kyalla Table 1 Kyalla 117 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison June XLSX (14.4 KB)

Table 2 Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Formation bore comparison June XLSX (14.5 KB)

Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Beds bore comparison December 2022 XLSX (24.5 KB)

Kyalla 117 Gum Ridge Fm bore comparison December 2022 XLSX (25.3 KB)

Statistical analysis of ALB WQ at Kyalla 117-N2 April 2021 XLSM (159.6 KB)

Statistical analysis of GRF WQ at Kyalla 117-N2 April 2021 XLSM (156.4 KB)

Continuous water level data November 2021 XLSX (3.9 MB)

Statistical analysis of ALB WQ at Kyalla 117-N2 July 2021 XLSM (153.5 KB)

Statistical analysis of GRF WQ at Kyalla 117-N2 July 2021 XLSM (151.3 KB)

Statistical analysis of GRF WQ at Kyalla 117-N2 October 2021 XLSM (144.4 KB)

Quarterly Water Quality Data_Beetaloo Origin November 2021 CSV (181.7 KB)

Quarterly Water Quality Data Beetaloo Origin February 2022 XLSX (63.9 KB)

Quarterly Water Quality Data Beetaloo Origin July 2022 XLSX (47.0 KB)

Quarterly Water Quality Data Beetaloo Origin September 2022
XLSX (36.8 KB)


Table 3 Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Beds bore comparison July 2022  PDF (456.8 KB)

Table 4 Kyalla 117 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison July 2022  PDF (454.5 KB)

Table 3 Kyalla 117 Anthony Lagoon Beds bore comparison September 2022
PDF (458.9 KB)


Table 4 Kyalla 117 Gum Ridge Formation bore comparison September 2022
PDF (832.0 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP4-3 PDF (20.0 MB)  IMP4-3 2021-2025 EP187 Work Program IMP4-3 Groundwater quarterly submission comparison Carpentaria-2 XLSM (74.9 KB)
Imperial Oil & Gas - environment management plan IMP3-4 PDF (1.9 MB) IMP3-4 2021 Carpentaria-1 EP187 Work Program IMP3-4 Groundwater quarterly submission comparison Carpentaria-1  XLSM (53.8 KB)

IMP3-4 Continuous pressure and groundwater level monitoring PDF (5.8 MB)
Environment management plan - McArthur Basin Hydraulic Fracturing Program PDF (11.2 MB) This report summarises the results of the Santos Beetaloo Sub-basin groundwater monitoring program to date, which occurred on Exploration Permit 161 (EP161).         Groundwater monitoring results at Santos Tanumbirini and Inacumba well sites in the Beetaloo sub-basin in accordance with the code of practice: November 2019 to May 2024 XLSX (81.5 KB)

Groundwater monitoring results at Santos Inacumba well site in the Beetaloo sub-basin in accordance with the code of practice: December 2018 to November 2020 XLSX (34.0 KB)

Cumulative continuous monitoring data to June 2024 XLSX (5.8 MB)
Central Petroleum Ltd (CTP002-02) - environmental management plan (EMP) for Dingo Gas Field and Surprise Oil Field 

Central Petroleum Pty Ltd (CTP4-3) environmental management plan for Mereenie Field
Baseline groundwater quality monitoring is undertaken as per the Groundwater Management Plans for Central Petroleum. Groundwater monitoring is undertaken in proximity to the Mereenie Field, Palm Valley Field and Dingo and Surprise Fields. Groundwater monitoring results at Central Petroleum October 2021 PDF (596.2 KB)

Groundwater monitoring results at Central Petroleum May 2021 PDF (597.1 KB)
Imperial Oil and Gas - environment management plan. Imperial 2019 Drilling Program. NT Exploration Permit (EP) 187 PDF (43.1 MB) - approval date 02/03/2020 Baseline groundwater monitoring in compliance with the Code on EP184 at two existing water bores (RN027848 and RN039574) situated in proximate location to the approved Imperial Oil and Gas Pty Ltd petroleum well  locations, Carpentaria-1 and Carpentaria-2. Groundwater monitoring results at Imperial EP187 in  accordance with the Code of Practice: March 2020 to April 2020 PDF (727.1 KB)
Santos QNT Pty Ltd - McArthur Basin Hydraulic Fracturing 2019-20 Program Exploration Permit EP161 PDF (25.3 MB)
- approval date 23/10/2019  
This report summarises the results of the Santos Beetaloo Sub-basin groundwater monitoring program to date, which occurred on Exploration Permit 161 (EP161). The monitoring bores at each well site on EP161 are:
  • Tanumbirini Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN040930
  • Tanumbirini Gum Ridge aquifer Impact Monitoring Bore: RN040936
  • Inacumba Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN40931
Groundwater monitoring results at Santos Tanumbirini and Inacumba well sites in the Beetaloo sub-basin in accordance with the Code of Practice: December 2018 to March 2020 PDF (1.0 MB)
Origin Energy B2 Pty Ltd - Beetaloo Sub-basin Velkerri 2019-2024 Drilling, Hydraulic fracturing and well testing Exploration Permit, EP76 PDF (9.8 MB) - approval date 23/12/2019   This report summarises the results of the Beetaloo Sub-basin groundwater monitoring program to date, which occurred on exploration permit 117 (EP117) and Exploration Permit 76 (EP76). The control monitoring bore (CMB) registered water bore numbers for each CMB at Kyalla and Velkerri well sites are:
  • Kyalla Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN041132
  • Kyalla Anthony Lagoon aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN040895/RN040896
  • Velkerri Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN041134
  • Velkerri Anthony Lagoon aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN04113
Groundwater monitoring results at Origin Kyalla and Velkerri well sites in the Beetaloo sub-basin in accordance with the Code of Practice: December 2018 to May 2020 PDF (823.0 KB)
Origin Energy B2 Pty Ltd - Beetaloo Sub-basin Velkerri 2019-2024 Drilling, Hydraulic fracturing and well testing Exploration Permit, EP76 PDF (9.8 MB)
- approval date 23/12/2019 
This report summarises the results of the Beetaloo Sub-basin groundwater monitoring program to date, which occurred on exploration permit 117 (EP117) and Exploration Permit 76 (EP76). The control monitoring bore (CMB) registered water bore numbers for each CMB at Kyalla and Velkerri well sites are:
  • Kyalla Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN041132
  • Kyalla Anthony Lagoon aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN040895/RN040896
  • Velkerri  Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN041134
  • Velkerri Anthony Lagoon aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN04113
Groundwater monitoring results at Origin Kyalla and Velkerri well sites in the Beetaloo Sub-basin in accordance with the Code of Practice: December 2018 to December 2019 PDF (1.1 MB)
Santos QNT Pty Ltd - McArthur Basin Hydraulic Fracturing 2019-20 Program Exploration Permit, EP161 PDF (25.3 MB)
- Approval date: 23/10/2019
This report summarises the results of the Santos Beetaloo Sub-basin groundwater monitoring program to date, which occurred on Exploration Permit 161 (EP161).

The monitoring bores at each well site on EP161 are:

  • Tanumbirini Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN040930
  • Tanumbirini Gum Ridge aquifer Impact Monitoring Bore: RN040936
  • Inacumba Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN40931
The data presented in this report fulfils the Code of Practice: Onshore Petroleum Activities in the Northern Territory (the Code) (2019) requirement for six months of baseline monitoring of groundwater at Tanumbirini and Inacumba well site prior to undertaking hydraulic fracturing activities.

Data for water quality in the Impact Monitoring Bore after completion of hydraulic fracturing at Tanumbirini-1 has also been reported in compliance with the Code.
Groundwater monitoring results at Santos Tanumbirini and Inacumba well sites in the Beetaloo Sub-basin in accordance with the Code of Practice: December 2018 to December 2019 PDF (22.0 MB)
Origin Energy - Beetaloo Basin Kyalla drilling hydraulic fracture stimulation and well testing program EP117 N2 PDF (7.4 MB)
- approval date 05/08/2019 
This report summarises the results of the Beetaloo Sub-basin groundwater monitoring program to date, which occurred on exploration permit 117 (EP117). The control monitoring bore (CMB) registered water bore numbers for each CMB at Kyalla are:
  • Kyalla Gum Ridge aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN041132
  • Kyalla Anthony Lagoon aquifer Control Monitoring Bore: RN040895/RN040896
The data presented in this report fulfils the Code of Practice: Onshore Petroleum Activities in the Northern Territory (the Code) (2019) requirement for six months of baseline monitoring of groundwater at a well site prior to undertaking hydraulic fracturing activities.
Groundwater monitoring results at Origin Kyalla EP117 well site, Beetaloo Sub-basin: December 2018 to October 2019 PDF (451.1 KB)
Santos QNT Pty Ltd - McArthur Basin 2019 hydraulic fracturing 2019-20 program exploration permit, EP161 PDF (25.3 MB)
- approval date 23/10/2019
This report summarises the results of the groundwater monitoring program on EP161 – Santos McArthur Basin EP161.

The groundwater monitoring program consists of:

  • a control monitoring bore array located up-gradient and within 100m of the planned or existing petroleum well pad (i.e. "upstream")
  • an impact monitoring bore array, 20m down-gradient (i.e. "downstream") of the location of the petroleum well.
Groundwater Monitoring results at petroleum well sites in the Betaloo Sub-basin in accordance with the Code of Practice – Quarter 2 2018/19 to Quarter 2 2019/20 PDF (1.3 MB)

Origin Energy - Beetaloo Basin Kyalla drilling hydraulic fracture stimulation and well testing program EP117 N2 PDF (7.4 MB)
NT-2050-15-MP-025
Rev 1, 5 August 2019
Approval date: 13/08/2019


Santos QNT Pty Ltd - McArthur Basin 2019 drilling program NT Exploration Permit, EP161 PDF (14.2 MB)
Rev 5, 15 July 2019
Approval date: 19/07/2019
This report summarises the results of the Beetaloo groundwater monitoring program to date which occurred on two exploration permits (EP):
  • Origin Beetaloo Basin Kyalla EP117
  • Santos McArthur Basin EP161.
The groundwater monitoring program consists of:
  • a control monitoring bore array located up-gradient and within 100m of the planned or existing petroleum well pad (i.e. "upstream")
  • an impact monitoring bore array, 20m down-gradient (i.e. "downstream") of the location of the petroleum well.
Groundwater monitoring data 2019
PDF (581.6 KB)
Origin Energy Resources Ltd - 2016 Hydraulic Stimulation and Well Testing EP Summary Amungee NW‑1H PDF (524.0 KB)
CDN/ID NT-2050-35-PH-0018
17 August 2016
Approval date: 23/08/2016
This report discusses the water quality monitoring program at Amungee NW 1-H exploration well from 2015 to 2018.

The data includes water quality from two sources:
  • the groundwater monitoring bore that intersects the Gum Ridge aquifer at the Amungee NW 1-H well site
  • the hydraulic fracture stimulation and flowback water at the exploration well.
The data in this report is useful to compare 2015 baseline monitoring bore data with subsequent years following hydraulic fracturing activities. The data indicates there are no significant changes in groundwater quality to date.
Amungee HF report
PDF (504.8 KB)
No current EMP The report discusses the 2011 water quality monitoring results from the Shenandoah-1 Petroleum Well. The data includes water quality from two sources:
  • four groundwater monitoring bores near the Shenandoah Well site that intersect the Gum Ridge aquifer
  • the flowback water at the exploration well head prior to flaring and discharge into the holding tank.
Further monitoring will be undertaken at this bore.
Shenandoah HF water quality monitoring data PDF (769.6 KB)

Last Updated:
04 Aug 2022