International Association of Hydrogeologists Australia

Recharging potable aquifers of the Great Artesian Basin using treated coal seam gas water

Thursday 28 March, 2013

Santos GLNG Project is a pioneering project to convert coal seam gas (CSG) to liquefied natural gas for export to global markets, representing a major investment in a cleaner energy source for the future. Santos GLNG Project sources gas from Santos’ gas fields in the Bowen and Surat Basins in Queensland. During the Santos GLNG Project, it has been estimated that a total of ~340GL of water could be produced from the coal seams over the next 35 years in the Roma, Fairview and Arcadia coal seam gas fields.

Whilst this water is managed under a diverse portfolio of water management options, Manage Aquifer Recharge (MAR) has been considered in this instance. MAR is the purposeful recharge of water to aquifers for subsequent recovery or environmental benefit.

Over the last 100 years groundwater pressures in the Gubberamunda Sandstone, Roma’s main town water supply, have declined more than 80 m and groundwater demand for the town water supply now exceeds 5ML/day during dry years.  This demand, coupled with forecast droughts under modelled climate change scenarios, provides an impetus for the beneficial use of treated CSG water via MAR.

The work presented in this talk evaluates the feasibility and initial results of a trail using water from CSG production in a MAR scheme to replenish the Gubberamunda Sandstone aquifer.

About the speaker

Chris Smitt is the Director of Water Resources Management – Australia at EHS Support. He has over 12 years of experience in hydrogeology, working in both the public sector for CSIRO Land & Water and in private industry. Chris’ experience with water management, specifically design and implementation of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) projects, for industrial and municipal clients has earned him a reputation as a national expert. He has extensive knowledge and experience with numerical modelling, pressure analysis, pumping test analysis, and well field design.

Come join us

Date: 2 April 2013

Time: 5:30pm meet and greet for a 6pm start.

Location: URS (Level 6, 1 Southbank Boulevard, Melbourne)

No need to RSVP

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