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Animal deaths: calls to investigate Eastern Star Gas Co
Thursday 10 December 2009
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is calling for a thorough investigation of possible beaches of Eastern Star's exploration license, following reports of more wildlife deaths at its poorly fenced toxic waste ponds on the company's drill sites near Narrabri in North Western NSW last weekend (page 2, 'Wildlife fallen through the gaps', Northern Daily Leader today).
"Gas mining giant Eastern Star, exploring for gas in the Narrabri and Gunnedah region, should be investigated for possible breaches of its license," Ms Rhiannon said. 
"These ponds hold waste water that contains a cocktail of toxic materials. It is clear the fencing installed by Eastern Star is inadequate to stop animals or small children from entering these very dangerous sites.
"Backyard pools are required to be properly fenced, why isn't Eastern Star under the same obligation?
"Neighbouring farmer Tony Pickard found and photographed the dead animals. Following media attention, the site has been cleaned up.
"One kangaroo had jumped a 1 metre high temporary fence and drowned in a drilling well hole. Three wallabies were found dead next to a waste water pond at a neighbouring Eastern Star drill site.
"Mr Pickard has contacted the Department of Primary Industries, NSW National Parks & Wildlife and the RSPCA to request that they investigate, with no response.
"Eastern Star has been on notice for some years about their poor fencing. A number of years ago they were forced to erect 8-foot high chain fencing around their main Bibblewindi gas gathering site after publicity about other wildlife deaths. Since then very little seems to have happened.
"This State Forest area is home to a great variety of precious wildlife, including a large undisturbed natural colony of koalas. We simply do not know how many other animals may have gained access and died after drinking from these toxic ponds.
"There should be a thorough investigation of these latest incidents to ensure the safety of wildlife and humans at all of Eastern Star's exploration sites.
"If Eastern Star has breached their licence conditions then they should be prosecuted. If not they should still do the decent thing and ensure these toxic ponds of waste are properly fenced to ensure everyone's
safety," Ms Rhiannon said.
Contact: Greens MP Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568
Farmer Tony Pickard – 02 6793 2104
Photos available on request.
