FACTS AND FAQS

Project Facts

  • Number of producing well heads: 12
  • Well depth: up to 1100 metres deep
  • Number of Employees in Gloucester: 13
  • Proved and Probable (2P) Gas Reserves: 669 petajoules (PJ)
  • Potential Gas Production: 20-30 PJ per annum, which is more than 10% of the existing NSW market.

Project Fact Sheets

FAQs

Gas well investigation and construction

Q: How long does it take to install a well?

A: From the initial hardstand construction through to restoration will take approximately two to three months.

Q: What is the minimum spacing for gas wells (full production)?

A: We are planning for a 600 metre grid spacing – one well per 28 hectares (70 acres). This may increase or decrease in certain areas based on environmental constraints such as proximity to houses and streams and geological structure such as faults. Final spacing will depend on the reservoir's performance over time.

Q: Does each production well require electricity and storage for water?

A: Each site will need electricity to run a pump, at least initially, depending on the well's performance. Some wells may not require pumps in the longer term. For wells that require a pump we intend to connect them to the existing grid or new connections (generally underground). Wells that don't need pumps will get power through a solar array. Produced water will be returned to a central fully lined storage pond within the Central Processing Facility for treatment and dispersal through a dedicated water pipeline gathering system, so storages aren't needed at every site.

Q: Will the wells be connected by a network of roads and/or pipelines?

A: If landowners consent, existing roads & farm tracks will be used where possible. New access tracks and an underground pipeline gathering system will be constructed in locations as negotiated with landowners and to minimise impacts on existing land use.

Q: What are wellheads?

A: A wellhead comprises a pump, a separator, associated pipes and safety equipment. It is installed on a gravel hardstand approximately 10m x 10m.

Q: Where will the gathering lines be located on each property?

A: The pipelines will be placed alongside existing infrastructure, boundaries and existing fence lines wherever possible to minimise the impact on current and future land use requirements. The pipelines will be clearly marked with marker posts.

Environmental impacts and investigations

Q: How will structures affect the scenic quality of the landscape, wildlife habitat and wildlife populations?

A: In addition to being highly sympathetic to the land's primary use, AGL will take appropriate measures to minimise all environmental impacts of its operations. The project's Environmental Assessment identified potential impacts and appropriate mitigation measures across a number of issues, including landscape, wildlife habitat and wildlife populations.

Q: Can extraction cause land subsidence?

A: No. Previous work has demonstrated that coal seam gas production does not cause measurable subsidence.

Q: Has the Avon River and its potential flooding impact to the project been considered?

A: Yes. The Avon River and potential flood impacts have been considered; however, we do not see this as a significant concern for the project.

Central Processing Facility

Q: What is the Central Processing Facility?

A: All the gas and water produced by the wells will be carried to the Central Processing Facility via underground pipelines. There, the gas will be treated, dried and compressed for transport via pipeline to Hexham. Water will also be treated on site.

Q: Are any compressor stations being built?

A: No compressor stations are planned for the field other than at the Central Processing Facility.

Q: Will the compressor station be connected by a network of pipelines?

A: All the underground gas and water gathering lines from the well field will connect into the CPF.

Q: What noise does a compressor station make?

A: While a compressor does produce noise, all compression equipment will be surrounded in acoustic enclosures that are engineered to meet the standards as determined in the Environmental Assessment.

Q: Will you need to close the road when the compressor station is being constructed?

A: As outlined in the Environmental Assessment, community members will be notified in advance of any road closures, increased traffic or large truck movements.

High pressure pipeline investigation and construction

Q: Will the pipeline construction area be restored upon completion?

A: Yes. The work area will be fully restored back to the land's original contours. To ensure all land is reinstated to the landowners' expectations, a Construction & Restoration Agreement will be developed with each landowner. This will cover issues such as construction access and re-vegetation requirements.

Q: How will the pipeline be constructed across watercourses?

A: As part of our environmental assessment process, each watercourse crossing is examined to determine the best crossing method, either open cut and buried or using trenchless technologies. The best option depends on geology, environmental constraints and permanent water levels.

Community Consultation

Q: What is the CCC?

A: As part of this project, AGL created a Community Consultative Committee (CCC) to create a forum for exchange of information and ideas. This group will meet four times a year and is an important way in which the community can provide input into the development of the project.

Q: Will landholders and the community be kept informed throughout the project?

A: Yes. A thorough community engagement program has been prepared to ensure landholders and the community is kept informed throughout the duration of the project.

The community will be kept informed throughout the project via a number of communications mechanisms, including; community updates, fact sheets, letters, meetings, project website, and through the Community Consultative Committee (CCC).

Q: How can I contact the CCC?

A: If you would like to contact a member of the CCC, submit your interest via the contact us section of this website.

Other

Q: What can the public do if they are being affected by traffic?

A: The project team would appreciate feedback on all traffic problems as soon as they occur; Please call the project information line on 02 6558 1166. AGL will attempt to minimise all traffic issues on the local community.

Q: Is there a chance that the gas could leak?

A: The wellheads, gas gathering lines, compressor station, and high pressure pipeline are all designed to Australian Standards and good oil and gas practices. Parts and procedures must adhere to a stringent risk assessment study and testing. Safety valves are installed at the wellheads which would automatically isolate the flow of gas if there were a gas leak. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance of all components occurs.

Q: How many permanent jobs will be created?

A: Once the project is developed and operating, approximately 30 – 40 permanent jobs will be required. AGL will also hire a construction workforce during the project's construction phase.

Q: Will there be additional power lines throughout the community?

A: AGL will use existing power network where possible and generally connect the electricity to the each well site with underground cable.

Q: How will AGL manage heavy loads have on local bridges?

A: The transport of heavy loads is regulated by permits from the RTA with input from the police and local councils.

Q: Will there be many heavy vehicles?

A: During construction there will be periods of high activity which will be limited to 7 am 6pm. During operations there will be mainly light vehicle traffic. The speed of all vehicles, including heavy vehicles, will be subject to normal road rules. A traffic management study will be completed and a traffic management plan implemented across the project as per the Environmental Assessment.

Q: What short and long-term plans does AGL have in place for the Tiedeman property?

A: The short term plan for Tiedeman's has been to establish a centre to set up a pilot project as part of our exploration program. This forms part of our requirements as a holder of a Petroleum Exploration Licence.

The long term plan is to connect the existing exploration pilot wells to the gathering system as production wells within Stage 1 field area and to continue primary production activities, mainly beef cattle grazing.