Nothing wrong with Ngaere water, tests show

Comprehensive analysis of water samples has revealed no contamination of spring-water and groundwater surrounding Tag Oil (NZ) Ltd’s Cheal sites at Ngaere.

The analysis covered almost 50 parameters, including all the compounds associated with hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) and other processes used in oil and gas exploration and well development.

The Taranaki Regional Council says water from two deep bores, two shallow bores and one spring has been analysed, and found to be of high quality – without a single trace of compounds of interest.

“This was an extremely comprehensive suite of tests, taken from sites that were carefully chosen to give us an accurate and representative picture of the freshwater resource at Ngaere,” says the Council’s Director-Environment Quality, Gary Bedford. Analysis was carried out at Hill Laboratories, Hamilton.

The testing followed concern expressed by some members of the public about the perceived effects of activities at the Cheal site. “We’re very pleased with the results and we trust it will allay any fears,” says Mr Bedford.

Testing parameters included:

• The “BTEX” range of compounds – benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene
• Methanol
• Dissolved natural gas
• Aldehydes, used as biocides (disinfectants)
• Glycols
• Total petroleum hydrocarbons

 

“In all cases, no contamination was detected,” says Mr Bedford. “We even tested for compounds which we know aren’t used by the industry in New Zealand, but which are the subject of concern overseas.”

Mr Bedford says a second round of sampling is being carried out this week, covering additional sites, and results of laboratory testing will be known within a fortnight.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Basil Chamberlain, says that while public discussion on environmental quality is healthy and welcome, the debate around hydraulic fracturing has often been more emotional than factual.

“These water sample analyses, along with the seismic review done by GNS Science and the Council’s own hydrogeological assessment, bring rational and robust science to the discussion. The Council will continue to periodically sample water quality within a risk assessment framework as a component of its compliance monitoring programmes.”

Ngaere water sampling test results (153 KB)