Fracking Project Threatens Australia's Hot Springs Valley

0:00On March 5th, here's the latest out of Sydney. Water scientists are raising alarms over a proposed fracking project in Australia's remote Northern Territory. Energy company Santos wants approval to drill 12 test-shell gas wells on Taanamberini station in the gas-rich Bidalu Basin. Experts fear it could harm the little-studied hot springs valley, with its unique system of hot water emerging from deep underground. The area sits atop complex aquifers and naturally fractured rock, which could let fracking fluids or gases migrate upward. Researchers from Charles Darwin and Griffith University's points of big knowledge gaps saying risks to local groundwater are higher than Santos claims. They worry contamination might spread to the nearby Cox River and even reach lemon bite in the Gulf of Carpenteria. Indigenous custodians are deeply concerned too. Several rangers and elders like David Barrett and Jack Reen say the project rends connected rivers and aquifers that sustain wildlife, fish, and dry savanna animals.

1:02They also fear damage to sacred songlines and dreaming sites tie to the land. Meanwhile, the National Science Agency's CSIRO is wrapping up a key study on fracking impacts there, not due until later this year. It already calls the springs highly significant environmentally, culturally, and spiritually. This urge the Northern Territory government to hold off on any decision until those findings come in. Santos insists the environmental risk is low, promising strict controls to protect water flows, monitor for issues, and prevent leaks of chemicals or wastewater. The company highlights potential economic boosts from a shale gas boom, like lower energy costs and jobs, while noting decades of safe operations elsewhere. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor. Do not just listen to podcasts, get lost in them comfortably, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-Pillow.com.