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The charges follow a nine-month investigation into the energy company’s underground coal gasification (UCG) plant in Chinchilla.
Minister for Environment and Heritage Protection Andrew Powell says UCG is a very different process compared to extracting coal seam gas (CSG).“It involves converting coal to a synthesised, or non-natural, gas via enforced combustion.
“While the harm allegedly caused to the environment is considered serious, the information available to the department suggests there is no immediate risk to neighbouring landholder water bores,” he says.Powell says the department spends more time on-site, to determine whether operators meet strict environmental requirements.
“We take matters such as these very seriously and there are severe penalties for companies or individuals that fail to meet our high environmental standards.“The Queensland Government encourages emerging industries to develop, however they must comply with the state’s strong environmental laws.”
The department will continue its formal investigation into Linc’s operations.Get our daily business news
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