Queensland Gov. Expels Coal Gas Driller After Company Polluted Groundwater W. Benzene, Other Toxins

[hatrack]

A COMPANY that contaminated groundwater with cancer-causing chemicals will be banned from any future underground coal gasification activities in Queensland. The Queensland government has ordered Cougar Energy to shut down its trial UCG plant near Kingaroy in southern Queensland.

The decision was made after the company was found to have contaminated groundwater at the site with cancer-causing chemicals including benzene. It took two months to notify government authorities of the incident, in breach of strict environmental rules.

The Department of Environment and Resource Management today downplayed the risk for nearby landholders, saying the contamination was confined to the site.

Acting director general Terry Wall said the company would be forced to rehabilitate it, including decontaminating aquifers, and was facing court action over its activities.

EDIT

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/coal-gas-company-banned-in-queensland-for-contaminating-groundwater/story-e6frg9df-1226090511694

[aquart]

1. HOW do you "decontaminate" an aquifer?

Killing themselves in a dry country.

[txlibdem]

2. True, but why isn't the American gov't doing anything to Frackers who pollute groundwater

The almighty dollar is the only consideration here.