Adani still under investigation by Queensland government, over groundwater bores

Adani cleared of wrong doing by Federal Government over bores but Qld investigation continues, ABC News By Josh Robertson , 18 Jan 19, Adani remains under investigation by the Queensland Government for alleged illegal works on its Carmichael mine site, despite federal authorities ruling out any wrongdoing.

State officials have confirmed the ongoing probe into whether the company breached its environmental authority by sinking six dewatering bores last year.

The ABC revealed in September the department had launched an investigation into whether Adani sunk the groundwater bores in breach of its approval under the state Environmental Protection Act. …….

Queensland Greens senator Larissa Waters said she had reviewed documents relating to the Federal Environment Department’s inquiries and “unfortunately it seems that there wasn’t a thorough investigation”.

Ms Waters is a former lawyer at Queensland’s Environmental Defenders Office (EDO), which has provided the State Government evidence of the alleged breach, including drone footage of the bores.

State Government investigation still underway

A spokesman for the Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES) said the Government was aware of the Commonwealth findings.

“DES is undertaking a more comprehensive investigation under separate state legislation, and has made several information requests to Adani, and has also carried out site inspections,” he said.

“If non-compliances are identified during the course of the investigation, DES can move to enforcement action.”

Adani still needs approval for its groundwater dependent ecosystem management plan to carry out mining operations.

Last month, the ABC revealed the Queensland Environment Department was examining evidenceincluding specifications of groundwater bores registered by Adani on a government website.

Queensland’s EDO and a university groundwater expert argued the bores construction, materials and depth are consistent with dewatering bore standards but incompatible with groundwater monitoring…….. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-01-17/adani-cleared-of-wrong-doing-by-federal-government-over-bores/10724086

January 18, 2019 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | climate change - global warming, Queensland

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