The US company Black Mountain Energy's plan to frack for gas in Western Australia's Kimberley region is facing significant federal environmental concerns. The federal environment department has repeatedly stated the company has not provided sufficient data on water resources and ecosystems, hindering a full impact assessment.
The federal government's concerns highlight potential environmental risks to one of the world's most intact tropical savannas and its unique biodiversity, raising questions about the adequacy of environmental assessments for resource development projects.
The federal government has expressed significant concerns regarding a US company's proposal to conduct gas fracking operations in Western Australia's Kimberley region. Texas-based Black Mountain Energy, through its subsidiary Bennett Resources, aims to drill 20 gas wells for its Valhalla project near the Fitzroy River, an area known for its intact tropical savanna and endangered species.
Despite the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority recommending state approval, the federal environment department has repeatedly flagged deficiencies in the company's environmental assessments. Correspondence indicates that federal officials have informed Black Mountain Energy on multiple occasions that it has not provided sufficient information regarding water resources and the ecosystems that depend on them. This lack of data has prevented the department from fully assessing potential impacts on the region's environment, including vulnerable species like the northern blue-tongued skink and the endangered largetooth sawfish.
Furthermore, the company was instructed to consult with additional traditional owner groups concerning cultural and spiritual values associated with the Fitzroy River. Officials noted insufficient evidence to support the company's claim of no impact on the Fitzroy River, requiring an assessment of impacts on "Rainbow Serpent Tradition Values."
Conservation group Environs Kimberley has urged the federal environment minister to terminate the project's assessment, arguing that the company has failed to provide the requested information after ample time. An independent expert scientific committee also shared concerns, finding Black Mountain's assessment to be limited and its conclusions regarding impacts on water resources and ecosystems largely unsupported. The department agreed there was substantial uncertainty about hydrogeological processes and surface water-groundwater interactions, limiting its ability to assess potential impacts on water resources and specific species.