PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) on Thursday welcomed the introduction of new resource management regulations in Western Australia, saying it should enhance community confidence in local oil and gas activities.

New regulations for the petroleum and geothermal industries came into effect this week, stipulating mandatory well and field management plans, including baseline water quality monitoring before drilling, and continued monitoring during and after completion.

Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the changes would ensure strong oversight for the emerging shale and tight gas industry.

“While production of natural gas from shale and tight rocks is still in the early stages, with significant commercial projects likely to be five to ten years away, it is important that the legislative framework is in place,” Marmion said.

He added that the regulations would minimise any risk of aquifer contamination and should help maximise community confidence in the responsible development of the gas industry.

Before drilling programmes were approved, the Department of Mines and Petroleum would assess applications to ensure they complied with state laws protecting public health, the environment and water resources.  Any application which was likely to have a significant impact on the environment would be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority for further assessment.

All companies proposing to conduct hydraulic fracturing must submit a complete list of chemicals to be used.

“The department will assess all projects on a site-by-site, project-by-project basis with safety and environment auditors conducting inspections to check compliance,” Marmion said.

“I am confident West Australians will benefit from the shale gas industry, with jobs and local community opportunities flowing from the production of this lower-carbon energy source.”

Appea said on Thursday that the changes to the regulation, combined with the oil and gas industry’s commitment to high standards of safety and environmental protection, should give the public confidence that shale and tight gas projects can be developed safely and sustainably.