Overview

• ABC reporting and FOI findings have put the Clean Energy Regulator and CSIRO under pressure, with no regulator response found to Santos’ 2020 query and CSIRO withholding its advice on commercial grounds.
• Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen told parliament he has commissioned an expert review of methane emission management, with its findings to be provided to MPs.
• NT EPA chair Paul Vogel said the authority is working with Santos on repair options that weigh worker safety, cost and environmental benefit, adding the leak is about 1% of the facility’s reported emissions.
• Drone measurements in 2019–2020 recorded 68–184 kg of methane per hour from a tank that began leaking in 2006, which NT WorkSafe says is safe to operate until 2050 with negligible explosion and health risk.
• Environment groups and crossbench MPs are pushing for mandatory fixes and full public disclosure as the tank is set for Barossa use, while Santos says it complies with approvals and reports emissions annually.