Methane bubbles in groundwater cast doubts over Beetaloo basin fracking approval, scientists say

Experts warn the NT government has ‘significant and critical gaps in the knowledge base underpinning fracking approvals’

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Experts have cast doubt on groundwater studies that underpin the Northern Territory government’s decision to permit fracking in the Beetaloo basin, after methane bubbles were observed at hot springs in an area targeted for gas production.

In a new report, commissioned by the Environment Centre NT (ECNT), the scientists warn of “critical knowledge gaps” in baseline groundwater assessments conducted by the government in response to the Pepper inquiry into fracking.

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