Overview
The Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline will provide the Chinchilla district with an additional significant water supply for the life of QGC's coal seam gas project.
QGC has contracted SunWater to build, own and operate a 20km buried pipeline to transport up to 85ML per day of treated coal seam gas (CSG) water from its Kenya water treatment plant.
The pipeline will mainly provide water for beneficial use by the agricultural community, but water will also be made available to supplement the Chinchilla town water supply though the Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme.
Once complete, the project will be the first of its kind in Queensland resulting in genuine community benefits.
Project Background
QGC’s coal seam gas extraction process generates significant volumes of ground water per day.
The Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline project will transport treated coal seam gas water from QGC’s Kenya water treatment plant to Chinchilla Weir for beneficial agricultural, urban and potentially industrial use.
QGC will be responsible for the treatment of the CSG water, which will be carried out using reverse osmosis to remove salts and any other impurities.
The fully treated water will be monitored for quality under strict guidelines set down by the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Heritage Protection before it is transported.
Benefits
The benefits of the Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline project include:
- beneficial use of CSG water produced during the extraction of gas from coal seams
- the provision of additional water supply for agricultural and potential industrial use
- provision of additional water for the Chinchilla township
SunWater’s consultation with landholders along the route of the pipeline and existing water allocation holders along the Condamine River near Chinchilla Weir has reflected a strong interest in using the water for irrigation.
Environment and cultural heritage
QGC is responsible for treating the water and monitoring for quality under strict Queensland Government guidelines. This will involve using reverse osmosis to remove salts and any other impurities.
All water transported through the pipeline will be used within the Chinchilla Weir Water Supply Scheme.
SunWater has obtained all environmental and planning approvals necessary to construct the pipeline and supply water to customers for beneficial use.
SunWater has also undertaken cultural heritage assessments of the area and consulted with the Barunggam traditional owners. A cultural heritage management plan was approved by the Queensland Government's Cultural Heritage Coordination Unit on 16 August 2011.
Our role
SunWater will build, own, operate and maintain the Kenya to Chinchilla Weir pipeline.
Enquiries
For further information regarding the Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline project, please contact:
Project Manager
Kenya to Chinchilla Weir Pipeline Project
Reply Paid 15536, City East QLD 4002
Phone 1800 038 866
Email chinchillapipeline@sunwater.com.au