25/11/2024
The Department of Water & Sanitation has called for public comments on draft regulations on FRAKING (affecting the use of water for the exploration, mining and production of onshore naturally occurring hydrocarbons requiring stimulation).
These regulations are called Regulations for the Use of Water for Exploration and Production of Onshore Naturally Occurring Hydrocarbons that Require Stimulation Including Hydraulic Fracturing and Underground Coal Gasification to Extract and any Activity Incidental Thereto that may Impact water security.
Once in force, the proposed new regulations will apply to all onshore exploration, mining and production operations dependant on controlled activities that may impact detrimentally on a water resource.
The deadline for input on the latest proposals is 13 January 2025.
Among other things, the new draft regulations deal with:
● applications and licensing
● prohibited and restricted areas and activities
● drilling, hydraulic fracturing additives and wastewater management
● well design and decommissioning, and
● disclosure.
