Plans by Santos for controversial coal seam gas drill sites across the Pilliga could be derailed by a tiny microscopic organism.
An independent biological assessment of the Pilliga Forest’s aquifer ecosystems has found significant populations of stygofauna – or, aquatic worms and water mites.
The report by Dr Peter Serov says the discovery of one particular family of aquatic worms, may be the first record of its kind in groundwaters in New South Wales.
Dr Serov’s investigation found that the proposed mining activities would pose a serious threat to the Pilliga’s stygofauna.
However, Santos claims other scientific evidence shows there is no such threat.
The mining company says its wells are drilled to ensure no connectivity with groundwater resources.
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