ABSTRACT
The expansion of the onshore gas industry (shale, tight, and coal seam gas) in recent years has been almost exponential. This has attracted significant attention from both policy makers and the community, generally driven by the potential for impacts on other industries reliant on groundwater resources and the broader environment. The key hydrogeological risks associated with onshore gas development relate to well integrity issues, hydraulic fracturing, and water management. Risks associated with well integrity issues and hydraulic fracturing are governed by the relevant oil and gas regulations and are also reliant on implementation of good practices. However, risks associated with hydrogeological impacts of gas and water extraction cross into the water resource planning sphere where a range of different approaches can be applied.
