Cougar Energy to meet with Qld govt over UCG contamination  

The SMH has a brief report on more obstacles for the underground coal gasification industry in Queensland - Cougar to meet with Qld govt.

Executives from embattled gas explorer Cougar Energy will meet with Queensland government officials this week to discuss getting their project back on track. The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) has declined to accept an environmental report that Cougar provided on August 16.

Cougar Energy was forced to shut down its pilot underground coal gasificiation plant in July after the state government learned traces of the toxic chemicals benzene and toluene had been found in groundwater at the site and a neighbouring property. The department has yet to advise the ASX-listed company of what further regulatory action it wants Cougar to take.

Cougar managing director Dr Len Walker said the company planned to respond to any request for further information "as quickly as possible". "Cougar Energy remains committed to recommencing operations at its Kingaroy project in Queensland and will continue to work with DERM to demonstrate that the company's underground coal gasification activities have not and will not harm the environment," Dr Walker said in a statement.