Coal Seam Gas Water Reuse through Irrigation Feasibility and Design
Services: Quality analysis, modelling, mapping, risk assessment, species selection, planning and reporting
Location: Queensland
Date: 2016-2019
Image Credit: Unsplash
Our Scope
With planning underway for the staged development of up to 15 coal seam gas (CSG) wells in two Extended Production Test areas, the client sought an economically and environmentally sustainable option to manage the production of up to 1.8ML of highly saline and sodic CSG water per day.
Rather than investing in expensive reverse osmosis or disposal pathways, a beneficial reuse option involving agricultural irrigation trials was proposed. To ensure success, the proposal required in-depth feasibility, design, and regulatory compliance support to assess viability and satisfy a Water Management Strategy and Environmental Authority conditions.
Verterra’s Solution
Verterra applied its proven expertise in soils, irrigation design, salinity management, and beneficial reuse of CSG water to deliver a full feasibility and design package. Verterra also supported compliance with the End of Waste Code for Associated Water, ensuring environmental, technical, and regulatory alignment.
Key activities included:
Water quality analysis and salt balance modelling to assess treatment needs
Soil characterisation and land suitability mapping across two properties
Irrigation system design and modelling, with pivot systems recommended for cost and operability
Risk assessment, identifying fire as the only high risk and proposing mitigations
Species selection, recommending mixed Leucaena-improved pasture systems
Resource Monitoring and Management Plan (RMMP) for long-term monitoring and compliance
CAPEX/OPEX optimisation through amended water use, avoiding reverse osmosis
Project Highlights
Identified 150–200 ha of suitable land for irrigation using chemically treated (non-RO) CSG water
Demonstrated long-term sustainability of irrigation on 3 of 4 test zones
Delivered a full technical report addressing regulatory conditions, including soil stability, crop productivity, and system design
Provided design detail for irrigation infrastructure, monitoring systems, and field implementation
Developed a scientifically defensible RMMP aligned with regulatory codes
Outcomes
Turned a waste management challenge into a productive resource opportunity
Enabled the client to progress a cost-effective and scalable irrigation model for CSG water reuse
Avoided the high costs of reverse osmosis or other intensive treatments
Supported ongoing compliance with Queensland’s End of Waste Code
Created a foundation for expanded agricultural reuse as production scales