Potential environmental impacts of shale gas related wastewater disposal options

September 22nd, 2025

Reviewing options for the management and treatment of wastewater associated with shale gas production, including reinjection into deep formations, and assessing their potential for environmental harm

This fact sheet describes a CSIRO research project which will focus on wastewater derived from drilling, hydraulic fracturing and flowback activities associated with shale gas development in the Northern Territory.

Researchers will assess the potential for environmental harm from a range of wastewater management and treatment
options, and will explore options to reduce the volume of wastewater and waste to be managed.

The project will place an emphasis on evaluating the potential impacts of the reinjection of wastewater into deep formations – an option not considered in previous GISERA research.