CQUniversity has partnered with wastewater treatment company Midell Water and leading recycled water industry consultants Arris to help solve one of the biggest hurdles for the coal seam gas industry...

Water generated by the production of coal seam gas provides producers with a number of headaches as it can potentially be detrimental to the environment.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jennelle Kyd signs an MOU with Midell Water's Ben Kele and Arris' Jim Kelly. Coal seam gas producers generate a by-product known as 'associated water' which is high in salt and, up until now, not reusable without large-sale expensive desalination treatment plants. However, CQUniversity is confident that by joining its resources and expertise with Midell Water and Arris, a solution to this water quality problem can be found.

Midell Water Director and CQUniversity water researcher Ben Kele said the two biggest problems with water generated from coal seam gas were the salinity and sodicity of the water.

"The concentration of salt is the major water quality issue limiting the beneficial use of coal seam gas water," Kele explained. "The salinity and sodicity concerns of associated water need to be addressed before the water can be reused for agricultural purposes."

Substantial steps have already been made toward a low-cost sodium reduction process that could potentially make the water fit for agricultural purposes.

"We have sourced coal seam gas water from several companies within Queensland and are currently researching new filter technologies to meet the unique challenge of treating this water," said Kele, who has already found promising results by using volcanic rock filters.

CQUniversity Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jennelle Kyd said the University was keen to contribute to finding a solution to this important problem facing the coal seam gas industry.

"It is the University's role in Central Queensland, and globally, to find solutions to problems that affect our valued industries," Professor Kyd said.

Arris Managing Director Jim Kelly, Midell Water's Director and CQUniversity researcher Ben Kele and CQUniversity's Senior Research Fellow Ted Gardner are excited about the new partnership."The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Midell Water and Arris brings to the table specialised expertise to help solve one of the largest environmental, social, economic and industrial problems currently affecting the mining industry and its communities."

Midell Water is a technology-based company that designs, builds, and operates decentralised water systems.  Its genus stems from the work of CQUniversity's own PhD researcher, Ben Kele.  Midell Water owns Zetos (TM) patented technology and trade-secret and has used this technology and knowhow to treat water at the township of 1770 as well as large events such as Woodford Folk Festival and Splendour in the Grass.

Arris is a leading water industry consulting, marketing and education company that specialises in managing sustainable water projects through Australia and overseas. It is a leading industry player and pioneer in the beneficial use of wastes from industry and is recognised nationally and internationally for its expertise in the sustainable management of reclaimed water.