Northern Territory Fracking Implementation Plan Policy Revie ✓ Solved

Northern Territory Fracking Implementation Plan A Policy Review

Consider a policy you would like to see implemented or which currently exists. As you work on the review, you should consider the key questions you have been answering for each case study which are 1) describing the imperative and purpose of the policy, 2) the development of the policy, 3) the implementation and 4) the monitoring and evaluation of the policy. Use the life cycle analysis outlined in Chapters 4-8 in the textbook to help frame and conduct your review.

Preparation: Consider the following elements when developing your cases study review: Introduction 1. Description of the environmental problem and other social concerns that are being addressed by the policy (i.e., the policy goals). 2. Describe the interaction between different levels of stakeholders in the policy – i.e., responsible parties and those affected by the policy 3. Describe the aim of your critical review. Review and analysis of the chosen policy 4. Discuss how the policy was developed; give the history 5. Describe and discuss factors that have influenced the implementation of the policy 6. Describe and discuss the impacts of the policy. Are these intended? 7. Investigate the intended monitoring and evaluation of the policy. 8. How can the policy be improved? For whom and why? Prepare your review with reference to appropriate policy, technical and scientific literature. Write with a specific reader or audience in mind. Specifically state the aim of your review.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The Northern Territory Fracking Implementation Plan: A Critical Policy Review

Introduction

Hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as fracking, has emerged as a controversial method for extracting unconventional natural gas reserves, particularly coal seam gas (CSG). The Northern Territory (NT) in Australia is at a critical juncture regarding fracking, balancing economic opportunities with environmental and social risks. This review critically examines the NT Fracking Implementation Plan, focusing on its development, implementation, and monitoring processes to understand its strengths, vulnerabilities, and areas for improvement. The policy aims to regulate fracking activities to mitigate environmental impacts while enabling resource extraction that could contribute to local economic growth. The necessity of such a policy stems from concerns over water contamination, ecological disruption, community health, and the rights of Aboriginal landowners, which collectively demand a rigorous regulatory framework (Pepper et al., 2018).

Background of Fracking

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, involves injecting high-pressure water mixed with chemicals into underground shale formations to fracture rocks and release trapped hydrocarbons. First developed in the 1940s, fracking gained prominence in the 1990s in the United States, revolutionizing domestic energy production and reshaping global energy markets (Mooney, 2011). The process has been adopted worldwide, including Australia, where it became operational in the 1960s in the Cooper Basin. Over time, fracking's popularity has grown due to its potential to provide a significant energy source at relatively low costs, creating economic benefits such as job creation and energy security. However, concerns surrounding environmental impacts, especially groundwater contamination, seismic activity, and greenhouse gas emissions, have prompted regulatory scrutiny (Batley & Kookana, 2012).

Australian and Northern Territory Context

In Australia, fracking policies vary across states and territories, often reflecting differing community attitudes and regulatory priorities. Queensland has a mature shale gas industry, though a moratorium has applied since 2017 due to environmental concerns. Western Australia operates onshore fracking with ongoing debates about emissions and ecological impacts. The NT initiated an independent review in 2016, primarily owing to Aboriginal land ownership and community protests. A temporary moratorium was imposed in 2016 to pause operations amid unresolved issues related to radioactive waste management and environmental safety (Pepper et al., 2018).

The NT’s history of fracking is characterized by cautious advancements with strong community resistance. The lack of a comprehensive regulatory and management system has hindered development, emphasizing the need for a structured plan that incorporates stakeholder engagement, environmental monitoring, and safety protocols. The policy landscape is evolving, driven by the desire to balance resource development with environmental conservation and social justice.

Problem Framing

The core problem in the NT revolves around community concerns over environmental and health risks associated with fracking, compounded by the land rights of Aboriginal communities. The potential contamination of groundwater and surface water sources directly threatens local water security, vital in a region prone to droughts and water scarcity. Additionally, ecological disruptions, including habitat destruction and marine ecology impacts, raise questions about sustainability. There is also apprehension about radioactive waste disposal and the long-term geological stability due to seismic activities triggered by fracking (Dovers & Hussey, 2013).

The current legal framework exhibits loopholes like trade secrets exemptions, which limit public access to chemical usage data, hampering transparency. The absence of detailed environmental impact assessments and effective community engagement strategies exacerbates distrust among residents and Indigenous groups. The policy’s failure to integrate water management, health safeguards, and social considerations within a cohesive regulatory system worsens the potential for irreversible environmental damage and social conflicts.

Policy Framing

The development of the NT Fracking Implementation Plan is guided by principles emphasizing environmental sustainability, community participation, and corporate responsibility. The policy seeks to establish comprehensive risk assessments, enforce strict water use and disposal regulations, and promote stakeholder engagement, including Indigenous communities. The policy aims to upgrade existing legal provisions, such as reviewing water and environmental acts, to close legal loopholes and institutionalize best practices.

Key components include a detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) process, baseline groundwater mapping, and real-time water quality monitoring. The policy advocates for transparent disclosure of chemicals used in fracking, community awareness programs, and the establishment of emergency response protocols. It emphasizes inter-agency collaboration among departments like the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Health, and Aboriginal Land Councils to ensure a holistic regulatory approach.

Policy Implementation

The policy implementation involves multi-stakeholder collaboration. The government agencies, including state and federal levels, are responsible for regulatory oversight and enforcement. The mining industry is obliged to submit detailed chemical usage data, which is subject to independent verification. Researchers and environmental organizations are tasked with monitoring environmental indicators, such as groundwater quality and air emissions. Aboriginal communities are engaged through consultation processes to incorporate their land rights and cultural concerns.

A comprehensive risk management framework underpins the implementation, including site-specific safety measures, waste water treatment upgrade projects, and emergency preparedness plans. Policies integrate community education, training, and information dissemination about fracking risks and safety measures to build local capacity and trust. Periodic audits and independent reviews ensure adherence to standards, with penalties for non-compliance.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Effective monitoring is central to the policy’s success. Continuous groundwater and surface water quality assessments are mandated near fracking sites. Air quality, seismic activity, and waste disposal practices are systematically evaluated. Data collected from monitoring stations and laboratories are regularly reported to oversight agencies, including CSIRO, which conducts independent research and reviews.

Evaluation processes involve analyzing environmental data, community feedback, and compliance audits to gauge the policy’s effectiveness. Regular reviews will inform policy adjustments, addressing emergent risks and technological developments. A key challenge remains in ensuring transparency and public access to data, especially regarding chemical disclosure and environmental impacts. Establishing a monetary compensation scheme for environmental damages and community disruptions is vital for equitable management.

Conclusion

The Northern Territory’s fracking policy represents a critical attempt to regulate a technologically complex and socially contentious industry. While progress has been made in developing a comprehensive framework emphasizing stakeholder engagement and environmental safeguards, gaps remain in transparency, enforcement, and community involvement. To elevate the policy’s efficacy, recommendations include strengthening legal provisions for chemical disclosure, enhancing community education, improving baseline environmental data collection, and establishing independent monitoring bodies.

By adopting an adaptive management approach, the NT can better balance resource development with social justice and environmental conservation. Future policy refinements should prioritize transparency, community participation, and scientific research to ensure sustainable resource use and mitigate long-term risks.

References

• Batley, G. E., & Kookana, R. S. (2012). Environmental issues associated with coal seam gas recovery: managing the fracking boom. Environmental Chemistry, 9(5), 491-498.
• Dovers, S., & Hussey, K. (2013). Environment and sustainability: a policy handbook. Federation Press.
• Mooney, C. (2011). The truth about fracking. Scientific American, 305(5), 80-85.
• Moore, R. (2013). Fracking, PR, and the greening of gas. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 70(4), 624-639.
• Pepper, R., Hart, B. T., Jones, D., Smith, R., Priestly, B., & Anderson, A. (2018). Final report: Scientific inquiry into hydraulic fracturing in the Northern Territory. Australian Environment Department.
• Ritchie, H., & Roser, M. (2017). Fossil fuels. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/fossil-fuels
• Waste, L. R. (N.D.). Radiation risks and fracking. Australian Journal of Environmental Law, 25(2), 150-165.
• Bista, S., Jennings, P., & Anda, M. (2017). Cradle to grave GHG emissions analysis of shale gas hydraulic fracking in Western Australia. Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability, 2, 45.
• Althaus, C., Bridgman, P., & Davis, G. (2013). The Australian policy handbook. Allen & Unwin.
• Research sources from NT government publications and academic journals focusing on regional environmental management and policy developments related to fracking.