The Queensland state government has given the go-ahead to Carbon Energy to proceed with its coalbed methane (CBM) project after a lengthy suspension, according to a report by Upstream Online.

The suspension, which began in August of 2009, was put in place so the state could investigate Carbon’s unauthorized removal of waste-water. As a result of the investigation, the government has required the company to improve its water storage capacity and management, install groundwater monitoring equipment as well as improve risk management practices.

According to the report, Carbon implemented all of the requirements between December 2010 and January 2011.

“While our investigations into the August 2009 incident showed there had been no ongoing damage to the environment and soil sampling has detected no residual contaminants - these additional requirements are now in the new amended Environmental Authorities being issued to provide stronger environmental protections and more rigid processes the company must implement,” said John Bradley, director-general of Queensland’s Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM).

The Bloodwood Creek project, which will take place in southeast Queensland, is aimed at generating electricity for the state through CBM power plant sites.