Council’s water scientist Kate Johnson said the study would provide a spatially representative snapshot of water quality and quantity in the Gloucester district.

The main area of focus will be the first stage of AGL’s Gloucester Gas Project.

She said the study would examine heavy metals, methane, hydrocarbons and nutrients to present a standard physical and chemical indicator of water quality.

The data obtained through the study would be provided to stakeholders including the landowner, gas company AGL, MidCoast Water and council.

The study will be one of three council hopes to undertake within the next 12 months.

A produced water study will examine options for the reuse and disposal of water produced from coal seam gas exploration and extraction.

“We’ll be applying a local context to a more general discussion,” Ms Johnson said.

“We won’t be making suggestions, but we will be identifying options and issues associated with produced water use and disposal.”

Ms Johnson said the study would most likely be complete in March 2014.

- Meanwhile, council is seeking expressions of interest from members of the community keen to be part of its Floodplain Risk Management Committee.

The committee will assist in the compilation of a flood study for the Gloucester and Avon rivers which will examine the impacts of mining on flooding as well as revise existing knowledge and define flood levels, including a probable maximum flood. 

Expressions of interest for the committee must be lodged with council by December 18.