Foam released from AGL's Sugarloaf 3 well on 17 May caused no impact to the surrounding environment, according to independent analysis performed by ALS Laboratories, a National Association of Testing Authorities accredited laboratory.

Following the incident, AGL voluntarily submitted water and soil samples to the independent laboratory to address any community concerns over a release of soap foam from a water storage tank during well maintenance operations. AGL announced details of the incident and the company's subsequent actions in a media release earlier this week.

In its investigation to determine how the incident happened, AGL found that the foam release occurred when liquid soap that was being used to clean the well was aerated and not captured in the water storage tank. The work crew were aware that the soap was non-hazardous and non-dangerous and the foam release continued for a period of between three and five minutes.

The analysis of the area surrounding the water storage tank also showed: The tank's water quality was typical of produced water; No benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene or xylenes (known as BTEX) was present in soil or water samples; and Soil salinity and surfactant levels have not increased.

"AGL takes its commitment to safety and the environment very seriously, and we will not take short cuts in this area," said Mike Moraza, AGL Group General Manger Upstream Gas.

"We are satisfied that the investigation's findings have proven what we believed to be true: that this incident had no environmental impacts. We have now taken steps to safeguard against this type of incident happening again."

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers. Drawing on over 170 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is Australia's largest private owner and operator of renewable energy assets and is looking to further expand this position by exploring a suite of low emission and renewable energy generation development opportunities.