The head of AGL Energy's coal seam gas business has departed as it strives to improve its safety.
General manager of AGL's upstream gas business Mike Moraza brought forward his retirement on Wednesday, as the company launched a review of its gas exploration and production operations.
The news comes three weeks after AGL's fracking operations at the Waukivory project, near Gloucester in northern NSW, were suspended due to the detection of dangerous chemicals in flowback water from four drilling wells and in a water storage tank.
"The gas business has the potential to provide vital gas resources for our NSW customers and is set to contribute significantly to our balance sheet and deliver solid returns for our shareholders," AGL chief executive Andy Vessey said.
"It is important that we get the structure right."
AGL's gas review will scrutinise its management structure and operational and management practices, to ensure it safely explores and produces gas resources, the company said.
Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) were detected at the Waukivory project, which can have harmful effects on the central nervous system.
AGL also operates gas operations in Camden, south west of Sydney, the NSW Hunter Valley and near Longreach in western Queensland.
Fracking is banned by some states and councils, and the NSW government is toughening its regulations for the industry, due to environmental concerns.
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