Energy giant Shell QGC was hit with a $60,000 fine by the Dalby Magistrates Court last Friday, for the unauthorised release of coal seam gas water onto a Western Downs' property.
An investigation found that in June last year, more than a million litres of CSG contaminated water was released from a pump station onto land that Shell owned property, near Kogan.
The breach fell under the environmental protection act and there was no conviction recorded against Shell QCG.
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In a statement, Shell said it accepted the outcome of the court proceedings and will look to improve "facilities".
"QGC takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and is committed to protecting the environment across our operations," a spokesperson said.
"Immediately following the incident QGC undertook a detailed investigation, with local assets reviewed and similar equipment replaced."
Environmental group Lock The Gate described the fine as a "slap on the wrist".
"It will do nothing to deter giant coal seam gas companies like Shell from polluting Queensland in the future," Lock The Gates spokesperson Ellie Smith said.
"The maximum penalty for this kind of behaviour is more than ten times what Shell received - $620,325 - much more fitting for a company of its size.
"This is a worst nightmare for landholders living near gas infrastructure. The salt and chemicals in CSG water can be catastrophic for productive soils."
