The “climate guardian angels”, aged between 50 and 75, were from Melbourne, Brisbane and Wadeville.

They were taken into custody at Narrabri Police Station and charged with disobeying police direction, resisting arrest and pedestrian causing a traffic hazard.

One of the arrested, June Norman, said she was a great-grandmother concerned about the future she was leaving for her grandchildren.

“It is my duty to do whatever I can to protect Australia for future generations. If it takes civil disobedience to protect our natural world, then this is what I am prepared to do,” she said.

Santos said the protest had no impact on its operations.

“Santos respect the right of people to lawfully and peacefully protest,” Santos general manager of energy NSW Peter Mitchley said.

“It is unfortunate when protesters decide to act outside the law.”

Mr Mitchley said the company had all the approvals necessary to carry out its work on the wastewater facility.

Those approvals are the subject of a case before the NSW Land and Environment Court.

Anti-coal seam gas group People For The Plains, represented by the Environmental Defenders Office, will argue the Leewood facility’s approval is illegal and should require public consultation.

The case is set for a two-day hearing from April 6.