Regulation vow in fracking summit

Wesham residents were invited to an information session yesterday as part of an ongoing consultation over energy firm Cuadrilla’s application for permits to drill for shale gas at its Preston New Road site in Little Plumpton.

The Environment Agency will assess the potential impact of the plans on the environment before deciding whether to issue the permits, a decision it aims to make in the next four months.

Steve Molyneux, area environment manager for Lancashire, said: “The industry is charged for regulation – the taxpayer does not pay for it – so it is not affected by any government cuts.

“If the industry develops, it will pay more and that funds more inspectors.

“If permits are issued, we would expect to be on site for the set-up, when it’s being drilled and when water flowback is happening – there would be teams turning up unannounced.”

One of the key concerns is how the water that is injected at high pressure into the rock to release gas trapped underground – using a process known as hydraulic fracturing – is treated and disposed of.

Mr Molyneux said it is likely that mains water will be used in the fracking process but the chemicals added to it and Cuadrilla’s plans for disposing of it have not yet been revealed.

But he said Cuadrilla’s sites are well outside protected water zones and unlikely to threaten the region’s drinking water.

Some residents remained unconvinced.

Dave Schofield, of Ballam, said he believed previous exploratory drilling caused damage to his property.

He added: “I am suspicious about any assurances being given.

“Regulating something like this is an impossible thing to do.” Before any fracking can take place on the Fylde coast, permission must be granted separately by the Environment Agency and Lancashire County Council.

Cuadrilla has submitted applications to the council for permission to frack its sites in Little Plumpton and Roseacre.

The Environment Agency, which is concerned with pollution and waste management, is currently holding the first of two public consultations over the plans, which close on July 8.

Follow us on Twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on Facebook to keep up with all the latest news.