This is Somerset: Methane boss to explain Somerset drilling plan

The director of a company planning to drill into coal reserves in Somerset to look for methane gas will be among speakers at a public meeting tomorrow night.

UK Methane has said it will apply for planning permission in October for a small test rig on land at Hicks Gate, Keynsham.

Campaigners are concerned that the process will lead to the release of thousands of tonnes of water contaminated by having “marinaded” in coal reserves for thousands of years. The process of methane extraction has similarities to “fracking” in which gas is released by pumping high pressure water into rocks to create passages through which gas can pass.  MORE