Environmental Agency Grants Cuadrilla Permits for Shale Exploration in Lancashire

The UK’s Environmental Agency has granted Cuadrilla Resources the environmental permits for an exploration site in Lancashire. 

‘The Environment Agency has today (16 January) granted the environmental permits Cuadrilla needs to carry out operations safely at their proposed shale gas exploration site at Preston New Road, Plumpton in Lancashire’ reads a note released on Friday by the British Government.

The company welcomed the decision, confirming its intention to carry out operations. 

“We are delighted that the Environment Agency has granted our permits for our proposed exploration site at Preston New Road. This is an important seal of approval from the regulator that the exploration of shale gas can be done responsibly” Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, commented in a separate press release. 

Public authorities said that the permits are in line with the protection of the environment and nearby  communities. 

“After completing a rigorous assessment of Cuadrilla’s application and the public consultation responses, we are confident the permits issued will ensure people and the environment are protected. The right controls are in place to manage waste and the flaring of gas safely, and protect local water resources’ Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for Lancashire, stated.

On Thursday, the British Geological Survey said it plans to expand its existing national environmental monitoring programmes in areas close to shale gas sites.

‘In a UK first, this will include independent monitoring during hydraulic fracturing (‘fracking’) subject to planning approvals at two proposed shale gas exploration sites in Lancashire. All results of this research will be open and made freely available to the public’ the BGS wrote on its website.