Released January 22, 2015 | GALWAY, IRELAND
en
Written by Martin Lynch, European News Editor for Industrial Info (Galway, Ireland) - U.K. shale gas exploration moved a step closer this week when the Environment Agency granted the necessary environmental permits to shale gas company, Cuadrilla Resources Ltd (Lichfield, England), to explore for shale gas underneath Lancashire.
The agency granted permission for the proposed shale gas exploration site at Preston New Road, Plumpton in Lancashire after what it called six months of 'rigorous assessment' of the application. The permits outline the conditions Cuadrilla must follow to protect groundwater, surface water and air quality during exploration as well as the need for safe storage, management and disposal of waste.
"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," said Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for Lancashire. "The right controls are in place to manage waste and the flaring of gas safely, and protect local water resources. We value the feedback received during the public consultation and will continue to work with the local community. Should Cuadrilla begin exploration, we will ensure the permit conditions are enforced."
Cuadrilla became the first company to be granted licences to explore for offshore shale gas in the Irish Sea from the U.K. government last February. For additional information, see February 19, 2014, article - U.K. Grants First Offshore Shale Gas Licences.
Commenting on the environmental permits, Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said: "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. This follows a robust and rigorous review of our permit applications, and unequivocally demonstrates that, as we have committed, the local environment will be well protected throughout our proposed exploratory operations."
The U.K. government is determined to remove any obstacles in its drive to exploit potential shale gas deposits. These include tax breaks introduced in 2013 to attract shale gas investors as well as the introduction of new legislation last May that will speed up the planning process for initiating drilling projects. For additional information, see May 30, 2014, article - U.K. to Speed-Up Shale Gas Access.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, three offices in North America and nine international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. To contact an office in your area, visit the Industrial Info "Contact Us" page.
The agency granted permission for the proposed shale gas exploration site at Preston New Road, Plumpton in Lancashire after what it called six months of 'rigorous assessment' of the application. The permits outline the conditions Cuadrilla must follow to protect groundwater, surface water and air quality during exploration as well as the need for safe storage, management and disposal of waste.
"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," said Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for Lancashire. "The right controls are in place to manage waste and the flaring of gas safely, and protect local water resources. We value the feedback received during the public consultation and will continue to work with the local community. Should Cuadrilla begin exploration, we will ensure the permit conditions are enforced."
Cuadrilla became the first company to be granted licences to explore for offshore shale gas in the Irish Sea from the U.K. government last February. For additional information, see February 19, 2014, article - U.K. Grants First Offshore Shale Gas Licences.
Commenting on the environmental permits, Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said: "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. This follows a robust and rigorous review of our permit applications, and unequivocally demonstrates that, as we have committed, the local environment will be well protected throughout our proposed exploratory operations."
The U.K. government is determined to remove any obstacles in its drive to exploit potential shale gas deposits. These include tax breaks introduced in 2013 to attract shale gas investors as well as the introduction of new legislation last May that will speed up the planning process for initiating drilling projects. For additional information, see May 30, 2014, article - U.K. to Speed-Up Shale Gas Access.
Industrial Info Resources (IIR), with global headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, three offices in North America and nine international offices, is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. Industrial Info's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities. To contact an office in your area, visit the Industrial Info "Contact Us" page.
