Local Councillors Query Cuadrilla's Activities

A thorough investigation into controversial process of hydraulic fracturing used in the extraction of shale has been ordered by Fylde Council.

Cuadrilla Resources is drilling for shale gas in the Blackpool area, operating sites at Preese Hall, in Weeton, and Grange Road, Singleton.

Representatives of the local government met with bosses from energy firm Cuadrilla Resources who presented to the Community Focus Scrutiny Committee on June 23. But following the meeting, councillors said they wanted a fuller report to examine the “social, economic and environmental impact of shale gas drilling in the borough.”

A report, prepared by scrutiny officers has suggested evidence is drawn from a number of high profile sources including the Environment Agency, the Health And Safety Executive and Environmental Health.

Forming a task group to perform site visits and review issues like planning permission has also been proposed as has requesting a full geographical survey.

The Blackpool Gazette reported Council officer Lyndsey Lacey as saying the probe had been instigated by councillors after the recent earthquakes nearby.

She added: “Following concerns raised by elected members, the issue of on-shore shale gas drilling within the borough has been identified by the committee as a subject for in-depth scrutiny.

“In view of that, it is suggested the review examines the social, economic and environmental impacts of shale gas drilling.”

Exploratory work is continuing at the Singleton site, but fracking was suspended at the firm’s Preese Hall site.

The British Geological Society and Department of Energy and Climate Change are still in the process of investigating any links to earthquake earlier this year.

In the US, a moratorium on well activity in an area of central Arkansas had been in place for months as geologists investigated a possible link between fracking activity and earthquakes.  The Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission has said preliminary studies showed evidence potentially linking injection activities with more than 1,000 quakes in the north-central cities of Greenbrier and Guy since September, including the largest quake to hit the state in 35 years – a magnitude 4.7 on Feb. 27.

A spokesman for Cuadrilla said the company welcomed ongoing communication with the council and believed it was “important” to engage with the community.

Related Reading: Cuadrilla's "Quaking" Problem

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