SEPA Closes Investigation on Dart Energy for Leaks

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) did not notice any leaks from pipework associated with the extraction of coal bed methane by DART Energy in South West Scotland, reads a report recently released. 

Scotland’s environment agency monitored the wellheads and pipework of DART Energy located approximately 1 km to the West of Canonbie, following allegations that methane and carbon dioxide was potentially leaking from the structure.

In its final report, SEPA wrote that there were no evidences of leaks during the monitoring and the venting processes. Eleven readings were recorded with the wellheads closed and a further four readings recorded during the venting of natural gas.

“Monitoring of the wellheads and pipework highlighted no elevated levels of methane or carbon dioxide while the wellheads remained shut. This would suggest that no leaks were present during the monitoring,” reads the note. 

At the same time, SEPA claims that no bubbling of gas was evident during the venting process.

“Monitoring carried out during the venting of natural gas also highlighted no elevated levels of methane or carbon dioxide around the opened wellhead … and along the associated pipework. This would suggest no leaks were present during the venting process,” explains the note. 

Earlier this year, SEPA launched the investigation into claims that methane was “bubbling up” in wells drilled to test for the gas in coal seams. The claim was denied by the company that owns the wells. The information was received by the Sunday Herald and then passed to SEPA.

Eight exploration and pilot production wells in the Canonbie area were drilled by Greenpark Energy in 2007 and 2008. Greenpark was acquired Dart Energy in a transaction announced in December 2011.

Greenpark had received approval from the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency for the use of hydraulic fracturing in the extraction of coal bed methane gas at the Canonbie site.