The Environment Agency has sparked a new row over fracking by giving the green light for Cuadrilla Resources to start using the controversial drilling technique again for the first time since it caused earthquakes near Blackpool.
The company, which has former BP boss Lord Browne on the board, still needs planning permission from the local authority for its new location two miles away from the previous one at Preston New Roads, but hopes to start drilling before the end of this year.
Critics of the fracking process, where chemicals are injected to unlock oil or gas from underground rock, hoped the recent 60% fall in the price of crude oil would deter shale explorers from further operations.
But industry experts said any production from successful drilling would not be expected for at least three or four years so there an argument for trying to assess the geological and commercial potential of the site now.
Francis Egan, Cuadrilla chief executive, 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.”
The government initially called a halt to fracking after an investigation concluded that the Cuadrilla wells at Preese Hall had caused the tremors, but it lifted the moratorium in May 2013 after putting in place tougher regulations. Since then there has been exploration but no fracking.
The Environment Agency said it had agreed the permit to drill in Lancashire after six months of rigorous assessment of Cuadrilla’s applications and after carrying out two periods of extensive public consultation.
The permit sets out the conditions Cuadrilla must follow to protect groundwater, surface water and air quality and to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of waste. But the fine print shows it also allows the carbon-heavy flaring of gas into the atmosphere for at least 90 days, with a restriction on the amount of emissions.
Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for Lancashire, said: “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.”
But Greenpeace said it was far from reassured. Energy campaigner Simon Clydesdale said: “Pretty much every recent scientific study into the impact of fracking has warned of the threat this industry poses to the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. If our government placed the wellbeing of our communities before the interests of the shale lobby, the only responsible thing to do would be to follow the example of New York, France and Germany and ban fracking now.”
Keith Taylor, Green MEP for South East England, accused the Environment Agency of defying public opinion on fracking. “The more residents find out about the impacts of fracking, the less they want it in their area. Fossil fuels worsen climate change, renewable energies do not. By allowing Cuadrilla to go ahead with fracking in Lancashire the government has shown it either does not understand that, or doesn’t care. We need sensible investments in renewable energy instead.”
