Cuadrilla awarded permit for shale gas exploration at Preston New Road

The UK’s Environment Agency said 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.

The Environment Agency has over the last 6 months conducted a rigorous assessment of Cuadrilla’s applications and carried out 2 periods of extensive public consultation.

The permits set 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.

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.”

Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, added that this is an important seal of approval from the regulator that the exploration of shale gas can be done responsibly.

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Press Release; Image: Cuadrilla Resources