Cuadrilla denied second shale gas well permit

Lancashire-headquartered Cuadrilla has been denied the permit to run drilling and fracturing operations at its second shale gas well in Lancashire. 

UK’s Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government reviewed Cuadrilla’s appeal on a previous decision denying the drilling and hydraulic fracturing application and decided the HGV traffic, although short would create an unacceptable risk to safety due to the volume.

Additionally, in its decision, the government noted the decision was also based on Cuadrilla’s failure to provide adequate evidence that the safety issues have been properly considered and addressed. It also said that Cuadrilla failed to “demonstrate that the proposed mitigation is workable in practice.”

Commenting on the decision, Cuadrilla spokesperson said, “we naturally disappointed about the decision on Roseacre Wood and will examine the details in full before reaching a position.”

Cuadrilla continues its focus on the shale gas exploration site in Preston New Road, where it recently completed flow test from the UK’s first horizontal shale gas well.