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UK fracking 'incompatible' with emissions targets: EAC

http://www.chemnet.com   Jan 27,2015 Platts
The commercial extraction of shale gas in the UK should be put on hold as the hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, process is "incompatible with our climate change targets and could pose significant localised environmental risks to public health," a report by the Environmental Audit Committee released Monday morning said.

EAC Chairman Joan Walley said: "Ultimately fracking cannot be compatible with our long-term commitments to cut climate changing emissions unless full- scale carbon capture and storage technology is rolled out rapidly, which currently looks unlikely. There are also huge uncertainties around the impact that fracking could have on water supplies, air quality and public health."

The EAC will attempt to amend the government's Infrastructure Bill in parliament Monday afternoon, with the current government proposing changes to trespass laws that would grant companies automatic right of access to land below 300 meters (1,000 feet) without the land owner's permission, despite public opposition to the plan.

The EAC also insists that fracking licenses and permits must not be issued if commercial operators cannot demonstrate sufficient resources and insurances to cover full liability in event of pollution incidents, full containment of methane must be mandated in all fracking permits, and a "minimum separation distance" between groundwater and drilling sites.

Ineos, a chemical manufacturing company that has purchased fracking licenses close to its Grangemouth facility in Scotland, slammed the EAC report however.

"The UK needs shale gas...without shale gas, UK manufacturing will start to collapse so we need to kick start the shale gas industry, not put it on hold," Ineos Director Tom Crotty said.

"Ineos believes that fracking can be done safely in the UK and that the rewards will benefit the entire country," Crotty added.

Last week, Lancashire County Council recommended refusing oil and gas company Cuadrilla's applications for construction and operation of two sites for experimental fracking in northwest England be rejected due to "noise pollution."
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