Cuadrilla hires Arup to carry out fracking assessments

CUADRILLA Resources, the company with Lancashire shale gas licences, has appointed Arup to conduct independent environmental impact assessments (EIAs) of its planned activities.

Cuadrilla is preparing the planning applications required to extract the gas it has discovered within the Bowland Shale.

As part of that process Arup will conduct impact assessments and carry out a public consultation with Manchester-based public relations firm PPS.

The hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – process required to extract the gas involves pumping large amounts of water underground at high pressure and has many opponents.

Environmentalists claim it can pollute the water table and last year the government imposed a temporary ban on fracking after a minor earthquake in Blackpool was linked to Cuadrilla’s operations. This was lifted in December and Chancellor George Osborne is now promising tax incentives to support the industry.

Cuadrilla’s chief executive Francis Egan said: “These EIAs are being carried out as part of a robust process of developing informed consent for the ongoing exploration of the very significant natural gas resources in Lancashire’s Bowland shale.”

Des Correia, project director, Arup, said “Shale gas exploration is an emerging area in the UK and Arup understands the full range of environmental issues. However, the vital element in this work will be using that knowledge to ensure we fully assess, explain and, as appropriate, mitigate any implications for the local environment or communities. We are pleased to have the opportunity to assess these issues in more detail and to support Cuadrilla in its commitment to the highest environmental standards on this project.”

The move follows last week’s decision by British Gas owner Centrica to invest £160m in a share of Cuadrilla’s shale gas licences in Lancashire.