Shale gas exploration starts at controversial site

CIVIL engineering contractors have started work building Cuadrilla’s controversial shale gas exploration site in Lancashire.

Fracking company Cuadrilla finally got the go-ahead from the Government in October to begin work at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton, after a three-year battle resulting in losses for the company of £15m.

Communities secretary Sajid Javid approved plans for shale gas exploration at the site after Lancashire County Council turned it down following a wave of protest.

The  British Geological Survey (BGS) reported that the Bowland Shale, which runs deep beneath Lancashire, could hold enough recoverable natural gas to meet the UK’s needs for over 40 years.
 
Cuadrilla says it now plans to get on with understanding just what role Lancashire shale gas could one day play in heating the homes and businesses of the UK, whilst supporting local jobs and buying from local companies.
 
Tim Freshney, a member of the Steering Group at Lancashire For Shale, said: “It’s great to see Cuadrilla finally able to get on with the important work of assessing Lancashire’s shale gas potential.

“There are hundreds of local businesses eager to play their part in the supply chain that will be needed to grow a successful shale gas industry here, and I’m certain they will also be pleased to see work now getting under way at Preston New Road.”
 
The surface site, which is roughly the size of a rugby pitch, will take approximately three months to build and prepare before drilling can commence.

The early works will include a new site entrance, access road and well pad. The top soil on the well pad will be cleared so a protective membrane can be installed to create an impermeable barrier underneath the site.

Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla, said: “The start of work on our new shale gas exploration site is an important milestone for Lancashire, bringing new economic growth and jobs for the county.

“The work will be undertaken to the highest safety and environmental standards. The operations are also underpinned by comprehensive site monitoring programmes undertaken separately by ourselves, regulators and independent academics.

“Twelve months from now we hope this work will prove the economic viability of this indigenous shale gas resource in Lancashire which will help improve energy security for the nation.”