Blackpool, Lancashire, 30th Aug 2018. Fracking for Shale Gas imminent at the Caudrilla Exploration site after the Government gave the go ahead for the pressure process to begin. Caudrilla have indicated that the intention is to begin the fracking process in September when ample supplies of water are available from the nearby reservior. This is site the first multi-well shale gas frack pad is one of many expected to be approved in the Fylde as the north-west of England is believed to gas rich and suitable for exploration. Credit: MediaWorldImages/Alamy Live News
Shale gas firm Cuadrilla has been given the go ahead by the government to start fracking at a well in Lancashire, after the energy minister issued the first permit since a new regulatory regime was introduced. Fracking is expected to begin anytime soon in September at the Little Plumpton, Preston New Road site, near Blackpool, which has been under siege by protestors since work on the experimental site started. Hydraulic fracturing kit will pump water, sand and chemicals at high pressure underground to fracture the shale and release gas. Credit; MediaWorldImages/AlamyLiveNews Cuadrilla said in its approved hydraulic fracture plan that it would use up to 31,000 cubic metres of water to frack the first well – the equivalent of about half a day’s local supply and less than 8% of the volume lost in leaks every day by the local water company, United Utilities. John Hobson, of Defend Lytham, writing today in DeSmog UK, said “The first well is somewhat unique. If Cuadrilla’s fracking plans go ahead — with longer well lengths across hundreds of wells — the annual water requirement rises into the tens of millions of cubic metres for 20 years. “So, while the issue of Cuadrilla’s test frack at Preston New Road might be seen as largely symbolic, the reality is that this industry’s water usage could dwarf domestic consumption for the next two decades.”
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