The Environment Agency has announced a second period of consultation on Cuadrilla’s applications for environmental permits for the proposed shale gas exploration site at Plumpton in Lancashire – saying it is “minded” to permit them.

The Agency has been carrying out a rigorous assessment of Cuadrilla’s applications and the comments made by the public during the first period of consultation, which closed in August.

Based on the assessment, the Environment Agency said it is now is minded to grant Cuadrilla the environmental permits needed to carry out their operations. The Agency said it would welcome any new relevant information for consideration before making a final decision.

The draft permits set out the conditions needed to protect groundwater, surface water and air quality and to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of wastes. If the permits are issued Cuadrilla would have to follow these strict conditions, which are intended ensure that operations do not cause harm to people or the environment. The Environment Agency said it would rigorously enforce the conditions.

Steve Molyneux, Environment Agency Environment Manager for Lancashire, said:

“Our regulatory controls for onshore oil and gas are in place to protect people and the environment. We will not permit activities that pose an unacceptable risk.”

“This further stage of consultation gives the public and interested groups an opportunity to see our decision making process and have their say on the draft environmental permits.”

Click here to view the consultation documents online.