The House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee has launched a new  an inquiry on the environmental risks posed  by fracking operations in the UK.

Issues covered by the wide-ranging inquiry include potential risks to water supplies and water quality, emissions, habitats and biodiversity, and geological integrity. The Commoiittee will also consider necessary environmental safeguards, including through the planning/permitting system and the implications for the UK’s carbon emissions reduction obligations.

The Committee is now inviting submissions of written evidence on the issues, up to a maximum 3,000 words in length, which must also include a declaration of interests.

The Committee is working to a relatively tight timetable  - deadline for submissions is 31 December 2014.