DEFRA – Shale Gas Rural Economy Impacts

This draft government report was heavily redacted (58 sections were blanked out) on its original publication.  After a Freedom of Information request by Greenpeace the government was finally ordered to publish it in full.

It warns that fracking could lead to: increased CO2 emissions due to burning more fossil fuels, decreasing house prices and increased rents, increased insurance costs due to risk of explosions and pollution from surface water contamination, noise & light.

Local residents could be impacted by up to 50 truck movements a day over a period of weeks, and “noxious odours from venting gases can also impact on air quality for local residents”.  The report states, “regulatory capacity may need to be increased” at a time of severe cuts when the exact opposite is happening. (click image to view pdf of report). 

 

“Shale gas development may transform a previously pristine and quiet natural region, bringing increased industrialisation…”

 

 

CHEM Trust

Chemicals from fracking could cause significant pollution and damage to wildlife

Recommendations:  full disclosure of chemicals; stronger regulation – EA cuts of particular concern; an absolute ban on wastewater re-injection; clean up bonds.

 

Scientists for Global Responsibility & Chartered Institute of Environmental Health

Regulation of the industry in the UK is currently inadequate (click on image for pdf of report)

• Confidence in the practice is undermined by a series of disingenuous claims made by both the Government and industry
• Virtually all economic analysts refute the claim that fracking will reduce energy bills
• job creation potential has been substantially exaggerated, and is also significantly less than that of the low-carbon energy sector
• Community benefits have been exaggerated
• the exploitation of shale gas is dangerous and unnecessary
• use of shale gas will undoubtedly be in addition to, not instead of, coal, and will therefore result in an overall increase in emissions

Also, see our report highlighting many concerns arising from the Regulators Roadshow in Aughton on 12 Oct 2016 here.