Environment expert explores controversial 'fracking' technique

Berrymans Lace Mawer LLP (BLM) solicitor Joanne Holbrook comments on yesterday's report by energy firm Cuadrilla whilst considering the safety and environmental implications.

In the newly commissioned report called Geo-mechanical Study of Bowland Shale Seismicity, Cuadrilla claims that drilling as part of shale gas testing was "highly probable" as a cause for tremors that occurred recently in Lancashire.

The controversial technique known as  "fracking" is used to extract gas from the ground. The process has been subject to protests from those who deem fracking as unsafe. In the eagerly awaited report, the energy firm also says that the tremors were due to "an unusual combination of geology at the well site coupled with the pressure exerted by water injection."

One tremor of magnitude 2.3 on the Richter scale hit the area on April 1 followed by a second of magnitude 1.4 on May 27, prompting locals and environmental campaigners to blame the fracking technique being used. Joanne Holbrook a lawyer in the environment team at BLM commented: "The announcement has significant implications. Fracking is controversial, both here and overseas. This is because of concerns about its environmental impacts and the opinion held by some that it discourages the development of renewable energy options. 

The report has indicated that factors leading to the earthquakes are unlikely to happen again. The report may not reassure the public, however it has highlighted the need for there to be a dispassionate debate. This will not remove the controversy, but will ensure that everyone has a greater understanding of the issues."

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) stated that it will review the report very carefully in consultation with the British Geological Survey, independent experts, the HSE and the Environment Agency before any further decisions are made to resume the process.