Published in the Hampshire Chronicle on Monday 11th November 2013
HAMPSHIRE County Council has been accused of following the Government line on fracking by green campaigners and failing to protect the environment.
Councillors on the environment and transport select committee on 5th November considered the impact of controversial drilling for shale gas.
After a briefing paper from officers, the majority agreed “no action was required by the county council at this time” and “the committee is satisfied that rigorous regulations and controls are in place to manage the potential risks from fracking.”
Fracking – or hydraulic fracturing – involved drilling thousands of feet underground and then pumping in pressurised water and chemicals to crack the rocks below and release trapped pockets of gas.
The briefing paper outlined concerns, including pollution of groundwater, chemical spills, methane emissions and “small earthquakes.”
But officers said the Environment Agency would monitor water quality, methane escape and seismic activity – and had the power to shut down wells if problems developed.
Meanwhile benefits include reduced gas imports, lower energy prices and bridging the gap for the development of renewable energy sources.
Local communities also may benefit with £100,000 paid for each well.
Licenses for exploratory drilling have already been granted in parts of Hampshire, including north of Winchester between Kings Worthy and Stockbridge, north of Southampton, stretching east from North Baddesley to Swanwick, Hambledon and Hinton in the New Forest.
Continue reading Hampshire County Council accused of towing Government line in fracking row
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