On the 13 December 2012, the Government in another display of breathtaking wisdom, gave the go-ahead to shale gas exploration in the UK.
According to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Edward Davey 'Shale gas represents a promising new potential energy resource for the UK. It could contribute significantly to our energy security, reducing our reliance on imported gas, as we move to a low carbon economy.
My decision is based on the evidence. It comes after detailed study of the latest scientific research available and advice from leading experts in the field'.
As to who those experts are isn't clear, but the Environment Agency (EA) is referred to in the statement.
So what has the EA got to say about it? Well on their web site it's stated that the risks associated with shale gas exploration 'can be controlled through proper design and management of the drilling and extraction site'.
The crystal ball commissioned by the EA goes on to reveal that 'Through effective regulation we will help ensure that any unconventional gas operations are conducted in a way that protects people and the environment'.
Most reassuring. I guess everyone will now drop their banners and endorse the latest natural gas revolution, especially given that these regulations only cover exploration not the commercial production of shale gas.
Unfortunately for the Government and the EA, the scientific consensus is somewhat critical of the current regulatory regime. This was clearly reflected in a report released last year (2011) by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Reseach. Shale gas: an updated assessment of environmental and climate change impacts is a detailed scientific analysis of the current state of play of shale gas exploration. The EU now agrees. The European Commission's Environment Directorate-General has issued a comprehensive report (August 2012), which goes into the issues in considerable depth.
It makes no bones concerning the risks of fracking. Here's a summary of its findings and recomendations:
- Ensuring the integrity of wells and other equipment throughout the development, operational and their post-abandonment lifetime so as to avoid the risk of surface and/or groundwater contamination
- Ensuring that spillages of chemicals and waste waters with potential environmental consequences are avoided during the development and operational lifetime of wells
- The potential toxicity of chemical additives and the challenge to develop greener alternatives
- The unavoidable requirement for transportation of equipment, materials and wastes to and from the site, resulting in traffic impacts that can be mitigated but not entirely avoided
The report also notes that:
- Land use requirements are considerable, occupying about 3.6 hectares per well pad. With multiple installations, this could result in a significant loss or fragmentation of amenities or recreational facilities, valuable farmland or natural habitats
- Emissions could affect air quality. Emissions include: Ozone; diesel fumes from pumps; hazardous pollutants from fracturing fluids; fugitive emissions
- Noise pollution onsite and from traffic
- High risk of surface and groundwater contamination leading to greater cumulative impacts
- High water resource use
The report also identifies considerable gaps in EU legislation.
This is an impressive document from the point of view that it is completely transparent about the risks that fracking imposes and the potential health impacts from the process.
It is also clear on the shortcomings of the current regulatory regime.
Compared to the UK government, the approach of the EU to this issue has been night and day. All we've had is a somewhat vague statement from the Department of Climate Change (DECC), which totally lacks any substance.
Given the findings of this document and when you consider the wide spread opposition to incinerators, which do have tight regulation are we to accept the prospect of a gas well in our back yard sometime soon?
Perhaps those objecting to wind farms ought to change their perspectives.
One thing is clear here. The EU has listened to the 'real' experts. The UK Government quite frankly hasn't paid attention. Pigheaded ideology has displaced science and common sense. But then this has become a trademark of this government, one which was reinforced recently by an undercover investigation by Greenpeace.
Greenpeace effectively exposed corrupt dealings within the Tory Party, with our dear Chancellor George Osborne right in the thick of it. Briefly there is a presence within the Tory Party that is hell bent in totally scuppering the green economy.
In a supplementary article, Greenpeace focuses on George Osborne's role in this debacle.
And just to reinforce the case, Greenpeace captured the whole thing by covertly filming the investigation (below)!
The EU opens the door to the public
On December 20 2012, following the release of the report discussed above, the European Commission (EC) launched a public consultation on unconventional fossil fuels (e.g. shale gas) in Europe. This consultation is open to individual citizens and organisations in the EU. External Civil society can also comment on the process. It runs to March 20 2013.
This is perhaps the most important development of all as it could decide the fate of 'unconventional's' in Europe.
Suffice to say everyone should try and make an effort to participate in this consultation. It might be the most important few minutes you've ever spent. However do note the way the questions are framed and don't allow yourself to become sidetracked.
Now that Europe has put the unconventional's debate into the public domain, this raises an important question about the decision here in the UK to go ahead with fracking operations.
Was Ed Davey and his department aware of the EC report that had came out earlier? And perhaps more importantly, were they aware of the forthcoming consultation and was the DECC announcement an attempt to pre-empt it by a week?
I'm asking these questions because of this Governments track record to date and the general attitudes towards sustainable energy solutions - particularly in the light of the Greenpeace evidence noted above.
This new EU consultation offers an opportunity to decide whether we - along with the rest of Europe - embark on a new dash for gas, or whether to tread the path towards sustainable energy. Please grab this opportunity with both hands.
View the video here as I'm unable to embed it.
Comments