The British Geological Survey revealed it plans to expand its existing programs by carrying out independent detailed research in areas of the UK that may see shale gas exploration and production.
The BGS has existing national environmental research programmes that include seismic and groundwater monitoring. This research will be enhanced in selected areas where shale gas resources have been identified to gain vital ‘baseline’ information. In addition, if planning applications for shale gas exploration are approved in Lancashire, this research will include monitoring during hydraulic fracturing. This research will provide the UK scientific community, with unique real-time data from shale gas operation over its whole lifecycle – before, during and after hydraulic fracturing has taken place.
Ed Davey, the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy and Climate Change, gave In December 2012, the green light for shale gas exploration to resume. Cuadrilla currently has two planning applications (Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood) before Lancashire County Council and intends to commence shale gas exploration if these are approved.