Info session on fracking
AN information session to explain how the oil and gas industry is regulated will go ahead in Ormskirk next week.
The informal gettogether will be attended by representatives of the Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive, Oil and Gas Authority and Public Health England.
There will also be explanations on how the environment and people’s health are protected.
Everyone is welcome to attend and meet the regulators and agencies between 2pm and 7.30pm next Wednesday (October 12) at Christ Church, Long Lane, Aughton.
Energy firm Cuadrilla has already carried out shale gas exploration work at a site in Banks.
Berni Shaw, National Engagement Business Partner – Oil and Gas for the Enironment Agency, said: “As regulators and agencies involved in assessing the impacts of the oil and gas industry, our role is to help ensure that any exploration and development, including fracking operations, is done in a way that protects people and the environment.
“Local communities rightly look to us to provide information on how health and environmental risks are being controlled and managed properly, and to hold oil and gas operators to account.
“This session will be a great opportunity for us to meet with local people, explain our respective roles and discuss some of the key issues before sites are identified for development.”
The Environment Agency is the principal environmental regulator in England and issues environmental permits for onshore oil and gas exploration.
Licences for onshore gas exploration are granted by the Oil and Gas Authority.
Safety on the drilling site, including well integrity, is regulated by the Health and Safety Executive.