Fracking ‘set to start in Runcorn’
CHEMICAL giant Ineos is planning to frack in Runcorn according to BBC Radio Merseyside.
The broadcaster confirmed yesterday that it had spoken to Ineos Shale operations director Tom Pickering who had revealed the proposals.
Ineos was due to send a statement as the Weekly News was going to print.
Residents had posted messages about the radio broadcast, from the Royal Cheshire County Show, on a Runcorn incinerator Facebook page.
The controversial process of fracking caused public furore wherever proposals have been tabled in the UK.
Lengthy protests have already been ongoing near Chester over planned fracking in the area.
Meetings with residents have also taken place in Frodsham.
Fracking involves pumping chemicals and water into the shale rockbed to force gas to the surface.
Backers claim it is safe and essential to achieving security for the UK.
Critics say the process contaminates water courses and contributes to climate change.
Fracking is banned under moratoriums in countries including Germany, France, Bulgaria and the Netherlands, but has been developed rapidly in Poland.
The British Geological Survey’s official position is that fracking risks ‘low magnitude earthquakes’ energy and ground and surface water contamination caused by poor design leading to spills.
It said a ‘broad regulatory framework’ exists for dealing with the risk.
The Guardian reported in September that big companies including BP, Chevron, Shell and ExxonMobil had been lobbying the EU to scrap environmental safety measures relating to fracking.
Coalbed gas reserves under Runcorn have been extracted for several years via a drilling site at Doe Green in Penketh near Widnes.
Ineos Shale discussed its plans with the public as it hosted a stall at the Royal Cheshire County Show in Knutsford on TuesdayWednesday, June 21-22, where it said it would discuss concerns with ‘local communities’.
A company spokesman said the firm believes a UK shale gas industry will help the North West to create jobs, generate taxes and support its existing manufacturing base including in Runcorn.
He added that Ineos Shale has been holding meetings with councillors across the county as part of an ongoing ‘community engagement programme’.
Ineos was approached for comment. Tom Pickering, Ineos Shale operations director, said: “We are delighted to be attending The Royal Cheshire County Show.
“It will give us a chance to speak directly to the people of Cheshire.
“We believe that shale gas can be produced safely and could create thousands of jobs and bring substantial economic benefits to the area.”