Representatives from oil and gas industry host drop-in session

A group of public agencies is hosting a drop-in event in Scarborough to explain how they work together to regulate the onshore oil and gas industry and protect communities and the environment.

The Environment Agency, Health and Safety Executive, Oil and Gas Authority, and Public Health England are hosting the event at the Scarborough Bowls Centre, Peasholm Road, Scarborough, on Tuesday October 18.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “These agencies work together to assess the impacts of the oil and gas industry, to oversee industry operations, and to ensure that any exploration and development, including fracking, is done in a way that does not put people or the environment at risk of harm.

“The drop-in session is one of a series of events that offer local residents, businesses and other interested parties in North Yorkshire an opportunity to find out about agencies’ roles and to ask questions and discuss any issues or concerns they have about onshore oil and gas development ahead of any future applications to develop operations in the area.

“Everyone is welcome to attend at any time between 2pm and 7pm.”

The Oil and Gas Authority issues licences for onshore gas exploration.

The Environment Agency is the principal environmental regulator in England. The Environment Agency issues environmental permits for onshore oil and gas exploration.

Shale gas extraction, more commonly known as fracking, has been approved in Kirby Misperton, near Flamingo Land in Ryedale despite strong local opposition to the practise.

Earlier this month, the Government overruled a planning authority in Lancashire that had voted against allowing a company to carry out fracking within its boundaries.