Experts call for oil probe ban after quakes

OIL exploration in southern England should be banned after the area was hit by 12 earthquakes in under five months, experts said yesterday.

A letter by four geologists and seismologists urged Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark to intervene “without delay”.

Oil exploration is under way near Gatwick at two sites – Horse Hill and Brockham – and the area has been hit by earthquakes since April.

The academics from University College London, Imperial College and Edinburgh University wrote in The Times: “A causal link with either well site cannot be ruled out.

“A moratorium is urgently needed on hydrocarbon exploration in the area of Surrey recently affected.

Tremors

“We believe that public health and the environment are not being adequately protected, given the unstable geology.”

But both firms involved in the exploration denied any link with the quakes and insisted there was no fracking, which has been linked to seismic activity.

Angus Energy, which runs the Brockham site, said: “Angus Energy has not performed any subsurface work or major operations for at least 18 months.”

UK Oil & Gas, which runs the Horse Hill site, said: “There is no evidence that would suggest oil and gas activity is the cause of these tremors.

“We therefore feel these academics should rely on scientific principles and review the evidence before sending this letter.”

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy said: “There are no current drilling operations ongoing in this area. The British Geological Survey is conducting further investigation into this seismic activity and the Oil and Gas Authority await their findings.”