PRESTON, England, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- British shale pioneer Cuadrilla Resources was granted the environmental permits necessary to carry out at shale work in Lancashire, the government said Friday.
"After completing a rigorous assessment of Cuadrilla's application and the public consultation responses, we are confident the permits issued will ensure people and the environment are protected," Steve Molyneux, environment manager for Lancashire, said in a statement. "The right controls are in place to manage waste and the flaring of gas safely, and protect local water resources."
Cuadrilla in June deposited 21 chapters of environmental studies with the Lancashire County Council associated with plans for up to four shale gas exploration wells.
The council said initially it would make a determination by early November, but said more time was needed to study the application.
Cuadrilla said there may be as much as 200 trillion cubic feet of shale natural gas in the Bowland basin in Lancashire. When he submitted the studies to the council, Cuadrilla Chief Executive Officer Francis Egan said the documents represented the "most comprehensive" studies of their kind ever completed.
"Should Cuadrilla begin exploration, we will ensure the permit conditions are enforced," Molyneux said.
The decision comes one day after the British Geological Survey announced plans to conduct live monitoring of shale exploration in Lancashire.
A consortium led by BGS and university partners will carry out groundwater, regional air quality and seismic activity research at two proposed fracking sites in the region.
The British government in 2012 enacted new restrictions on hydraulic fracturing, ending a moratorium enforced after minor tremors were reported near Lancashire drilling sites.
Lancashire resident Barbara Richardson told British Friends of the Earth earlier this week she was "horrified" by the prospects of a hydraulic fracturing campaign in the region, expressing concern about the environment and the industrial activity associated with an exploration campaign.
There was no statement on the permit from Cuadrilla.
