British shale company to set new bar

LONDON, July 30 (UPI) -- British shale gas pioneer Cuadrilla Resources said Wednesday it's confident it can kick-start a new industry in the country in a safe manner.

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 in the area.

The company produced an 8-minute video with environmental consultant group Arup outlining the information in the documents.

Cuadrilla Resources Chief Executive Officer Francis Egan said the industry would start off on the right foot.

"We know shale gas exploration can be done safely, securely and in an environmental responsible way, and we will do that," he said in a statement.

Protests against Cuadrilla's early shale efforts in the village of Balcombe last year became unruly. Last week, officials in the area balked on a separate drilling application.

Less than a week later, the British government said tapping into the country's shale natural gas reserves could bring substantial economic and environmental benefits.

Des Correia, project director for Arup, said the country is at the dawn of a new energy industry.

"It is important that we set a high bar on standards," he said. "The legacy of our work will help Cuadrilla and other key stakeholders to shape the future of shale gas exploration in the United Kingdom."