The Environment Agency has asked members of the public and environmental groups to submit their views on an application by fracking firm Cuadrilla to vary the terms of its licence for the Preston New Road site.

The company’s existing Environmental Permit governs activities at the site relating to the management of wastes produced from shale gas exploration the protection of ground water and flaring of natural gas.

The permit imposes the strict conditions that Cuadrilla must follow to protect people and the environment.

Cuadrilla has now applied to the Environment Agency to vary the permit to allow nitrogen lifting – a technique which involves pumping nitrogen gas, under pressure, into the well to bring injected hydraulic fracturing fluid and formation fluids from to the surface.

This clears the well and eases the flow of natural gas.

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Steve Molyneux, Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said: “We will assess these proposals, to vary the conditions of the permit, to ensure that the activity proposed by Cuadrilla can be carried out safely and provide a high level of protection for people and the environment.”

“We also welcome comments from the public and interested groups on local environmental factors that people feel are important and relevant to our assessment.”

The public consultation runs from Tuesday 16 July to Tuesday 13 August 2019.

You can view the documents and make comments online at The Environment Agency.

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