Fracking firm Cuadrilla has asked for extra time before leaving its Preston New Road site.
While it has plugged and decommissioned as required, it is still required to monitor the site in order to satisfy the Environmental Agency that no lasting environmental harm has been caused by the hydrocarbon wellbores
While this had always been a requirement, Cuadrilla has failed to complete it in the previous two-year extension which expired last month. As such, it has requested Lancashire County Council give it another two years to complete it and the site could remain surrounded by fencing throughout that period.
Read more: Environment cabinet member blames net zero targets for high bills
According to its application, a minimum of 12 months monitoring is required and this will be followed by a roughly four month process of demolishing and restoring the site. It insists there are no plans to attempt to resume fracking at the site.
A moratorium – or indefinite ban – is currently in place on fracking across the UK. Liz Truss’ brief stint as Prime Minister had indicated this could change but this was quickly reversed.
The plot, off Preston New Road in Little Plumpton, became the focus of semi-permanent protest after the then government gave the green light for test drilling in October 2016. It was eventually stopped after more than 120 tremors were recorded during drilling.
The site’s two hydrocarbon wellbores have been safely plugged and decommissioned, with access to the two hydrocarbon boreholes and the wider site still required to allow for the environmental monitoring period to continue.
In its response to the application, North Sea Transition Authority says is satisfied that the wells have been plugged and abandoned to industry standards and Fylde Borough Council has raised no objection to the application, with its development manager Andrew Stell saying that “the council recognises the importance of appropriate remediation of the site and that it is necessary for the monitoring of those works is to be undertaken under an extended timeframe to ensure it is effective, and then be followed by appropriate decommissioning.”
However, County Councillor John Singleton has objected and criticised the slow progress of Cuadrilla. He also argued that if the extension if allowed, Cuadrilla should be punished for failing to meet previous deadlines.
He said: “I am happy the wellbores have been safely plugged with cement and decommissioned. The next stage is a period of post abandonment monitoring to verify the satisfaction of the Environment Agency.
“I note the reason for this extension time is to maintain the existing site for Environmental
monitoring. This environmental monitoring was always known in order to demonstrate no lasting harm has been caused. This should have been taken into account over the previous two year extension.
“In my opinion, it appears no one from this authority is monitoring the progress or lack of progress on these important milestones concerning the extensions. Our council tax payers, and those of our neighbouring district authorities, must be alarmed at lack of enforcement.
“The last time an extension was granted in 2023, it included all the decommissioning activities the council is being asked to extend again.
“In my opinion the land has not received the attention it should to meet the planning deadlines and I object to another two year extension as I fear in another two years we will be asking for another extension.
“If you do not accept my objection, I hope you will reduce this extension to 18 months (minimum) and that some enforcement activities take place as they should have done with this last extension.”
Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
