Extractive Industries

Case studies of shale gas sites show low risk to groundwater

A study of impacts on groundwater from shale gas production in northern England found that up to 14% of case areas could potentially be used to produce shale gas.

Extraction targets: an illustration of shale gas compared with other types of gas deposits (MagentaGreen – own work, CC)

The joint report by the Environment Agency and the British Geological Survey also concluded that groundwater across a district or region would be at low risk of a leak from hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, at shale gas site.

The case studies covered two areas in the Vale of Pickering in Yorkshire, and one in the Fylde Basin, Lancashire. The evidence provided could help inform decision-making by regulators, operators and the Government.

The report stated: “Cumulative impacts on groundwater depend on the number of active wells, and the rate and nature of pollutant release.

“Between 6% and 14% of the case study areas could potentially be useable for shale gas sites.”

Researchers assessed potential acute risk to groundwater of a leak directly into near-surface aquifers. Results showed that even if several wells failed, there would only be a low risk to groundwater across a district or region.

“If the shale gas industry develops substantial volumes of water may be needed, although this will be spread across several years.

“For a moderate impact scenario, the amount of water needed within the study areas would be less than 0.8% of the annual groundwater abstractions during 2016 for the north-east and northwest of England.”

Assessments were carried out from individual shale gas development proposals, with only limited attention given to the potential impacts from a widespread industry.

Researchers used published reports, mainly from the US which has a longer-established industry, on shale gas development, its impacts and risk mitigation measures.

The report added: “We estimated the likely area of land that could be used for constructing sites, and evaluated possible impacts on groundwater from operational activities, such as chemical spills, improper well construction or operation, and the volume of water needed for drilling and hydraulic fracturing.”

The department added that the potential cumulative impacts on groundwater should be further reviewed as the industry develops and data for England become available. This would include reassessing the areas already considered as well as considering other regions.

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