Home / Environment / Gas Rig Permit: Public Weighs In
Gas Rig Permit: Public Weighs In
3 Aug
Summary
- Consultation open on environmental permit for gas rig.
- Rig uses proppant squeeze method, compared to fracking.
- Permit process separate from planning permission refusal.
A public consultation has opened concerning the environmental permit for a proposed gas drilling rig in Burniston, North Yorkshire. Europa Oil & Gas has submitted plans for a 125ft (38m) rig, intending to employ a proppant squeeze technique for gas extraction. This method has been compared to "small-scale fracking" by campaigners, though it remains permissible under current laws.
North Yorkshire Council formally denied planning permission for the rig in May. However, the Environment Agency has indicated it is "minded to grant" the environmental permit, asserting that planning permission and environmental permits are distinct legal processes. The agency's assessment focuses on whether the application meets environmental legislation requirements and can operate without posing unacceptable risks.
The public consultation for the environmental permit is scheduled to conclude on 23 September. The Environment Agency encourages public participation, urging interested parties to review the consultation documents and submit their views before a final decision is made.
