UK water industry to co-operate with fracking

The UK water industry will co-operate with the controversial practice of shale gas exploration and extraction, it announced today.

Trade body Water UK has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UK Onshore Operators Group (UKOOG), offering co-operation in a bid to minimise the effects on water resources and the environment.

It believes that while there are potential risks to water and wastewater services, these can be mitigated “given proper enforcement of the regulatory framework”.

Pamela Taylor, chief executive of Water UK, said: “Our members are determined to ensure any potential risks of shale gas extraction are minimised. The MoU gives water companies a crucial extra layer of safeguards on top of the existing regulations to help ensure water supplies and the environment is protected.”

Under the MoU, UKOOG and Water UK will work together to “identify and resolve risks” around baseline monitoring requirements as well as plans relating to site water management to assess impacts of onshore oil and gas development on the quality and quantity of local water resources.

In addition, the organisations will look at scenarios for the expansion of exploration and development within a local area and what this means for short and long-term demand for water at specific locations.

The expected volumes and chemical and biological composition of waste water, as well as preferred disposal routes, will also bebe assessed.

Ken Cronin, chief executive of UKOOG, said: “The environmental regulation covering the onshore oil and gas industry in the UK is among the most stringent in the world and, in addition, the industry has agreed to tough and transparent guidelines on how we operate and interact with local communities.”

Energy Minister Michael Fallon added:“Water UK’s conclusions are encouraging, confirming that shale gas production will not put undue pressure on water supplies, and that risks to water supplies can be managed through current regulations.

“It is crucial that shale gas is developed safely and the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the water industry and operators today is a significant step forward in ensuring this.”