In a report published today, the group – which aims to provide independent and impartial advice and information on shale gas exploration -said the process of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) has the potential to cause earthquakes measuring up to three on the Richter scale. However, wastewater injection is “likelier to cause larger earthquakes measuring up to five”, enough to cause structural damage to buildings.
The task force said it believes that there may be situations and circumstances where deep injection is a “sensible, cost effective and popular preferred means of waste disposal” and has recommended that this should be decided by the regulatory process, which should set “clear guidelines” for operators.
The report also lays out recommendations for the government and regulators, aiming to minimise the risks to health and environmental concerns surrounding shale gas extraction.
UK Onshore Oil and Gas, the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry, welcomed the report, which it said “clearly undertakes to make a relevant contribution to creating understanding among the general public of the hazards, risks and mitigation required with respect to shale gas extraction”
“ clearly sets out that the mere identification of a hazard does not mean there is a risk and that if there is a risk it does not mean it cannot be mitigated,” the group added.
Chief executive Ken Cronin said: “I was particularly pleased to note that the task force is satisfied that the risk levels associated with public health hazards are acceptable provided that the well is properly drilled, protected, monitored and regulated.”
However, Friends of the Earth energy campaigner Tony Bosworth said the report confirms that, despite “reassuring words” from a government and industry “desperate to get fracking”, UK regulations “are not tough enough”.
“But tougher rules can only make fracking safer, not safe,” he added. “This dangerous technology will always carry risks for the local environment and people’s health, as well as adding to climate change – so no amount of regulation or industry-funded task forces will make people embrace fracking.”