Shale Gas: MEPs Concerned About the Environmental Damages

The MEPs recognize that shale gas exploration and extraction may possibly result in complex and cross-cutting
interactions with the surrounding environment, in particular the hydraulic fracturing, the composition of the fracturing liquid, the depth and construction of the wells and the area of surface land affected.

The types of rocks present in each individual region determine the design and method of extraction activities.
They call for mandatory baseline analysis of groundwater and geological analysis of the deepand shallow geology of a prospective shale play prior to authorization, including reports on any past or present mining activities in the region.

Stressing the need for scientific studies regarding the long-term impact on human health of fracking-related air pollution
and water contamination. They call the Commission to ensure the effective implementation of laws on mining environmental impact assessment in national legislation, stressing at the same time that each  impact assessment should be carried out as an open and transparent process.
MEPS call on the Commission to bring forward proposals to ensure that environmental impact of Assessment Directive
provisions adequately cover the specificities of shale gas, shale oil, and coal bed methane exploration and extraction,
insisting that prior environmental impact assessment includes full life-cycle impacts on air quality, soil quality, water quality, geological stability, land use and noise pollution.

Note that there is a risk of seismic tremors as demonstrated by shale gas exploration in the
North-West of England; supports the recommendations of the UK Government commissioned report that operators be required to meet certain seismic and micro seismic standards.

Anna van Densky

Share this article: