Say no to Dirty Energy in Barton Moss and Davyhulme….

To extract the gas, water and toxic chemicals are pumped underground under high pressure using a risky technique called fracking.  In the United States shale gas drilling has been linked to water and air pollution.  In the UK fracking triggered earthquakes at the test-drilling sites in Lancashire. Despite this, the Government has given the green light for fracking to continue.

Shale gas is advertised as a way for the UK to have its own gas supply. But at what cost?

Shale gas is too risky.  In addition to pollution and local impacts:

• Shale gas would contribute to dangerous climate change.

“Consequently, if we are serious in our commitment to avoid dangerous climate change, the only safe place for shale gas remains in the ground” says Professor Kevin Anderson at the Tyndall Centre and the University of Manchester. (link)

• Shale gas is unlikely to cut energy bills.

“It is unlikely to push UK gas prices significantly below today’s levels.” Committee on Climate Change, 13 September 2013.

• Developing Shale Gas and Coal Bed Methane production would contradict the Greater Manchester Climate Change Strategy (2011-2020).

One of the key outcomes of this strategy is: “To have created market conditions which promote low and zero carbon energy generation and distribution opportunities across Greater Manchester.” (Page 34)

Coal Bed Methane (CBM) exploration, production and extraction poses serious risks to groundwater. Chemicals used in CBM drilling muds can be just as toxic as those used in fracking, and there are risks of spills and leakages. CBM is typically found at much shallower depths than shale gas and therefore risks such as groundwater contamination are increased.

Help us stop fracking and other ‘dirty energy’ in the UK.  Friends of the Earth is calling for a stop to fracking. We need clean energy, not more fossil fuels.

Energy Minister, Michael Fallon, promised his own constituents in Sevenoaks, that “residents will not be subjected to fracking unless constituents want it.”

Now is the time to show Trafford Council, Salford Council and the Government that we do not want shale gas, coal bed methane or any other dirty energy in Greater Manchester.

Please send letters of objection:

Nr Davyhulme (Trafford): IGas, has also applied to Trafford Council for an extension to the planning permission granted for coal bed methane exploratory drilling near Davyhulme. (74681/FULL/2010 (Construction of site for exploration, production testing and extraction of coal bed methane…).  The deadline for responses is Friday 25th October.  See our suggested objection letter (pdf version / Word document). Please personalise your letter if you can.  Email your response to: development.control@trafford.gov.uk or post to: Planning & Buildng Control,  Trafford Council,  Sale Waterside, Sale, M33 7ZF.

Barton Moss (Salford) (This consultation is now closed):  IGas, the company that wants to drill for coal bed methane and/or shale gas in Barton Moss are applying to the Environment Agency for a Mining Waste Permit. The deadine for responses is Thursday 17th October.  See our suggested objection letter (pdf version / Word document). Please personalise your letter if you can. Email your response to: PSCpublicresponse@environment-agency.gov.uk  or post to: P&SC – EP Team, Quadrant 2, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield, S9 4WF.

For more information on:

How you can get involved in the Global Frackdown day and the month of action on energy.

You can also have a look at our fracking resources and join our fracking and shale gas hub. See below for links to some of the Friends of the earth fracking resources.