Environmental campaigners have issued a warning that plans to drill for shale gas in Barton Moss, Salford, are in breach of planning permission.
IGas plc are due to start drilling for shale gas at the site near Eccles this month. They were granted permission for coal bed methane exploration in 2010, but now intend to explore for shale gas which could lead to the controversial practice of fracking.
Friends of the Earth has written to Salford City Council highlighting major discrepancies between the original planning permission and IGas’ current plans. No environmental impact assessment was carried out at the site and the permission does not allow for shale gas exploration – which occurs at a much deeper level than coal bed methane.
Friends of the Earth’s North West campaigner Helen Rimmer said:
“We believe there are major discrepancies between IGas’ planning application and their current plans. It’s clear that IGas have intentions to drill for shale gas, which could lead to risky fracking.
“We are concerned that fundamental environmental impacts have not been taken into account.
“Instead of risky fracking the Government should be investing in clean renewable energy that could create thousands of new jobs in the region.”
Steph Vickers from Salford said:
“Residents have been kept in the dark about IGas’ real plans. The area already suffers from bad air pollution and a lack of green space – gas extraction would make this worse and also risks contaminating our water.
“Local people are extremely worried by IGas’ plans and the prospect of hundreds of wells in Greater Manchester. We’re calling on Salford City Council to oppose fracking and safeguard our local environment. ”
ENDS.
Immediate release, Friday 22 November
Contact: Helen Rimmer, 07940 006783, 0161 2251745
Notes for Editors.
1. For a full briefing on the impacts of fracking please see: http://www.foe.co.uk/sites/
2. A copy of the letter from Friends of the Earth’s legal unit is available from: Helen.rimmer@foe.co.uk
