Pickering borehole reinjection permit granted

The Environment Agency has approved the application, submitted by gas company Third Energy UK Gas Ltd, for reinjection of water produced during gas extraction at an existing borehole in the town. 

The permit will allow Third Energy to take water produced from one layer of rock and inject it into another layer, via the same borehole, with the aim of allowing the exploitation of gas from this site.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said that the decision to issue the permits had been taken "following a careful examination of the proposed activities to ensure that all necessary controls and procedures are in place to protect the environment, including groundwater and drinking water supplies."

The spokesperson said: "As a regulator of onshore oil and gas exploration and development in England, the Environment Agency’s role is to ensure that these activities are carried out in a way that does not harm people or the environment.

"Our groundwater and geology experts have carefully examined Third Energy’s proposals, and we are confident that the operator’s proposed processes include sufficient measures to ensure the environment is protected, including drinking water supplies.

"As part of our determination, we have taken into account every concern related to the permit that was submitted during the consultation.

"Our role in ensuring environmental protection continues throughout the lifetime of an operational site, so we will continue to monitor this operation to ensure that Third Energy is working within the conditions set out in the permit."

The decision comes after two open consultations were carried out on the proposals, allowing the public to submit their views and express any concerns. 

A similar permit application from Third Energy, to carry out reinjection at an existing borehole at Ebberston Moor in North Yorkshire, was approved last week. Neither the Pickering nor Ebberston Moor reinjection permits allow fracking to take place.