ENERGY company Third Energy has been issued with a warning after emissions from one of its gas wells were found to have been incorrectly reported.

The warning from regulators the Environment Agency (EA) prompted an outcry from anti-fracking campaigners, but Third Energy said it means that regulation is working as it should.

The Environment Agency issued the company with a compliance assessment report in February this year, after it was found that average emissions figures from one of its conventional gas wells were incorrect.

The error was found at the company’s Knapton Generating Station not far from the Kirby Misperton shale gas well.

The report stated: “Third Energy need to ensure that they have quality assurance in place on their emissions monitoring and are fully aware of the input parameters and calculations in their reporting software.”

There was no evidence emissions levels had exceeded permitted levels.

In a separate, second incident, Third Energy was criticised by the EA for failing to use the agreed method for monitoring groundwater quality at its Pickering well site.

The Environment Agency visited that well site towards the end of last year, when inspectors watched a contractor sampling groundwater from two boreholes for monitoring, but said they were not using the method specified in the permit.

Local campaigners say the issues are concerning as the safety of fracking is dependent on adhering to environmental conditions and regulations.

Russell Scott of Frack Free Ryedale said: “How can the local community trust this company when they repeatedly withhold information about the true picture of their activities?”

Ian Conlan, also of the group, added: “This company has deliberately used a different scheme of monitoring water that was not subject to a public consultation.”

A Third Energy spokesperson said: "Firstly, it is important to say that there have been absolutely no impacts on the environment.

"What these two reports demonstrate is the rigour of the EA and how their system of oversight works.

"Every small technical issue is identified, recorded and then required follow up action detailed. This information is published on the Environment Agency website and available to the public.

"Third Energy works closely with the Environment Agency to ensure its operations maintain environmental compliance at all times.

"The regulatory system is very detailed and every part of Third’s operations is subject to close scrutiny, particularly during regular site visits from the Environment Agency."