Energy firm Cuadrilla begin construction work at Lancashire Fracking site
Work's getting underway on the UK's first official Fracking site - that's here in Lancashire.
Work's getting underway on the UK's first official Fracking site - that's here in Lancashire.
The government gave the energy company Cuadrilla the green light to explore for shale gas at the Preston New Road site in October last year.
It's thought this prep work, which includes clearing soil, will take around three months before drilling can begin.
The surface site, which is roughly the size of a rugby pitch, will take approximately three months to build and prepare before drilling can commence.
These early works will include a new site entrance, access road and well pad. The top soil on the well pad will be cleared so a protective membrane can be installed to create an impermeable barrier underneath the site.
Francis Egan, CEO of Cuadrilla said: “The start of work on our new shale gas exploration site is an important milestone for Lancashire, bringing new economic growth and jobs for the County. The work will be undertaken to the highest safety and environmental standards. The operations are also underpinned by comprehensive site monitoring programmes undertaken separately by ourselves, regulators and independent academics. Twelve months from now we hope this work will prove the economic viability of this indigenous shale gas resource in Lancashire which will help improve energy security for the nation.”
Anti-Fracking campaigners have told Rock FM that they are planning demonstrations at the Preston New Road site.