This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-30847883

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Plumpton fracking: Cuadrilla granted environmental permits Plumpton fracking: Cuadrilla granted environmental permits
(9 days later)
The Environment Agency (EA) has granted energy firm Cuadrilla a permit to frack at one of its sites in Lancashire.The Environment Agency (EA) has granted energy firm Cuadrilla a permit to frack at one of its sites in Lancashire.
The environmental permit is required by the firm before it can extract shale gas at its proposed site at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton.The environmental permit is required by the firm before it can extract shale gas at its proposed site at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton.
The county council will make a final decision on Cuadrilla's planning application to frack at the Plumpton site and at Roseacre Wood this month.The county council will make a final decision on Cuadrilla's planning application to frack at the Plumpton site and at Roseacre Wood this month.
Residents Against Fylde Fracking said it was "disappointed" by the news. Residents Action Fylde Fracking said it was "disappointed" by the news.
Cuadrilla, which is waiting for a similar permit for its Roseacre Wood site from the EA, said the granting of the permit was "an important seal of approval".Cuadrilla, which is waiting for a similar permit for its Roseacre Wood site from the EA, said the granting of the permit was "an important seal of approval".
Chief executive Frances Egan said: "People should take a lot of reassurance with the thoroughness that the EA has put into this that it can be done in an environmentally responsible way."Chief executive Frances Egan said: "People should take a lot of reassurance with the thoroughness that the EA has put into this that it can be done in an environmentally responsible way."
The EA said it conducted a "rigorous assessment" of Cuadrilla's applications over the last six months including two extensive public consultations.The EA said it conducted a "rigorous assessment" of Cuadrilla's applications over the last six months including two extensive public consultations.
'Clear risks''Clear risks'
Under the conditions of the permit, Cuadrilla must protect groundwater, surface water and air quality and to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of waste.Under the conditions of the permit, Cuadrilla must protect groundwater, surface water and air quality and to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of waste.
EA's environment manager for Lancashire Steve Molyneux said it was "confident the permits issued will ensure people and the environment are protected".EA's environment manager for Lancashire Steve Molyneux said it was "confident the permits issued will ensure people and the environment are protected".
"The right controls are in place to manage waste and the flaring of gas safely, and protect local water resources.""The right controls are in place to manage waste and the flaring of gas safely, and protect local water resources."
Anti-fracking campaigners say fracking is harmful to the environment.Anti-fracking campaigners say fracking is harmful to the environment.
Residents Action on Fylde Fracking (RAFF) said it was "gravely concerned" by the EA's decision.Residents Action on Fylde Fracking (RAFF) said it was "gravely concerned" by the EA's decision.
"There are clear health and environmental risks associated with fracking and these risks have been highlighted in 27,000 objection letters which have been delivered to Lancashire County Council regarding Cuadrilla's two planning applications for Lancashire.""There are clear health and environmental risks associated with fracking and these risks have been highlighted in 27,000 objection letters which have been delivered to Lancashire County Council regarding Cuadrilla's two planning applications for Lancashire."
Fracking - or hydraulic fracturing - is a technique in which water and chemicals are pumped into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas.Fracking - or hydraulic fracturing - is a technique in which water and chemicals are pumped into shale rock at high pressure to extract gas.
The technique was suspended in the UK in 2011 after fracking of shale gas deposits near Blackpool was linked to two minor earthquakes.The technique was suspended in the UK in 2011 after fracking of shale gas deposits near Blackpool was linked to two minor earthquakes.
A government report published in June 2012 concluded fracking was safe if adequately monitored.A government report published in June 2012 concluded fracking was safe if adequately monitored.