UKOOG comment on Shale Gas Task Force Interim report and recommendations
25 March 2015
We are pleased to note that the Task Force review concluded that the current regulatory process is fit for purpose. It is critical that in the long term, the public have confidence in the robust regulatory system in the UK and whilst we recognise more could be done to help them understand the regulatory roles of environmental protection, health and safety we are confident that this can be achieved by all concerned.
We are also pleased that the Task Force has recognised that risk assessment and prior public consultation is important. Both of these processes have already been put in place over the course of the last 12 months and a number of operators and UKOOG members have engagement programmes that already exceed recommendations.
The Task Force now needs to extend their research substantially. This interim report does not appear to have reviewed any of the 19 wells drilled last year - and we strongly urge the Task Force to consult with those operators who have successfully engaged with communities over the last 12 months and continue to do so before finalising their recommendations.
Ken Cronin, CEO of UKOOG, said:
“We are happy to see this interim report highlights a number of key areas, many of which the industry is already addressing. Public confidence in our regulatory system is vital, we will look in detail at this report and discuss with the Task Force how to take their interim recommendations to the next stage after further research”
ENDS
Contact:
Newgate Communications: Deborah Saw/Jason Nisse This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0207 680 6550
UKOOG Best practice Guidelines
Shale gas well guidelines - http://www.ukoog.org.uk/images/ukoog/pdfs/ShaleGasWellGuidelinesIssue2.pdf
Community engagement charter- http://www.ukoog.org.uk/images/ukoog/pdfs/communityengagementcharterversion6.pdf
Baseline monitoring - http://www.ukoog.org.uk/images/ukoog/pdfs/Guidelines_for_the_Establishment_of_Environmental_Baselines_for_UK_Onshore_Oil_and_Gas_Issue_1_January_2015.pdf
About UKOOG:
UKOOG is the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry, including exploration, production and storage. The organisation’s objectives are to enhance the profile of the onshore industry, promote better and more open dialogue with key stakeholders, deliver industry wide initiatives and programmes and to ensure standards in safety, the environment and operations are maintained to the highest possible level. Membership is open to all companies active in the onshore industry including those involved in the supply chain.
www.ukoog.org.uk
