Industry Guidelines

In February 2013, the industry published the first issue of its guidelines covering best practice for shale well operations in the UK. In December 2016, the industry published its updated fourth issue.

Shale Gas Well Guidelines Icon

Guidelines covering best practice for shale well operations in the UK

SHALE GAS WELL GUIDELINES

The guidelines, which include hydraulic fracturing (fracking) processes, as well as ensuring the public disclosure of the make-up of fracturing fluids, were developed by a high level workgroup composed of experts in the field and with input from the relevant government departments, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the Environment Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

This first issue of the guidelines relates to the exploration and appraisal phase of shale gas well developments and contains what is considered to be good industry practice. References are made to relevant legislation, industry standards and practices, including Oil and Gas UK Guidelines, particularly to the Well Integrity Guidelines, where appropriate.

Most importantly, the UK guidelines set out that operators must publically disclose all chemical additives to fracturing fluids for each well. These disclosures meet or exceed all known standards in the shale gas industry.


Shale Community Engagement Charter

In June 2013, UKOOG launched its “Shale Community Engagment Charter” which outlines the steps that the industry will take to mitigate concerns surrounding safety, noise, dust, truck movements and other environmental issues. The industry recognises that it is critical that it has an open and honest dialogue with the public about what potential for shale gas in the UK means for communities.