Overview

This bill mandates stricter regulations on fracking in England and Wales, focusing on environmental protection and community impact. It requires comprehensive monitoring of air and water quality, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste disposal related to shale gas extraction, along with independent reviews of the fiscal strategy and the impact on local communities.

Description

The bill directs the Secretary of State to implement several key measures within specified timeframes.

Water Contamination

Mandatory testing for toxins in groundwater and local water supplies is required before and during fracking operations. Regular Environment Agency inspections of fracking sites are also mandated, along with systems for handling complaints from local residents and long-term groundwater flow modelling.

Methane Emissions

The Environment Agency must monitor fugitive methane emissions from fracking sites, using both ground-based and satellite measurement. The bill also sets limits on permissible methane emissions and prohibits venting and flaring of wells.

Waste Water Disposal

The bill requires disposal of fracking wastewater through licensed treatment facilities, including testing for radionuclides and appropriate disposal if found.

Community Impact

An independent review must assess the impact of fracking sites on local communities (increased traffic, loss of amenities) and the health of nearby residents.

Shale Gas Operator Bond

The bill mandates a financial bond from shale gas operators to ensure environmental remediation and safe site abandonment, even in case of operator bankruptcy.

Fiscal Strategy

An independent review is required to assess the current and potential contribution of the government's fiscal strategy for unconventional gas extraction to climate change and air quality standards.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it will necessitate funding for increased regulatory oversight, environmental monitoring, and independent reviews, likely resulting in additional costs for the UK government. The precise amount is subject to further budgetary allocation.

Groups Affected

• Shale gas operators: Will face increased regulatory burdens, costs associated with monitoring and compliance, and the requirement to provide a financial bond.
• Environment Agency: Will have significantly increased responsibilities for monitoring and regulation.
• Local communities: May experience both negative (increased traffic, potential health impacts) and positive (economic benefits if fracking projects proceed) impacts. Their concerns will be addressed through independent review of the local impact and complaints processes.
• Water companies: Increased monitoring of water quality will affect their operations.
• Public health bodies: Involved in assessing health impacts on nearby residents.

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