Overview

This bill aims to strengthen the regulation of fracking in England and Wales by mandating rigorous monitoring of environmental impacts, including water contamination, methane emissions, and the effects on local communities. It also introduces financial safeguards to ensure responsible operation and remediation.

Description

The Fracking (Measurement and Regulation of Impacts) Bill introduces several key measures:

Water Contamination

The bill requires mandatory testing of groundwater and local water supplies before and during fracking operations. Regular unannounced inspections by the Environment Agency will be implemented to ensure best practices are followed. A system for handling complaints from local residents will also be established, along with long-term modelling of groundwater flow to predict pollutant dispersal.

Methane Emissions

The Environment Agency will be tasked with monitoring fugitive methane emissions from fracking sites using both ground-based and satellite technology. The bill sets limits on allowable methane emissions, prohibiting venting and flaring of wells.

Wastewater Disposal

The bill mandates that wastewater from fracking facilities must be processed through licensed water treatment facilities. The Environment Agency will assess processes and outputs, and testing for radionuclides will be compulsory. Wastewater containing radionuclides must be disposed of in appropriately licensed facilities.

Impact on Local Communities

An independent review will assess the impact of fracking on local communities, considering factors such as increased traffic, loss of amenities, and the physical and mental health of residents.

Financial Safeguards

Shale gas operators will be required to deposit a financial bond to guarantee environmental remediation and the safe abandonment of fracking sites, even in the event of bankruptcy.

Fiscal Strategy Review

An independent review will assess the Government's fiscal strategy relating to unconventional gas extraction and its impact on climate change and air quality standards.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending on environmental monitoring, regulation enforcement, and independent reviews. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Shale gas operators: Will face increased regulatory burdens, including monitoring requirements, financial bonds, and emission limits.
• Environment Agency: Will have increased responsibilities for monitoring and regulation.
• Local communities: Will experience increased scrutiny of fracking's impact on their environment and health, with provisions for complaints and independent review.
• Water companies: May face increased responsibility in testing and managing water quality near fracking sites.
• Taxpayers: May see increased government spending related to the bill's implementation.

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