Cuadrilla continues fracking in Lancashire after seismic activity
Despite seismic activity that has exceeded the UK Oil & Gas Authority's cautionary limits, Cuadrilla has been allowed to continue hydraulic-fracture drilling at its Preston New Road site.
The OGA said that while the seismic levels exceeded its magnitude-0.5 threshold from the Lancashire site, this was "set at a level well below what could be felt at the surface" and each time the drilling operator was required to immediately pause, reduce pressure and monitor for any further events.
During these pauses, the OGA said it has compared the location, magnitude and ground motion of these minor seismic events to the operator’s approved hydraulic fracture plan.
Cuadrilla began drilling at a first site at Preston New Road in April in order to find shale gas from the reservoir it has identified.
"To date the OGA has been satisfied that these events have been in line with the geological understanding set out in the HFP and that the risk of induced seismicity is being appropriately managed."
OGA director of regulation, Tom Wheeler, said: “We are continuing to take a cautious approach and have strict controls in place so that any event over the threshold results in a pause in operations to allow us to review the event and check that the operator’s approved plan is still valid. This pause can be extended if required.”