Authorization granted for commercial oil and gas extraction in Yorkshire, UK
In a statement, Kathryn, a representative of the Environment Agency, has confirmed that the assessment of the permit variation for Rathlin Energy's commercial operations at the West Newton A well site in East Yorkshire has been conducted.
The Environment Agency, following a detailed and rigorous assessment, has granted a permit variation to Rathlin Energy, allowing the company to begin commercial operations in East Yorkshire. This decision comes after an initial consultation in December 2021 and a subsequent consultation on the draft permit on 29 August.
The assessment process was designed to ensure compliance with the Environmental Permitting Regulations, legal requirements for oil and gas extraction at the West Newton A well site. The regulations are in place to protect both people and the environment from potential harm due to oil and gas extraction at the site.
The assessment ensured that the operating techniques and control measures at the proposed facility comply with the Environmental Permitting Regulations. The Environment Agency believes that the appropriate measures are in place for oil and gas extraction without causing harm to the environment or human health.
Rathlin Energy, backed by Cairn Energy, a British oil and gas exploration company, has operated its exploratory oil and gas drill site at West Newton A since 2013. However, the company has declined to describe its activity at West Newton A and at a drilling site near Walkington.
The decision to grant the permit has been met with criticism by the local Green Party, who describe it as a 'disaster'. Kevin Paulson, from the East Yorkshire Green Party, expressed concerns about local pollution and the large number of tanker trucks needed for oil removal, as well as global implications of new fossil fuel development.
Despite these concerns, the Environment Agency cannot find any reason to refuse the application for drilling at West Newton A. The permit variation for commercial operations at the West Newton A well site has been assessed to ensure compliance with the Environmental Permitting Regulations, which are in place to protect people and the environment.
With the permit variation granted, Rathlin Energy can now proceed with its commercial operations at the West Newton A well site in East Yorkshire.
