Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, what limits he will impose on flaring of gas near to homes and businesses; and whether prevailing wind directions will be a consideration when setting restrictions on any flaring.

Flaring of gas at onshore sites will require a permit from the Environment Agency. The Agency will require the applicant to carry out a risk assessment in line with published guidance. Where appropriate, they may require additional modelling which may include factors such as proximity to sensitive receptors (such as occupied premises) and prevailing wind direction. In any case, the Agency would normally expect the drilling operations to be at least 200 metres from the nearer sensitive receptor.

Additionally, in their consideration of the suitability of the proposed location for any drilling, the local planning authority concerned should address potential impacts on local amenity, including from light and noise arising from flaring, as part of their consideration of the related planning application.

Flaring of gas onshore or offshore also requires the consent of my rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State under the Energy Act 1976. Our policy is that any flaring should be reduced to the economic minimum.