Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what independent peer-reviewed scientific studies have been conducted on whether it is safe to carry out flow-testing, small-scale fracturing operations and acid washing 10 metres from any watercourse and 200 metres from the nearest residents.

The Environment Agency has undertaken its own risk assessment and determined that the separation distances cited in the draft standard rules permits are safe for people and the environment. They have also consulted with both Natural England and Public Health England on the proposed rules, who are satisfied the distances are protective of human health and the environment.

Flow testing and acid washing occur at considerable depth underground and are low risk conventional techniques, which have been used by the oil and gas industry for many years. Any proposal for hydraulic fracturing would require a bespoke environmental permit.