[MargaretR]

I have found the record of the parliamentary discussion of the shale gas
issue dated Feb '11

Here it is

It is a lengthy record of conversation between geologists and politicians.
An undue emphasis seemed to be placed on the financial aspects, but
environmental issues were discussed too.

I provide an extract of particular local interest -

Nigel Smith: Cuadrilla, they started with a big licence in
Lancashire and it covers all of what we call the Permo-Triassic Basin, the
West Lancs Basin, which stretches from the coast to Pendle Hill and the
Carboniferous outcrops. They have got three wells they are going to put
down. They have already drilled one. They have got two more that are about
five kilometres apart. They are going to start in one area where they think
they have got a good-where is the best target. If it is not successful there
they will try somewhere else within their licence.

More info here



The secrecy for 4 years is to protect stock market values

paras which are noteworthy -

Cuadrilla Resources, a US private equity backed firm, told
MPs at the energy and climate change committee that it will begin this month
to pump 1,200 cubic metres of highly pressurised water mixed with chemicals
and sand nearly 3,000 metres underground into an onshore shale gas reservoir
near Blackpool.

Cuadrilla began exploratory drilling at the first of
several test wells at Preese Hall Farm, Weeton, just inland from Blackpool,
in August. When the fracking begins this month, 1,200 cubic metres of water
mixed with chemicals - equivalent to about two and a half Olympic-sized
swimming pools - will be pumped horizontally along the reservoir to fracture
open the rock

( they are buying water from United Utilities)

The collected water, rock chips and drilling mud would
need to be sent to landfill. He said that based on geological seismic
surveys, the company could predict what happens to the fractured gas and
waste water mix but admitted: "You never have control. Fractures will always
go into the path of least resistance.

(so the waste from the operation is going to landfill.)

It seems Blackpool council granted the licence without much prior thought

The company has made its operations in the North Sea
available for visits from energy experts and politicians and done some media
interviews. But the chairman of Blackpool Green party, Philip Mitchell, said
the company had not directly engaged with the local community or held any
public meetings to explain its activities. He also criticised the licensing
and planning approval regulations, which predate the use of high-volume
hydraulic fracturing and do not place special requirements on unconventional
producers such as Cuadrilla

I have concluded that Lancashire is being used as a guinea pig for
these shale gas extraction methods - which isn't quite playing cricket is
it?
....and the decision on whether to extend the fracking to other companies
and other areas is deferred for 4 years.