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<p>There is no precedent for hydraulically fractured shale gas well decommissioning
costs being borne by local authorities.</p><p> </p><p>The Government has been clear
that the responsibility for decommissioning lies with the licensee and has sought
to reinforce this principle. For example, as set out in the Written Answer of 10 April
(HL15067) that as part of the associated application for Hydraulic Fracturing Consent,
the Government looks at the financial resilience of all companies wishing to carry
out hydraulic fracturing operations, including their ability to fund decommissioning
costs. My rt. hon. Friend the Secretary of State will not issue Hydraulic Fracturing
Consent unless he is satisfied this has been appropriately demonstrated.</p><p> </p><p>In
addition, Mineral Planning Authorities may require that bonds or other financial guarantees
are taken to underpin a planning condition.</p><p> </p><p>To date, there have only
been two hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in the UK. The first, at Cuadrilla’s
Preese Hall site in Lancashire, has been fully decommissioned and the land restored
to its previous use. The second, Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road well-1z, is still operational.</p>
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