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<p>The Government has been clear that the development of domestic energy sources such
as shale gas must be safe and environmentally sound. The UK has a robust regulatory
system which provides a comprehensive regime for exploratory activities.</p><p> </p><p>The
Environment Agency has carried out an assessment of the environmental risks associated
with hydraulic fracturing and the measures that are needed to ensure that the local
environment is protected. Based on this, the Environment Agency has developed and
published detailed guidance setting out the conditions that fracking operations must
meet.</p><p> </p><p>Businesses proposing to explore for oil and gas using hydraulic
fracturing require environmental permits from the Environment Agency, which are subject
to a detailed site-specific assessment. The permits set legally binding conditions
on how activities are carried out so that the local environment is protected. The
permit requires that the groundwater, surface water and air quality is monitored before,
during and after operations. Extraction of shale gas takes place well below the aquifers
that provide drinking water, which are usually located up to few hundred metres below
ground. No fracturing is permitted less than 1,000 metres below the surface.</p><p>
</p><p>The Environment Agency carries out regular inspections, audits and unannounced
spot checks to ensure compliance with the environmental permit.</p>
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