Organisations collaborate to reduce shale gas impact on UK water resources

The UK Onshore Operators Group (UKOOG), the representative body for the UK onshore oil and gas industry, has agreed to join forces with Water UK in a bid to cut down the impact of onshore oil and gas development on the UK’s water resources.

The agreement aims to give confidence and reassurance to the public that everything will be done to minimise the effects of shale gas exploration and extraction on water resources and the environment.

Water industry representative Water UK has reviewed recent reports into shale gas extraction, and believes that potential risks to water and wastewater services can be mitigated by ensuring proper enforcement of the regulatory framework.

Members of the organisations will work together to identify and resolve risks around water and wastewater and will monitor baseline requirements to assess impacts of onshore oil and gas development on the quality and quantity of local water resources.

The development plans of onshore oil and gas companies, including scenarios for expansion of exploration and development, will also be identified within a local area.

UKOOG chief executive Ken Cronin said that the agreement with Water UK is expected to give to local communities reassurance that UK shale gas development can proceed with minimal impact on local water and waste services.

"The environmental regulation covering the onshore oil and gas industry in the UK is among the most stringent in the world and, in addition, the industry has agreed to tough and transparent guidelines on how we operate and interact with local communities," Cronin added.

Water UK CEO Pamela Taylor said: "Our members are determined to ensure any potential risks of shale gas extraction are minimised."