The OGA agrees Hydraulic Fracture Plan
The Oil & Gas Authority (OGA) has today (Monday 5 August 2019) agreed the Hydraulic Fracture Plan for the PNR2 well at the Preston New Road site as described in plans put forward by Cuadrilla Bowland Limited (Cuadrilla).
This is part of the OGA’s approval of a well completion proposal for the PNR2 well, including hydraulic fracturing operations. The OGA has also approved a three-year extended well test which includes a one-year consent for the flaring of gas, as described in plans put forward by Cuadrilla.
As part of the OGA’s regulation of onshore hydraulic fracturing operations, there are strict controls in place to ensure that operators manage the risk of induced seismicity from such operations.
More information on the OGA’s regulation of onshore hydraulic fracturing can be found here.
Notes to editors
- A Hydraulic Fracture Plan (HFP) sets out the steps that the operator will take to minimise seismic risks and monitor and control the hydraulic fracturing process. The HFP must be approved independently both by the OGA and by the Environment Agency (EA), with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) having had the opportunity to comment.
- The OGA requires detailed geological studies to be undertaken by an operator to assess the risk of seismic activity, and to prevent any hydraulic fracturing operations taking place near identified geological faults. The OGA must also be satisfied that controls are in place to minimise the risk of a seismic event or any disturbance to those living and working nearby.