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- On the record: checking the green tide
- Modification to Illawarra CSG Project Approved by PAC
- NSW Government supports recognises coal seam gas as valuable and necessary resource
- APPEA further exposes misleading anti CSG tactics
- Apex responds to Stop SCG Illawarra questions
- Anti coal seam gas group false claims exposed
- CSG scaremongering tactics exposed
- Apex sees minimal effect to operations following NSW Government announcement on “tough new conditions”
- NSW Government won't extend moratorium on mining exploration
- Apex hits back at claims of recent CSG beneficial law changes
- Apex Energy & Ormil Energy Granted Approval for Burragorang Core Drilling
- Apex and Ormil Respond to Stop CSG Illawarra Petition
- UK House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee defends hydraulic fracturing (fraccing or fracking)
- Apex Issues Media Statement
- Apex Energy has responded to the Sydney Morning Herald's recent articles in a letter to the editor. The letter can be sean at the following link
- Apex enters into farmin arrangement for the development of its NSW gas tenures
- Apex aquies a 100% interest in PEL454
- Apex receives approval for Illawarra Exploration Project
- Apex explores Burragorang gas potential
- Apex signs agreement for Burragorang gas exploration
UK House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee defends hydraulic fracturing (fraccing or fracking)
By Chris Rogers
May 31, 2011
UK The UK House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee Shale Gas Report
By Chris Rogers
May 31, 2011
UK The UK House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee Shale Gas Report
In the UK the House of Commons Energy and Climate Change Committee has defended the process of hydraulic fracturing (fraccing/fracking). In a detailed report to the House the Committee concluded that “hydraulic fracturing itself does not pose a direct risk to water aquifers, provided that the well-casing is intact before this commences”.
The report published on 23rd May 2011 identifies several issues to be addressed but concluded that in general issues have arisen not because of the hydraulic fracturing process itself but more particularly as a result of the well bore connecting the gas reservoir to the surface not being constructed and tested adequately. This can allow gas to migrate in an uncontrolled manner either to strata aquifers and/or to the surface.
Two examples of statements made in the official report are as follows:
111. During our visit to the US, we heard little concern from environmental groups, state
or federal regulators, or academics on the environmental impacts of the hydraulic
fracturing process itself. Any instances of methane contamination of groundwater were
either blamed on poor well construction (an issue that applies to conventional as well as
unconventional hydrocarbons) or were thought to pre-date any hydrofracing activity.
113. We conclude that hydraulic fracturing itself does not pose a direct risk to water
aquifers, provided that the well-casing is intact before this commences. Rather, any
risks that do arise are related to the integrity of the well, and are no different to issues encountered when exploring for hydrocarbons in conventional geological formations. We recommend that the Health and Safety Executive test the integrity of wells before allowing the licensing of drilling activity.
The findings of the report support claims made by the Australian petroleum industry that hydraulic fracturing is a safe and viable production stimulation method. However, like all engineering methods and techniques, adequate risk management and control is required.
The full report is available at www.apexfiles.com.au
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