Kevin Hollinrake MP has welcomed the release of a new video and report which demonstrates what impact drilling for shale gas would have on the landscape. Previously the public has only been able to see footage and pictures of what drilling sites look like in other countries. The new illustrations on the UKOOG website show the relative scale and density of well pads.
The video demonstrates what a site, during both exploration and production, could look like at the surface. Alongside the pictures, the video gives key information about the height, size and proximity to property of potential well pads. It also compares it with other installations including pylons, windfarms and transmitters.
Mr. Hollinrake has been pressing more information to be given to the UK public about exactly how drilling would look. He has been pushing for a visual plan to be released and is pleased that UKOOG has now done this.
“I urge anyone with any concerns to look at this visualisation and report. I have been clear that we need more information about how shale gas exploration will affect the landscape and am pleased that we now have a clearer view of what it might look like.
I have been campaigning to get proper regulations to protect the countryside and minimize the impact on our constituency’s beautiful landscape. We need strict policies on maximum density of well sites and distance between pads as well as their location with regard to homes and villages. This is reflected in the video and it shows the difference between the initial and the long term look of the sites.
The public need to see exactly how less invasive the industry will be in this country compared to the experiences of other nations. I will continue to seek assurances from the producers that they will keep local residents informed. I am working to address concerns about traffic movements and make sure proper consideration is given to the routes and number of lorry movements, keeping them to suitable main roads and as far away from villages as possible. We must continue to do everything we can to get this right to meet our energy needs whilst protecting our countryside and lifestyle.”