Allowing fracking in parks is unthinkable

Lord Smith and the EA should know that for shale gas/oil extraction to be economically viable it would require the construction and drilling of thousands of well pads plus extensive supporting infrastructure. To call this “minimal visual intrusion” is an outrage.

The South Downs are recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and by their own definition they are protected areas because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and cultural heritage.

Drilling in these areas would lead to widespread industrialisation and completely destroy the entire purpose of the area.

In 2012 the Environment Agency said they would not allow hydraulic fracking to take place in an area where there are aquifers used to supply drinking water.

As the majority of Sussex water comes from the chalk aquifer, we must ask why has the EA’s view on fracking changed so drastically?

And why are the Government and agencies wilfully choosing to ignore the ever-increasing number of peer reviewed scientific reports that prove fracking is not and cannot be made safe.

In parts of the US, fracking is not permitted within 1,500 feet of homes, schools and hospitals. Yet no such restrictions exist here.

New York State recently extended their moratorium on fracking activities, a decision prompted by medical and research professionals linking infertility, cancer and birth defects with the high level of endocrine and hormone disrupting chemicals used in the fracking process.

David Smythe, emeritus professor of geophysics at the University of Glasgow, states: “The UK shale basins are heavily faulted.”

This dramatically increases the risk of chemicals, naturally occurring radioactive materials, gas and oil leaking into water sources or to the surface.

The EA’s stated purpose is “to protect or enhance the environment” sustaining “a rich, healthy and diverse environment for present and future generations”.

The South Downs National Park Authority state that “We all have a shared responsibility to care for the National Park and the South Downs.”

If Celtique Energy’s drilling applications are permitted at Wisborough Green and Fernhurst, we believe the South Downs National Park Authority and the Environment Agency will have completely betrayed their principles and their purpose. To allow unconventional onshore gas or oil exploration and extraction in any part of Britain is reckless.

To allow it in a National Park is unthinkable.

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