A Freedom of Information Act request (1st link) was sent to the EA (responded to on 20th June 2014) in relation to fracking and radon gas. Its interesting reading and in particular is the following: - Q Do you have plans to monitor changes in radon levels at the surface in such areas on a prospective basis after fracking has commenced? - A Public Health England is responsible for assessing the risks to public health from radon. We do not have any plans to monitor changes in radon levels. On 25th June 2014, Public Health England released its report Shale gas extraction: review of the potential public health impacts of exposures to chemical and radioactive pollutants (2nd Link) In the summary on page 46 of this report it states: In conclusion, the currently available evidence indicates that the potential risks to public health from exposure to the emissions associated with shale gas extraction will be low if the operations are properly run and regulated. In order to ensure this, regulation needs to be strongly and robustly applied. Take note of that last sentence.... In order to ensure this, regulation needs to be strongly and robustly applied. Today, 21st Jan 2015, Lancs CC planning officer has recommended that the planning application by Cuadrilla to frack at Preston New Road should be rejected by the planning committee next week, on the basis of traffic and noise.... not on the basis of environmental issues or health impact issues. What has jumped out for me is something within the planning officers report (3rd link, page 13) relating to the Environment Agency: With regard to radon release during the flaring of gas, the Environment Agency confirmed that radon is exempt from their permitting by the Natural Gas Exemption Order 2002 and from regulation under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010. This is on the basis of its low risk, widespread use and that it was not amenable to regulation. Discharges of radon in natural gas, being flared or vented at gas sites is not subject to regulation under radioactive substances regulation (RSR). So the big question in my mind is this.... if its up to PHE to assess the risks from radon at fracking sites, and they are saying regulation needs to be strongly and robustly applied, why is it not a regulation for the EA to monitor radon in the area? Finally, if youve not got bored already, please read the 4th link ;) https://whatdotheyknow/request/radon_distribution_and_fracking https://gov.uk/government/publications/shale-gas-extraction-review-of-the-potential-public-health-impacts-of-exposures-to-chemical-and-radioactive-pollutants council.lancashire.gov.uk/documents/s55657/PNR%20report.pdf theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/commentators/2643773/fracking_is_safe_radiation_is_harmless_and_pigs_have_wings.html
Posted on: Wed, 21 Jan 2015 21:20:55 +0000