To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there is regular or random monitoring of the run-off areas downhill from fracking site pads to check for potential contamination caused by site operations.
Answered on
22 October 2018
The Environment Agency (EA) requires well pads to be constructed so that water run-off is captured on the site and does not cause pollution. The environmental permits also require operators to carry out regular monitoring of nearby surface water locations as part of agreed Emissions Monitoring Plans.
The EA carries out regular inspections, audits and unannounced spot checks to ensure operators are compliant with its environmental obligations. During site inspections officers will check for leaks or spillages on the well pad surface. EA staff also carry out visual inspections off site.