Tighter '˜fracking' controls by South Downs National Park are welcomed

Brenda Pollack, South East Friends of the Earth campaigner said: “Many people are concerned acidisation is as worrying as its big brother - fracking. And while everyone’s eyes are on fracking in the North, UKOG is pushing forward with its risky fossil fuel exploration under the home counties’ feet.

“The park is taking sensible precautions to avoid having unwanted operations spreading across our most precious countryside.”

She added: “Last year the government redefined fracking - partly by the volume of water used in an operation. So processes that use less water (but may involve more or higher concentrations of chemicals) are not counted as high volume slick water hydraulic fracturing. Matrix acidisation, or ‘acid fracking’ has not been monitored or studied in detail but there are concerns that it could have serious impacts on our environment and human health.”

Over 1000 people have objected to a scheme from UKOG at Markwells Wood, near Rowlands Castle, using acidisation.

The consultation deadline is Thursday, (November 17)

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