Rathlin receives environmental permits for exploratory drilling site in East Yorkshire

Rathlin Energy UK Ltd is set to carry out exploratory drilling at a site in East Yorkshire after the Environment Agency granted environmental permits

The decision came after a thorough assessment was conducted of Rathlin Energy’s proposals, as well as all comments submitted during a public consultation.

The company is proposing to drill a well for conventional gas exploration, to burn any gas produced during the drilling or testing of the well in a flare, and to discharge clean surface water from the site.

Rathlin Energy has not applied to carry out fracking, and the permits do not allow fracking to take place.

The permits state that Rathlin must protect groundwater, surface water and air quality and to ensure the safe storage, management and disposal of waste materials.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “After completing a thorough assessment of Rathlin’s application and all of the responses to our public consultation, we are confident that these environmental permits set out the right conditions to ensure that people and the environment are protected.

“We will stringently enforce the conditions of the permits to ensure that waste is managed properly and local water resources are protected.”