Way back in 2013, IGas began 'exploratory drilling' in Barton Moss for shale gas, to eventually start fracking, which led to massive protests in Salford, allegations of police brutality and complicity by Salford City Council.*
Since operations stopped in 2014, fellow fracking firm INEOS has acquired 60% of the IGas license equity and, according to the Oil and Gas Authority, which lists consents, INEOS intends to "submit planning application to drill a well by 30 June 2020, and drill, hydraulically fracture and flow test a well by 30 June 2021".
The Barton Moss license (PEDL193) is due for renewal on 30th June this year and Lewis Nelson, prospective Labour Party local council candidate for the area, has launched a petition to Energy Minister, Greg Clark, to try and block it...
"We, the people of Irlam, Cadishead, Barton and surrounding areas believe that IGas should be given the red card from Chat Moss" the petition states "We believe that hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is an unsafe technology that possesses a serious and unnecessary risk to wildlife and people.
"We believe that the series of earth tremors in Blackpool as a direct result of fracking is a serious and frightening risk that we should not be subject to" it adds "We believe that shale gas extraction in the UK would lock the next generation into dependency on fossil fuels. We believe that we need to act now and urgently to invest in green renewables, polluting fossil fuels should not be our legacy."
The petition concludes...
"Further, the original decision notice for the site made clear that if IGas was to cease operations for a period of 18 months or more, then the site should be restored to its original state. IGas have been inactive on the site since 2014.
"For the reasons above, we, the people who believe in the protection of our environment, wildlife and Chat Moss urge government to give IGas the boot. They are not welcome in our community."
While Salford City Council sat on the fence during the Barton Moss protest, with not one ruling councillor stepping foot near the protests, this time around the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework states that "at this point in time Greater Manchester will not support hydraulic fracturing (fracking)."
To sign the petition, which already has over 250 signatures – click here
Update: 14th February 2019:
In response to a question by Salford and Eccles MP Rebeccca Long-Bailey, the Government has presented a revised programme for Barton Moss, in that INEOS will "acquire new seismic data by 30 June 2020, submit planning application to drill a well by 30 June 2022, and drill, hydraulically fracture and flow test a well by 30 June 2024..."
* Salford Council Daily Intelligence Meetings With IGas, GMP and Peel Holdings - click here
Main photo by Steven Speed
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