UGEE JRP - EPA Statement October 2016

Summary: The UGEE Joint Research Programme is a comprehensive programme of research and there are many elements to it (some baseline analysis & desk –based literature reviews). Further details on the research programme are currently available on a dedicated website www.ugeeresearch.ie. This document is a statement from the EPA issued in October 2016.

Published: 2016

Pages: 2

Filesize: 189 KB

Format: pdf

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is coordinating a multi-agency trans-boundary programme of research on the potential Impacts on the environment and human health from Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction projects/ operations. The research programme is funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, DCCAE (formerly DCENR and the Environment Division of the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government (DECLG)) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The research programme is managed by a steering committee comprising the EPA, representatives from DCCAE, the Geological Survey of Ireland, Commission for Energy Regulation, An Bord Pleanála, NIEA, the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Health Services Executive.

The research is being undertaken by a consortium of independent organisations comprising CDM Smith, British Geological Survey, University College Dublin, Ulster University, AMEC Foster Wheeler and Philip Lee Solicitors. The project began in August 2014.

The UGEE JRP has five main elements:

  • Baseline monitoring of surface waters, groundwaters and related ecosystems;
  • Baseline monitoring of seismic activity;
  • Baseline monitoring of air quality;
  • International operational practice and impact mitigation measures; and
  • Regulatory regimes for fracking in different countries

This is a comprehensive programme of research and there are many elements to it (some baseline analysis & desk –based literature reviews).

This document is a statement from the EPA issued in October 2016 in relation to the review of the research outputs from the 1st phase of the UGEE JRP and the preparation of an Integrated Report.