UGEE Joint Research Programme

Reports now available 

The UGEE Joint Research Programme reports are now available for download.

There are 11 reports published:

• UGEE Joint Research Programme Integrated Synthesis Report
• Final Report 1: Baseline Characterisation of Groundwater, Surface Water and Aquatic Ecosystems
• Summary Report 1: Baseline Characterisation of Groundwater, Surface Water and Aquatic Ecosystems
• Final Report 2: Baseline Characterisation of Seismicity
• Summary Report 2: Baseline Characterisation of Seismicity
• Final Report 3: Baseline Characterisation of Air Quality
• Summary Report 3: Baseline Characterisation of Air Quality
• Final Report 4: Impacts & Mitigation Measures
• Summary Report 4: Impacts & Mitigation Measures
• Final Report 5: Regulatory Framework for Environmental Protection
• Summary Report 5: Regulatory Framework for Environmental Protection

Background

Unconventional Gas Exploration & Extraction (UGEE) involves hydraulic fracturing (fracking) of low permeability rock to permit the extraction of natural gas on a commercial scale from unconventional sources such as shale gas deposits, coal seams and tight sandstones (Figure 1).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a contract to a consortium led by CDM Smith Ireland Limited (view more details), who will carry out a 24-month research programme looking at the potential impacts on the environment and human health from UGEE projects and operations (including construction, operation and aftercare). The research programme is composed of five projects and will involve field studies (baseline monitoring of water and seismicity), as well as an extensive desk-based literature review of UGEE practices worldwide.

No fracking will be undertaken as part of the research programme.

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.

Timeline

More Information

• Read more on details on the research programme
• Download the UGEE Joint Research Programme Leaflet
• Go to the FAQs in relation to UGEE / Shale gas fracking

Other Information:

• Invitation to Tender for a 2-year Research Programme
• EPA Public Consultation (11th January - 8th March 2013)
• 2012 A Short Summary of Current Knowledge and Potential Environmental Impacts
• Fracking and Health Research Workshop, which took place in London on the 15th November 2013

Contact

For more information or any queries on the UGEE Research Programme, please contact research@epa.ie