Activity at the Lower Stumble site this week has been the delivery of a small drilling rig in order to commence the bores for water monitoring of the aquifer. This work will provide a baseline on water quality before main drilling works start. The main exploration drill is not yet covered by a drilling permit and is not permitted at this time.

The following statement was made by the Environment Agency following a site inspection on 12th June.

EnvironmentAgencySE

“Cuadrilla are drilling a groundwater monitoring borehole: this is not an oil drilling well and doesn’t require a permit.
We have visited the site today (12 June) and checked that this is the only activity being carried out.”