Public urged to submit views on gas-drilling rig

Europa Oil & Gas submitted a planning application for the venture earlier this year (stock image)

People living near the site of a proposed gas-drilling rig have been asked to give their views on the plans to the Environment Agency (EA).

Earlier this year, Europa Oil & Gas submitted a planning application for a rig in Burniston, north of Scarborough, which would explore the potential for extracting gas.

The scheme has drawn criticism from some residents, politicians and campaign groups, but the firm insisted it would comply with "industry best practice" and environmental standards.

With North Yorkshire Council's decision on the plan still pending, the company applied to the EA for the environmental permit it also needed for the venture.

Under the scheme, Europa would use a technique likened by opponents to "small-scale fracking".

The firm previously said the move would be positive for the local economy and "no-one is going to notice" its presence.

The EA said it wanted people to "get in touch with comments on local environmental factors that people feel are important" while it conducted a "rigorous" assessment of the plans.

It said it would have to grant the permit if all legal requirements were met by Europa.

The EA objected to the planning application in May, adding the proposals risked polluting groundwater in the area.

In response, Europa said its proposed drilling methods were "established and applied over decades in the industry, in this country and worldwide".

Asking the EA to remove its objection, the company added: "For the avoidance of doubt, Europa reconfirms that the well design will follow Health and Safety Executive guidelines and meet environmental standards acceptable to the EA."

The consultation ends on 19 September.

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