`Zero chance´ of water contamination, says boss of frack site energy firm.
Third Energy, the UK firm that last year secured permission to use an existing gas well near the North Yorkshire village of Kirby Misperton to run test fracks almost two miles underground, said of demonstrators: “We respect their right to protest but they should respect our right to operate.” The company says it will begin fracking at its KM8 well later this year and director of operations John Dewar is confident he can counter the continuing criticisms of the controversial technique.
But campaigners opposed to Third Energy’s plans for KM8 reacted angrily to Mr Dewar’s insistence that the well was drilled without local disruption and that the fracking operation will continue to have minimal impact.
Mr Dewar defended his firm’s actions standing next to the head of the KM8 well – a small, red valve mechanism looking not much bigger than a washing machine.
The well was sunk for conventional gas extraction in 2013.
Asked what his message was to protesters, some of whom have set up an anti-fracking camp nearby, he said: “My message to them is that, if they’re genuinely concerned, then come and see us, talk to us.
We respect their right to protest but they should respect our right to operate.” He said: “We were able to drill the well without causing any disruption.
“On this particular site there is absolutely zero chance, and I say zero carefully, of contamination,” he said.
Mr Dewar said the bore hole will be fully sealed from the surrounding rock and the aquifer, which is not used for drinking water extraction in the area – is much shallower and the rocks used for the test fracks thousands of feet below.
“He visited a lady who was kept awake all night by the 24/7 drilling and promised double glazing and a job for her husband, this is all on the public record of the planning committee meeting.