Landmark decision allowing hydraulic stimulation (fracking) to take place in North Yorkshire. Spectrum provided noise expertise for this onshore gas development project

19 August 2016 by Andrew Corkill, Director

Third Energy have been successful in their application to hydraulically fracture (frack) an existing operating gas well at a long established site near Kirby Misperton in North Yorkshire. This is the first successful application made, since the moratorium on fracking was lifted by the UK government in 2012.

Spectrum, specialists in assessing onshore oil and gas drilling noise, prepared the noise and vibration chapter of the Environmental Impact Assessment submitted in support of the planning application, and provided supplementary information at the request of North Yorkshire County Council and Ryedale District Council officers. Andrew Corkill, Director at Spectrum, addressed members of the planning committee giving details of the predicted levels of noise for each phase of the development and advising that the effects upon the local community were not expected to be significant.

The level of public concern for this and similar projects is very high, and the level of scrutiny of activities taking place will understandably be intense. Spectrum are Third Energy’s noise consultants, currently working on the schemes of noise monitoring of each phase of the project, and also vibration monitoring at heritage assets in the area. These schemes will need to be approved by NYCC, before any development can begin.

Spectrum is undertaking ongoing work on behalf of Third Energy on a range of projects and working with other energy companies operating within the UK onshore oil and gas sector. The firm advises the oil and gas sector worldwide on noise and vibration issues.

Further information on noise from offshore platforms and noise from onshore gas developments