The new permit variation includes a number of improvement
conditions, required in order to meet the environmental
standards within which industry can operate, as laid out in
our sector guidance.
In addition to the permit variation a separate new bespoke
Radioactive Substances Activities permit has also been
issued for the handling of naturally occurring radioactive
materials (NORM) which result from standard oil and gas
production activities.
In deciding whether or not to issue the permits, all
relevant considerations and legal requirements have been
taken into account. Comments received during the public
consultation period, held between 20 February and 20 March
2017, were also considered as part of the decision process.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said:
This variation is necessary following our review of all
oil and gas permits granted before October 2013. Although
the activities at Palmers Wood have not changed
significantly since the existing permit was issued, this
variation updates the permit to the current regulatory
requirements.
An environmental permit sets out stringent conditions
that all oil and gas sites must adhere to. We do not
issue an environmental permit for a site if we consider
that activities taking place will cause significant
pollution to the environment or harm to human health.
View the oil and gas mining
waste permit issued for Palmers Wood Oilfield,
Surrey.
For further information, please email KSLE@environment-agency.gov.uk.
