Fracking - WWT speaks up for wetlands
WWT has sent the Government its views on how the latest round of potential fracking sites should be assessed for environmental impact.
Due to the high public interest in the subject, we're publishing our response to the Government's consultation here:
WWT HRA 14th round consultation response:
Fracking involves using large volumes of water mixed with chemical to flush out fossil fuel reserves from underground.
We have a number of concerns including that the cumulative environmental effects of neighbouring fracking licences on wetlands aren't taken into account, and that designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest aren't excluded from fracking activity - eg the reed bed at WWT Arundel Wetland Centre.
We also think the length of time people had to respond to this consultation was far too short to be compliant with Cabinet Office consultation guidelines.
For our members' benefit, where we refer to specific licence area code numbers, these include the following WWT wetland centres and reserves:
SD20/21 - Martin Mere
SO60A/B - Slimbridge
ST24 - Steart Marshes
