[영국] 영국지질연구소(BGS), 지하수와 Fracking 지도 출시

영국지질연구소(BGS)는 환경청(EA)과의 협력을 통해 잉글랜드와 웨일스지역의 주요 지하수 대수층 밑에 각각 셰일 가스와 석유자원을 보여주는 지도를 출시했다.

대수층의 지하수는 영국 식수의 30%를 제공하고 남동부 잉글랜드 식수의 70%이상을 제공한다.
이 지도는 지리학적 데이터를 상상하는 새로운 방법을 제공하기 위해 제작됐다. 영국지질연구소는 지도가 중요 대수층과 셰일가스 및 석유개발을 위한 셰일층 사이의 공공이해와 기술적 이해를 돕는다. 또한, 수열파쇄와 석유 및 가스정 운영에서 잠재적인 오염 위험을 고려할 때 중요한 요소라고 말했다.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) in partnership with The Environment Agency (EA) have published a series of maps which show the depth to each shale gas and oil source rock below principal groundwater aquifers in England and Wales.
Groundwater from aquifers provides 30% of drinking water in the UK and up to 70% of the drinking water in South East England.

The maps aim to provide a new way to visualise geological data. BGS said they will help technical and public understanding of the distance between principal aquifers and the shales/clays of interest for shale gas and oil exploitation, an important “factor when considering the potential contamination risks from hydraulic fracturing and oil/gas well operation”.

The Environment Agency also requires detailed geological assessments if hydraulic fracturing for oil or gas is proposed, and requires operators to hold groundwater permits unless there is no significant  risk to groundwater.

Developments will not be allowed to go ahead if they are too close to drinking water sources and the Environment Agency  will not permit the use of chemical additives in hydraulic fracturing fluid that are hazardous to groundwater.

Dr Rob Ward, director of groundwater science, British Geological Survey, said: “For the first time the public will be able to visualise our nationally important Principal Aquifers in relation to potential shale gas and oil source rocks. This information will help to better understand the risks to groundwater from shale gas and oil.”

Dr Alwyn Hart, head of the air, land and water research team at the Environment Agency, added: “We have strong regulatory controls in place to protect groundwater, and will not permit activity that threatens groundwater and drinking water supplies. These maps will help public understanding of the separation between groundwater and potential shale gas sites.”

[출처 = Water World / 2014년 7월 9일]