THE UK’s only active fracking site has recorded its largest ever tremor, measuring 2.1 on the Richter scale.
Energy firm Cuadrilla said the “micro seismic event” at its site near Blackpool was detected at 11.01pm on Saturday. It came after the previous record was set at the Preston New Road facility on Wednesday by a 1.55-magnitude tremor.
The company said Saturday’s tremor lasted for about one second and occurred when no fracking was taking place, adding that regulators were informed and the “integrity” of the well was confirmed.
The tremor had a depth of 1.2 miles and was felt by residents in areas including Great Plumpton, Blackpool and Lytham St Annes, the British Geological Survey said.
Imperial College London seismologist Stephen Hicks said the tremor was almost as strong as a 2.3-magnitude one at Cuadrilla’s Preese Hall site in 2011, which led to the suspension of fracking for seven years.
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