Enviro News Asia, East Yorkshire — The Environment Agency has granted an environmental permit variation to Rathlin Energy for its onshore oil and gas operations in East Yorkshire, following a public consultation process conducted last summer.
The decision allows Rathlin Energy UK Ltd to proceed with changes to its existing permit for the West Newton A well site, located at Fosham Road in High Fosham. The company has operated at the West Newton site since 2013 under an environmental permit covering drilling activities and long-term oil and gas production.
According to the Agency, the permit variation was approved after Rathlin Energy demonstrated that it meets, and will continue to meet, all mandatory environmental conditions set out under UK environmental legislation. Regulators concluded that the operator has appropriate systems in place to manage activities without causing harm to the environment, human health, or wildlife.
The permit variation supports Rathlin Energy’s application to carry out well stimulation, also known as a proppant squeeze, on the existing WNA-2 well. The technique is used in the oil and gas industry to improve the flow of hydrocarbons from reservoir rock into the well.
Kathryn Richardson, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said the regulator had carefully assessed evidence and public feedback from both consultation phases before reaching its decision. She emphasized that the approved permit variation ensures robust levels of environmental protection and complies fully with legal requirements.
The Environment Agency stated that it is legally required to issue permits when all statutory conditions are met and may only refuse applications if they pose unacceptable risks to the environment or human health. The Agency retains responsibility for enforcing permit conditions, including through inspections, monitoring, and, where necessary, enforcement action. (*)
