Information on INEOS Upstream Limited’s exploration sites

Overview

Information on INEOS Upstream Limited’s exploration sites

The Environment Agency is the environmental regulator for onshore oil and gas operations in England.  We ensure that people and the environment remain protected by requiring operators to hold environmental permits that set out legally binding conditions.

INEOS Upstream Limited have made a number of applications to the Environment Agency for Standard Rules Permits to manage waste from drilling exploratory boreholes, taking core samples of the rock. 

These standard rules permits do not allow hydraulic fracturing. Any proposal for hydraulic fracturing will require bespoke permitting, including site specific risk assessment and full public consultation.

We are providing the following explanation, supporting information and copies of the operator’s permit applications / permits for information and awareness purposes only (this information is not intended to generate comments as it is not a statutory consultation).

Standard rules permits

Standard Rules permits are common across regulated industry and maintain high levels of environmental protection. The permits set out the required standards that operators must meet for the management of extractive waste from drill and core activities.

Before we can issue an environmental permit we need to be satisfied that the environmental risks associated with exploring for onshore oil and gas are managed and controlled through proper design and management of the drilling and exploration site.

As with all decisions on whether to issue environmental permits we will assess a company’s proposals to ensure they meet strict requirements. If an activity poses an unacceptable risk to the environment, the activity will not be permitted

We have included below a document providing responses to some of the questions we are frequently asked about the use and function of standard rules permits, particularly when used in the oil and gas industry

Mining Waste Permits

We have issued mining waste standard rules permits for the following facilities:

Bramleymoor Lane site
Near the village of Marsh Lane
North Derbyshire
NGR: SK 39814 78401
Permit ref: EPR/FB3109FG/A001

Common Road site
Harthill
Nottinghamshire
NGR: SK 50550 80473
Permit ref: EPR/FB3102TG/A001

Woodsetts Site
Dinnington Road
Woodsetts
Rotherham
S81 8RJ
Permit ref: EPR/FB3503KK/A001

The permit documents are included below for your reference.

Planning permission

INEOS has to separately apply for planning permission from the local Minerals planning Authority. No drilling activity can take place at any site until all permits and permissions are in place. Should the company gain these permissions we will use this page to keep you informed of our work to regulate the site