Cuadrilla Builds New Well Opening at Controversial Site

Cuadrilla, which is developing shale gas extraction in Britain, has built a new entrance to the controversial Anna's Well site.

A statement from the company says it is re-spudding the well. Re-spudding is a common procedure, according to LNG News. The new entrance is a short distance, around 3 metres, from the original

Cuadrilla said it was releasing full details of the re-spudding as part of its commitment to be transparent about activities in Lancashire.

"The horizontal well we are proposing to drill at the Anna’s Road site is modest when compared with other examples found in the UK and internationally," it says.

Cuadrilla is now determining whether it can use the existing well for monitoring seismicity and/or groundwater.

The site has been the subject of much debate in Britain, especially after two earth tremors near Blackpool last year. Cuadrilla suspended shale gas test drilling in June 2011, after the seismic incidents in April and May.

According to the BBC, a report commissioned by Cuadrilla last year found it was "highly probable" fracking caused the tremors. Fracking has not been suspended in Britain, although several European countries, including France and Bulgaria, have called a moratorium until environmental concerns are addressed.