Activities of Bogusław SONIK related to 2011/2308(INI)
Plenary speeches (2)
Environmental impacts of shale gas and shale oil extraction activities - Industrial, energy and other aspects of shale gas and oil (debate)
Environmental impacts of shale gas and shale oil extraction activities - Industrial, energy and other aspects of shale gas and oil (debate)
Reports (1)
REPORT on the environmental impacts of shale gas and shale oil extraction activities PDF (255 KB) DOC (171 KB)
Amendments (16)
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the two main techniques deployed in unleashing the UFF potential, horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, have been used for decades;, including in Europe,
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas any type of fossil fuel and minerals extraction might involves potential risks for the environment; whereas, it is essential that a precautionary principle beis applied to any future development of resources in Europe in order to minimiseing such risks via continuous research, proper management, regulation and monitoring at all stages of the exploration and exploitation process;
Amendment 58 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Believes that, given the relative novelty of UFF to the general public, a thorough assessment should be conducted on the basis of the European regulatory framework and improvement measures taken, where necessary; in relation to large-scale commercial exploitation;
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 12
Paragraph 12
12. Recogniszes the relatively high water volumes involved in hydraulic fracturing;, yet points out, however, that such volumes are not as significant in comparison to the needs of other industrial activities; and the water used in fracture stimulation compares favourably to the volumes of water used to produce other forms of energy such as nuclear, coal, biomass and solar power; highlights the need for advance water provision plans based on local hydrology;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. BelievRecognizes, that, given the depth (over 3km) at which hydraulic fracturing takes place, the main hydraulic fracturing take place at the depth of 3+km, whereas groundwater aquifers generally do not exist beyond a depth of around 300 m, and there is a thick, impermeable formation of rock above the shale deposit that prevents any fluid migrating upward, in the direction of groundwater aquifers; believes consequently that the first and foremost concern regarding groundwater contamination is well integrity and the quality of casing and cementing;
Amendment 116 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13 a (new)
Paragraph 13 a (new)
13 a. Stress out that as it has been proven by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in an extensive survey on fracture stimulation practices and the potential effect on drinking water (in 2004)[1], hydraulic fracturing does not create pathways for fluids to travel between rock formations to affect the water supply; looks forward to other forthcoming EPA reports and encourages Commission and Member States to exchange best practices and experiences with the Agency;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Believes that on-site closed-loop water recycling, using steel storage tanks, whether on- or off-site, offers the most environmentally sound way of treating flow-back water byto minimisinge water volumes,demand, reduce the potential for surface spills and costs/traffic/road damage relminimise transportationg to water treatment transportationand from the well site;
Amendment 135 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18
Paragraph 18
18. Considers that there should be aBelieves that many of current controversies over UFF have partly resulted from an initial refusal by the industry to disclose the chemical content of fluids used to enhance hydraulic fracturing; deems mandatory an obligation tofor declareing the chemical content of fracturing fluid; maintains thatere should be full transparency and disclosure should be required ofby operators;
Amendment 137 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18 a. Stresses that additives used in hydraulic fracturing fluids are widely used in many commercial products and other applications.
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19 a. Recognizes that constant technological improvements in hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling enable to safely develop vast deposits of UFF and to limit potential environmental effects; encourages industry to continue efforts to advance technology and to use the best technological solutions in development of UFF resources.
Amendment 150 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 b (new)
Paragraph 19 b (new)
19 b. Underlines that additional natural gas from unconventional resources can significantly lower the level of GHG emissions, and thus help achieve EU's GHG reduction goals while at the same time maintaining security and affordability of energy supplies and preserve Europe's competitiveness.
Amendment 153 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 c (new)
Paragraph 19 c (new)
19 c. Further notes that the use of multi- horizontal well drilling pads is to minimize transport traffic and need for new road construction which would also significantly reduce noise level and lessen adverse impact on air quality.
Amendment 154 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 d (new)
Paragraph 19 d (new)
19 d. Stresses that unconventional gas can make a substantive contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector;
Amendment 155 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 e (new)
Paragraph 19 e (new)
19 e. Recognizes that natural gas from shale rock can play an important complementary role supporting development of renewable energy sources in Europe, like solar and wind power plants, which need an additional, stabilizing energy source.
Amendment 164 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 a (new)
Paragraph 21 a (new)
21 a. Encourages Member States and the Commission to use the framework of the EU-U.S. Energy Council to exchange expertise and best practices on environmental issues related to the UFF;
Amendment 165 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 21 b (new)
Paragraph 21 b (new)
21 b. Recognizes that in order to address all issues related to UFF a much better exchange of information among industry, regulators and the public is required;