THE PUBLIC can have their say after an Environmental Permit was applied for in relation to oil and gas exploration in Arreton.

United Kingdom Oil and Gas plc (UKOG) has applied for the permit to explore a proposed new well site.

If granted, the permit would allow UKOG to operate at the proposed site for a period of three years and to drill an exploratory borehole and one side-track borehole.

The works would involve the installation of plant and equipment, well drilling using a drilling rig and well testing.

Natural gas produced during the well testing would be incinerated in a temporary on-site flare.

Oil, water and surface water produced would be collected and removed from site for further use, treatment or disposal.

The public consultation on the new permit is now open and runs until midnight on Friday, July 9.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Public consultation lets people and organisations take part in our decision making. We welcome specifically, comments on environmental and health issues and where people have particular local knowledge.

“We take all relevant comments into account when making our decisions using information on the potential environmental and human health impacts of the proposed activity. Our officers have the specialist knowledge required to assess this application.”

UKOG is the holder of a number of Environmental Permits issued by the Environment Agency in accordance with the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

An Environmental Permit sets out the conditions that all oil and gas sites must adhere to.

The Environment Agency says it will not issue a permit for a site if it is considered that activities taking place will cause significant environmental pollution or harm to human health.

The applicant needs both planning permission from the Isle of Wight Council and an environmental permit in order to operate.

The Isle of Wight Council is assessing the planning application and consultation was completed on February 12, 2021.

A decision on the application is awaited. It is not on the planning agenda for this month (June).

Further information on the permit application and details on how to take part in the consultation can be found at consult.environment-agency.gov.uk/psc/po30-3bt-u-k-oil-gas-plc

Those unable to access the application online should call the national contact centre on 03708 506 506, between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.