Fracking in Lancashire: When does seismic activity mean fracking has to stop?

Following the small tremors in Blackpool seven years ago new regulations mean very low levels of seismic activity lead to a suspension in fracking.

If seismic sensors detect anything above 0.5 magnitude on the Richter scale – far below what people can feel at the surface – the company has to stop and review its operations. Yesterday's was 0.4 magnitude, recorded at 3.45am at a depth of 3km

Workers at the Cuadrilla fracking site in Preston New Road, Little Plumpton, Lancashireplaceholder image
Workers at the Cuadrilla fracking site in Preston New Road, Little Plumpton, Lancashire

On the richter scale 8.0 is the highest grade of quake.

Blasts during quarrying can lead to tremors of up to 2.0

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