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South Wales summary results

2026-04-10T14:49:50Z

Dbk: /* Methane in UK groundwater results */

{{Underconstruction}}
==South Wales==
===Regional summary===
In South Wales, 25 sites have been sampled for methane in the two main aquifers, the Carboniferous limestone and the Coal Measures sandstones.

* In the UK, the Carboniferous limestone is a principal aquifer and groundwater flows rapidly through a network of fractures, conduits and caves. In South Wales, this aquifer is not used for public supply, although it provides many private supplies. The Carboniferous limestone outcrops south of the coalfield and has a maximum thickness of 425 m.
* The Coal Measures sandstones in South Wales are very hard and dense, and groundwater will only tend to flow through fractures. Due to mining subsidence, there are zones of increased fracturing, and therefore increased water storage and flow. This aquifer is classed as a secondary A aquifer by the Environment Agency and is not used for public water supply.

The shale unit present in this area is the Marros Group, which consists of siliceous mudstones and local quartz rich sandstones and conglomerates. The maximum height of the top of the Marros is about 400 m above OD at outcrop in the west, but deepens towards the east to reach depths of over 2500 m below OD.

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summary results are from single sampling visits to each site as part of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for the South Wales region as a whole and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

Methane samples and concentrations in South WalesMethane concentrations chart for South Wales
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
| South Wales
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.483
| 25
|-
| Carboniferous limestone
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.483
| 11
|-
|Coal Measures
|<0.0001
|0.034
|0.216
|13
|}
Methane samples and concentrations in South Wales 
Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in the table above.

===Baseline groundwater quality data===
No baseline data are available for the Carboniferous limestone or the Coal Measures in this region.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Lancashire and Cheshire Basin summary results

2026-04-10T14:49:36Z

Dbk: /* Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester */

{{Underconstruction}}
==Lancashire and Cheshire Basins==
===Regional summary===
In Lancashire and Cheshire, 23 sites have been sampled for methane in three aquifers, the main aquifer being Permo-Triassic sandstone. The Environment Agency also holds extensive methane data across the region.

* Permo-Triassic sandstone forms an important aquifer in this region, used extensively for public water supply. Groundwater flow occurs mainly through pore spaces in the rock due to its high porosity, although the presence of fractures is also important. Permo-Triassic sandstone is at the surface along the Lancashire coast and can be up to 600 m thick.
* The two other aquifers sampled for methane are the Millstone Grit and other shallow sand deposits. These are classed as secondary B aquifers and are not used for public water supply.

The shale units present in this area are the Bowland and Craven Groups, which are organic rich mudstones. In the Cheshire Basin, the shale is at its deepest, reaching depths of over 6000 m below OD. The Bowland and Craven Groups are reported to have potential to form a shale gas resource, although this is complicated by Britain's complex tectonic history (Andrews, 2013).

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summaries are based on the results collected from single visits to each site for the purpose of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for Lancashire and Cheshire as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

The blue boxes highlight where summary data are available for baseline groundwater quality in the different aquifers present in this region, and link to the summaries for each region.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire and Cheshire
|0.0002
|0.0025
|0.091
|23
|-
|Sherwood Sandstone
|0.0002
|0.0018
|0.091
|10
|}
Methane samples and concentrations in Lancashire and Cheshire

===Environment Agency methane data===
Additional methane data is available from monitoring carried out by the Environment Agency (EA), North West Region, between 1985 and 2012. This sampling was done for different reasons, such as landfill monitoring. Many of the values represent multiple analyses of samples from the same site. The data have been separated into two regions: Lancashire-Cheshire and Cumbria.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire-Cheshire
|<0.01
|<0.5
| 132
| 2842
|-
|Cumbria
|<0.1
|<0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|}

Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in this table.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|4.4
|74
|795
|239
|-
|Mg
| <1
| 21
| 562
|239
|-
|Na
|4
|31
|5600
| 243
|-
|K
|0.25
|3.75
|136
|242
|-
|Cl
|7
| 49
|10000
| 244
|-
|SO4
|<4
|49
|1780
|240
|-
|HCO3
|142
|218
|338
| 23
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.05
|3.3
| 37.5
| 246
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Cheshire

The quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone is determined by natural reactions between rainwater and the bedrock, which creates a variable baseline. Chemical reactions take place during recharge, the most important being mineral dissolution and precipitation. The baseline in Lancashire and Cheshire has been modified by diffuse pollution including agricultural fertilisers, which has led to locally high levels of nitrate (NO3.N), potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Along the Mersey estuary, the ingress of saline water also has an impact on groundwater chemistry.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester is presented below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|12
| 86.2
|350
|90
|-
|Mg
|2.5
|26.8
|122
|90
|-
|Na
|8.4
| 133
|3360
|90
|-
|K
|0.99
|4.85
|30
|90
|-
|Cl
| 9
|185
| 5400
|88
|-
|SO4
|<5
|82.9
|666
|90
|-
|HCO3
|40
|316
|1310
|89
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.003
|1.61
|33.4
|90
|-
|Fe
|<
|1050
|9600
|85
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester

The groundwaters of the Permo-Triassic aquifer of Manchester display a wide range of chemical characteristics with concentrations for most elements varying over several orders of magnitude. These characteristics are determined largely by natural reactions between the groundwater and the rocks through which it passes. This baseline has been modified by diffuse pollutants including agricultural fertilisers leading locally to high nitrate (NO3.N) and increases in other major elements such as potassium (K), sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO4). Most chemical parameters are highly variable due to the complex geology and the presence of drift deposits, which differ in thickness and type. These drift deposits have a significant effect on recharge of the aquifer but provide a degree of protection from diffuse or point source pollution.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Lancashire and Cheshire Basin summary results

2026-04-10T14:49:26Z

Dbk: /* Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire */

{{Underconstruction}}
==Lancashire and Cheshire Basins==
===Regional summary===
In Lancashire and Cheshire, 23 sites have been sampled for methane in three aquifers, the main aquifer being Permo-Triassic sandstone. The Environment Agency also holds extensive methane data across the region.

* Permo-Triassic sandstone forms an important aquifer in this region, used extensively for public water supply. Groundwater flow occurs mainly through pore spaces in the rock due to its high porosity, although the presence of fractures is also important. Permo-Triassic sandstone is at the surface along the Lancashire coast and can be up to 600 m thick.
* The two other aquifers sampled for methane are the Millstone Grit and other shallow sand deposits. These are classed as secondary B aquifers and are not used for public water supply.

The shale units present in this area are the Bowland and Craven Groups, which are organic rich mudstones. In the Cheshire Basin, the shale is at its deepest, reaching depths of over 6000 m below OD. The Bowland and Craven Groups are reported to have potential to form a shale gas resource, although this is complicated by Britain's complex tectonic history (Andrews, 2013).

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summaries are based on the results collected from single visits to each site for the purpose of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for Lancashire and Cheshire as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

The blue boxes highlight where summary data are available for baseline groundwater quality in the different aquifers present in this region, and link to the summaries for each region.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire and Cheshire
|0.0002
|0.0025
|0.091
|23
|-
|Sherwood Sandstone
|0.0002
|0.0018
|0.091
|10
|}
Methane samples and concentrations in Lancashire and Cheshire

===Environment Agency methane data===
Additional methane data is available from monitoring carried out by the Environment Agency (EA), North West Region, between 1985 and 2012. This sampling was done for different reasons, such as landfill monitoring. Many of the values represent multiple analyses of samples from the same site. The data have been separated into two regions: Lancashire-Cheshire and Cumbria.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire-Cheshire
|<0.01
|<0.5
| 132
| 2842
|-
|Cumbria
|<0.1
|<0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|}

Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in this table.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|4.4
|74
|795
|239
|-
|Mg
| <1
| 21
| 562
|239
|-
|Na
|4
|31
|5600
| 243
|-
|K
|0.25
|3.75
|136
|242
|-
|Cl
|7
| 49
|10000
| 244
|-
|SO4
|<4
|49
|1780
|240
|-
|HCO3
|142
|218
|338
| 23
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.05
|3.3
| 37.5
| 246
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Cheshire

The quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone is determined by natural reactions between rainwater and the bedrock, which creates a variable baseline. Chemical reactions take place during recharge, the most important being mineral dissolution and precipitation. The baseline in Lancashire and Cheshire has been modified by diffuse pollution including agricultural fertilisers, which has led to locally high levels of nitrate (NO3.N), potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Along the Mersey estuary, the ingress of saline water also has an impact on groundwater chemistry.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester is presented below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|12
| 86.2
|350
|90
|-
|Mg
|2.5
|26.8
|122
|90
|-
|Na
|8.4
| 133
|3360
|90
|-
|K
|0.99
|4.85
|30
|90
|-
|Cl
| 9
|185
| 5400
|88
|-
|SO4
|<5
|82.9
|666
|90
|-
|HCO3
|40
|316
|1310
|89
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.003
|1.61
|33.4
|90
|-
|Fe
|<
|1050
|9600
|85
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester

The groundwaters of the Permo-Triassic aquifer of Manchester display a wide range of chemical characteristics with concentrations for most elements varying over several orders of magnitude. These characteristics are determined largely by natural reactions between the groundwater and the rocks through which it passes. This baseline has been modified by diffuse pollutants including agricultural fertilisers leading locally to high nitrate (NO3.N) and increases in other major elements such as potassium (K), sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO4). Most chemical parameters are highly variable due to the complex geology and the presence of drift deposits, which differ in thickness and type. These drift deposits have a significant effect on recharge of the aquifer but provide a degree of protection from diffuse or point source pollution.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Lancashire and Cheshire Basin summary results

2026-04-10T14:49:16Z

Dbk: /* Methane in UK groundwater results */

{{Underconstruction}}
==Lancashire and Cheshire Basins==
===Regional summary===
In Lancashire and Cheshire, 23 sites have been sampled for methane in three aquifers, the main aquifer being Permo-Triassic sandstone. The Environment Agency also holds extensive methane data across the region.

* Permo-Triassic sandstone forms an important aquifer in this region, used extensively for public water supply. Groundwater flow occurs mainly through pore spaces in the rock due to its high porosity, although the presence of fractures is also important. Permo-Triassic sandstone is at the surface along the Lancashire coast and can be up to 600 m thick.
* The two other aquifers sampled for methane are the Millstone Grit and other shallow sand deposits. These are classed as secondary B aquifers and are not used for public water supply.

The shale units present in this area are the Bowland and Craven Groups, which are organic rich mudstones. In the Cheshire Basin, the shale is at its deepest, reaching depths of over 6000 m below OD. The Bowland and Craven Groups are reported to have potential to form a shale gas resource, although this is complicated by Britain's complex tectonic history (Andrews, 2013).

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summaries are based on the results collected from single visits to each site for the purpose of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for Lancashire and Cheshire as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

The blue boxes highlight where summary data are available for baseline groundwater quality in the different aquifers present in this region, and link to the summaries for each region.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire and Cheshire
|0.0002
|0.0025
|0.091
|23
|-
|Sherwood Sandstone
|0.0002
|0.0018
|0.091
|10
|}
Methane samples and concentrations in Lancashire and Cheshire

===Environment Agency methane data===
Additional methane data is available from monitoring carried out by the Environment Agency (EA), North West Region, between 1985 and 2012. This sampling was done for different reasons, such as landfill monitoring. Many of the values represent multiple analyses of samples from the same site. The data have been separated into two regions: Lancashire-Cheshire and Cumbria.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire-Cheshire
|<0.01
|<0.5
| 132
| 2842
|-
|Cumbria
|<0.1
|<0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|}

Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in this table.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|4.4
|74
|795
|239
|-
|Mg
| <1
| 21
| 562
|239
|-
|Na
|4
|31
|5600
| 243
|-
|K
|0.25
|3.75
|136
|242
|-
|Cl
|7
| 49
|10000
| 244
|-
|SO4
|<4
|49
|1780
|240
|-
|HCO3
|142
|218
|338
| 23
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.05
|3.3
| 37.5
| 246
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Cheshire

The quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone is determined by natural reactions between rainwater and the bedrock, which creates a variable baseline. Chemical reactions take place during recharge, the most important being mineral dissolution and precipitation. The baseline in Lancashire and Cheshire has been modified by diffuse pollution including agricultural fertilisers, which has led to locally high levels of nitrate (NO3.N), potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Along the Mersey estuary, the ingress of saline water also has an impact on groundwater chemistry.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester is presented below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|12
| 86.2
|350
|90
|-
|Mg
|2.5
|26.8
|122
|90
|-
|Na
|8.4
| 133
|3360
|90
|-
|K
|0.99
|4.85
|30
|90
|-
|Cl
| 9
|185
| 5400
|88
|-
|SO4
|<5
|82.9
|666
|90
|-
|HCO3
|40
|316
|1310
|89
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.003
|1.61
|33.4
|90
|-
|Fe
|<
|1050
|9600
|85
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester

The groundwaters of the Permo-Triassic aquifer of Manchester display a wide range of chemical characteristics with concentrations for most elements varying over several orders of magnitude. These characteristics are determined largely by natural reactions between the groundwater and the rocks through which it passes. This baseline has been modified by diffuse pollutants including agricultural fertilisers leading locally to high nitrate (NO3.N) and increases in other major elements such as potassium (K), sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO4). Most chemical parameters are highly variable due to the complex geology and the presence of drift deposits, which differ in thickness and type. These drift deposits have a significant effect on recharge of the aquifer but provide a degree of protection from diffuse or point source pollution.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Cumbria and Northumberland summary results

2026-04-10T14:49:00Z

Dbk: /* Methane in UK groundwater results */

{{Underconstruction}}
==Cumbria and Northumberland==
===Regional summary===
In Cumbria and Northumberland, 16 sites have been sampled for methane in a number of different aquifers. The two main aquifers are Permo-Triassic sandstone and the Fell Sandstone and Border Group.

* Permo-Triassic sandstone is the second most important aquifer in the UK. It has a high porosity, meaning groundwater flows through pore spaces in the rock. The majority of the Carlisle Basin is Triassic sandstone; this can be up to 600 m thick and is made up of sandstone, conglomerates and marls. The southern part of the Carlisle Basin is Permian sandstone consisting of sandstone, marls and breccias.
* The Fell Sandstone and Border Group is an important aquifer for the very north east of England, stretching west to Carlisle where it reaches great depths. It can be up to 300 m thick and is made of quartz rich sandstones with silty or pebbly bands.

The shale units present in the Northumberland Trough are the Bowland Shale and other black shales of Visean to Tournaisian age that are typically interbedded with sandstone, siltstone and mudstone. These shales are thinner, shallower and not laterally extensive when compared to the Bowland Shale Formation in Lancashire and Yorkshire. Oil shale is present in the Tweed Basin, but at shallow depths. In the west of this region, the coal seams of the Pennine Coal Measures Group are reported to have potential for coal bed methane.

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summary results are from single sampling visits to each site as part of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for the Cumbria and Northumberland region as a whole and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Cumbria and Northumberland
|0.0002
|0.00065
|1.434
|16
|-
|Permo-Triassic sandstone
| 0.0002
|0.0005
|0.0296
|7
|-
|Fell Sandstone and Border Group
|0.0002
| 0.0002
| 0.0006
|3
|}

Methane samples and concentrations in Cumbria and Northumberland. 
Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in the table above.

Baseline groundwater quality data
No baseline data are available for Permo-Triassic sandstone or the Fell Sandstone and Border Group in this region.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Central and Southern Scotland summary results

2026-04-10T14:48:35Z

Dbk: /* Baseline groundwater quality data */

{{Underconstruction}}
==Central and southern Scotland==
===Regional summary===
In central and southern Scotland, 31 sites have been sampled for methane from a number of different sedimentary aquifers, mostly from the Carboniferous Clackmannan and Coal Measures groups in central Scotland. Here, groundwater was historically an important resource for industry, but today is not widely used. In southern Scotland there is local groundwater abstraction for agriculture and domestic use.

The Clackmannan Group and Coal Measures Group form multi-layered and vertically segmented aquifers, in which fine-grained, well-cemented sandstone layers act as discrete aquifer units in which groundwater flow is predominantly through fractures, and which are separated by lower permeability siltstones, mudstones or coals. Groundwater may be present at various depths under unconfined or confined conditions, and different groundwater heads are seen in different aquifer layers. The thickness of the Carboniferous sedimentary aquifers varies from less than 500 m in southern Scotland to 3000 m in central Scotland.

In this area the formation which is most likely to have potential for shale gas and/or oil is the West Lothian Oil-Shale Formation, which lies stratigraphically immediately below the Clackmannan Group in the eastern part of central Scotland.

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summary results are from single sampling visits to each site as part of the Baseline Scotland project. The data are summarised for the central and southern Scotland regions as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Central and southern Scotland
|<0.0001
|0.0036
|1.68
|31
|-
|Clackmannan and Coal Measures Groups
|<0.0005
|0.00835
|1.68
|18
|}

Methane samples and concentrations in central and southern Scotland 
Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in the table above.

===Baseline groundwater quality data===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in this area is below. This data was collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major Scottish aquifers.

Groundwater from the Clackmannan and Coal Measures Groups in this area is typically reducing and contains a high proportion of old water, recharged more than 35–60 years ago. Mining activity in this area has had a major impact on groundwater quality. More detail on groundwater quality for central Scotland and southern Scotland is available via the Baseline Scotland web pages.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Analysis'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Ca
|7.26
|54.5
|290
|21
|-
|Mg
|3.11
|17.5
|96.2
|21
|-
|Na
|6.2
|15.5
|461
|21
|-
|K
|0.64
|3.08
|26.8
|21
|-
|Cl
|5.14
|20.7
|1230
|21
|-
|SO4
|3.82
|48.5
|244
|21
|-
|HCO3
|7
|265
|734
|21
|}

Baseline groundwater quality data for central and southern Scotland

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Central and Southern Scotland summary results

2026-04-10T14:48:15Z

Dbk: /* Methane in UK groundwater results */

{{Underconstruction}}
==Central and southern Scotland==
===Regional summary===
In central and southern Scotland, 31 sites have been sampled for methane from a number of different sedimentary aquifers, mostly from the Carboniferous Clackmannan and Coal Measures groups in central Scotland. Here, groundwater was historically an important resource for industry, but today is not widely used. In southern Scotland there is local groundwater abstraction for agriculture and domestic use.

The Clackmannan Group and Coal Measures Group form multi-layered and vertically segmented aquifers, in which fine-grained, well-cemented sandstone layers act as discrete aquifer units in which groundwater flow is predominantly through fractures, and which are separated by lower permeability siltstones, mudstones or coals. Groundwater may be present at various depths under unconfined or confined conditions, and different groundwater heads are seen in different aquifer layers. The thickness of the Carboniferous sedimentary aquifers varies from less than 500 m in southern Scotland to 3000 m in central Scotland.

In this area the formation which is most likely to have potential for shale gas and/or oil is the West Lothian Oil-Shale Formation, which lies stratigraphically immediately below the Clackmannan Group in the eastern part of central Scotland.

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summary results are from single sampling visits to each site as part of the Baseline Scotland project. The data are summarised for the central and southern Scotland regions as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Central and southern Scotland
|<0.0001
|0.0036
|1.68
|31
|-
|Clackmannan and Coal Measures Groups
|<0.0005
|0.00835
|1.68
|18
|}

Methane samples and concentrations in central and southern Scotland 
Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in the table above.

===Baseline groundwater quality data===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in this area is below. This data was collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major Scottish aquifers.

Groundwater from the Clackmannan and Coal Measures Groups in this area is typically reducing and contains a high proportion of old water, recharged more than 35–60 years ago. Mining activity in this area has had a major impact on groundwater quality. More detail on groundwater quality for central Scotland and southern Scotland is available via the Baseline Scotland web pages.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Analysis'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Ca
|7.26
|54.5
|290
|21
|-
|Mg
|3.11
|17.5
|96.2
|21
|-
|Na
|6.2
|15.5
|461
|21
|-
|K
|0.64
|3.08
|26.8
|21
|-
|Cl
|5.14
|20.7
|1230
|21
|-
|SO4
|3.82
|48.5
|244
|21
|-
|HCO3
|7
|265
|734
|21
|}

Baseline groundwater quality data for central and southern Scotland

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater

2026-04-10T14:47:53Z

Dbk: /* Summary results */

{{Underconstruction}}

==National methane baseline survey: results summary==
===Summary results===
Since the beginning of the national methane baseline survey in 2012, a total of 248 new groundwater methane samples have been collected and analysed from five areas:

* South Wales
* East Midlands Province
* Lancashire and Cheshire Basin
* Cumbria and Northumberland
* Southern England comprising Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire

A number of groundwater methane values also exist for other areas from previous research projects, in particular central and southern Scotland and parts of south Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and areas around London. These datasets have been combined to provide a summary of methane concentrations in groundwater in these areas.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
| Central/southern Scotland
| <0.0001
| 0.0036
| 1.68
| 31
|-
| Lancashire and Cheshire Basins
| 0.0002
| 0.0025
| 0.091
| 23
|-
| East Midlands Province
| <0.00005
| 0.0009
| 1.32
| 93
|-
| Southern England
| <0.00005
| 0.0013
| 4.72
| 251
|-
| South Wales
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.0483
| 25
|-
| Cumbria and Northumberland
| <0.0002
| 0.00065
| 1.434
| 16
|-
| Cumbria (Environment Agency data)
| <0.1
| <0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|-
| Lancashire and Cheshire (Environment Agency data)
| <0.01
| <0.5
| 132
| 2842
|}
Summary of the methane baseline results

Methane baseline samples have been collected from potable water supplies — either drinking water or groundwater quality monitoring boreholes. None of the samples in the aquifers used for public water supply have exceeded the explosive limit for methane. For additional information on research carried out by BGS on methane in groundwater apart from baseline surveys, please see our methane in UK groundwater research overview and the following key publications:

* The hydrogeochemistry of methane : evidence from English groundwaters Darling and Gooddy (2006)
* The potential for methane emissions from groundwaters of the UK Gooddy and Darling (2005)

===Methane in UK Groundwater===
Click on the regions on the map below to see initial results from the survey. In addition to methane data, there is a regional overview of the geology, aquifers and shale gas source rocks present. Areas with adequate methane data have been split by aquifer, in addition to a regional summary. Using data collected as part of the BGS and Environment Agency The Natural (Baseline) Quality of Groundwaters in England and Wales project, there is also a brief overview of the relevant aquifer’s groundwater quality. Further information on chemical indicators and trace elements that are not included in the summary can be found in the individual baseline reports.

Click on the regions on the map below to see results from the survey and more detail can be found in the summary report and recent publication.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:Groundwater and shale gas| ]]

Category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater

2026-04-10T14:47:33Z

Dbk: /* National methane baseline survey: results summary */

{{Underconstruction}}

==National methane baseline survey: results summary==
===Summary results===
Since the beginning of the national methane baseline survey in 2012, a total of 248 new groundwater methane samples have been collected and analysed from five areas:

* South Wales
* East Midlands Province
* Lancashire and Cheshire Basin
* Cumbria and Northumberland
* Southern England comprising Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire

A number of groundwater methane values also exist for other areas from previous research projects, in particular central and southern Scotland and parts of south Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and areas around London. These datasets have been combined to provide a summary of methane concentrations in groundwater in these areas.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| colspan="3" | '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
| Central/southern Scotland
| <0.0001
| 0.0036
| 1.68
| 31
|-
| Lancashire and Cheshire Basins
| 0.0002
| 0.0025
| 0.091
| 23
|-
| East Midlands Province
| <0.00005
| 0.0009
| 1.32
| 93
|-
| Southern England
| <0.00005
| 0.0013
| 4.72
| 251
|-
| South Wales
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.0483
| 25
|-
| Cumbria and Northumberland
| <0.0002
| 0.00065
| 1.434
| 16
|-
| Cumbria (Environment Agency data)
| <0.1
| <0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|-
| Lancashire and Cheshire (Environment Agency data)
| <0.01
| <0.5
| 132
| 2842
|}
Summary of the methane baseline results

Methane baseline samples have been collected from potable water supplies — either drinking water or groundwater quality monitoring boreholes. None of the samples in the aquifers used for public water supply have exceeded the explosive limit for methane. For additional information on research carried out by BGS on methane in groundwater apart from baseline surveys, please see our methane in UK groundwater research overview and the following key publications:

* The hydrogeochemistry of methane : evidence from English groundwaters Darling and Gooddy (2006)
* The potential for methane emissions from groundwaters of the UK Gooddy and Darling (2005)

===Methane in UK Groundwater===
Click on the regions on the map below to see initial results from the survey. In addition to methane data, there is a regional overview of the geology, aquifers and shale gas source rocks present. Areas with adequate methane data have been split by aquifer, in addition to a regional summary. Using data collected as part of the BGS and Environment Agency The Natural (Baseline) Quality of Groundwaters in England and Wales project, there is also a brief overview of the relevant aquifer’s groundwater quality. Further information on chemical indicators and trace elements that are not included in the summary can be found in the individual baseline reports.

Click on the regions on the map below to see results from the survey and more detail can be found in the summary report and recent publication.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:Groundwater and shale gas| ]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T14:45:34Z

Dbk: /* Data tables */

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
Information icon
Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
'''Table 1''' Range and distribution of reported annual average Rn concentrations. GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area (number of homes per period)
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Feb–May 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|-
|Little Plumpton (36/36/40)
|6–90
|33
|1.9
|4–100
|29
|2.1
|1–50
|14
|2.5
|2–60
|16
|2.0
|2–90
|25
|2.1
|-
|Roseacre Wood (34/33/33)
|8–90
|25
|1.7
|7–70
|23
|1.7
|2–40
|13
|1.8
|5–30
|12
|1.7
|6–100
|23
|1.9
|-
|Woodplumpton (40/36/32)
|10–80
|26
|1.7
|8–80
|21
|1.8
|4–60
|11
|1.7
|5–40
|11
|1.7
|5–60
|20
|1.7
|}

'''Table 2''' Analysis of outdoor Rn results.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area
|Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3
|Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3
|Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3
|Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
|-
|Little Plumpton
|4±1
|2±1
|1±1
|2±1
|3±1
|5±1
|-
|Woodplumpton
|4±1
|3±1
|2±1
|2±1
|4±2
|5±1
|}

'''Table 3''' Range and distribution of AlphaGUARD Rn measurements. AM: arithmetic mean; GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation; SD: standard deviation.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Monitoring period
|colspan="4" | Alphaguard
|colspan="2" | Passive detectors
|-
|
|colspan="4" | Bq/m3
|colspan="2" | Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|AM
|GM
|GSD
|AM
|SD
|-
|Mar 17 – Jun 17
|1–35
|6
|5
|1.9
|7
|2
|-
|Jun 17 – Sep 17
|1–46
|9
|7
|2.0
|10
|1
|-
|Sep 17 – Dec 17
|1–12
|3
|3
|1.8
|4
|1
|-
|Dec 17 – Mar 18
|1–12
|2
|2
|1.8
|2
|1
|-
|Mar 18 – Sep 18
|1–49
|6
|5
|2.2
|4
|1
|}

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T14:44:53Z

Dbk: /* Data tables */

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
Information icon
Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
'''Table 1''' Range and distribution of reported annual average Rn concentrations. GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area (number of homes per period)
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Feb–May 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|-
|Little Plumpton (36/36/40)
|6–90
|33
|1.9
|4–100
|29
|2.1
|1–50
|14
|2.5
|2–60
|16
|2.0
|2–90
|25
|2.1
|-
|Roseacre Wood (34/33/33)
|8–90
|25
|1.7
|7–70
|23
|1.7
|2–40
|13
|1.8
|5–30
|12
|1.7
|6–100
|23
|1.9
|-
|Woodplumpton (40/36/32)
|10–80
|26
|1.7
|8–80
|21
|1.8
|4–60
|11
|1.7
|5–40
|11
|1.7
|5–60
|20
|1.7
|}

'''Table 2''' Analysis of outdoor Rn results.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area
|Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3
|Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3
|Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3
|Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
|-
|Little Plumpton
|4±1
|2±1
|1±1
|2±1
|3±1
|5±1
|-
|Woodplumpton
|4±1
|3±1
|2±1
|2±1
|4±2
|5±1
|}

'''Table 3''' Range and distribution of AlphaGUARD Rn measurements. AM: arithmetic mean; GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation; SD: standard deviation.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Monitoring period
|colspan="4" | Alphaguard
|colspan="2" | Passive detectors
|-
|
|colspan="3" | Bq/m3
|colspan="2" | Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|AM
|GM
|GSD
|AM
|SD
|-
|Mar 17 – Jun 17
|1–35
|6
|5
|1.9
|7
|2
|-
|Jun 17 – Sep 17
|1–46
|9
|7
|2.0
|10
|1
|-
|Sep 17 – Dec 17
|1–12
|3
|3
|1.8
|4
|1
|-
|Dec 17 – Mar 18
|1–12
|2
|2
|1.8
|2
|1
|-
|Mar 18 – Sep 18
|1–49
|6
|5
|2.2
|4
|1
|}

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T14:44:13Z

Dbk: /* Data tables */

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
Information icon
Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
'''Table 1''' Range and distribution of reported annual average Rn concentrations. GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area (number of homes per period)
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Feb–May 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|-
|Little Plumpton (36/36/40)
|6–90
|33
|1.9
|4–100
|29
|2.1
|1–50
|14
|2.5
|2–60
|16
|2.0
|2–90
|25
|2.1
|-
|Roseacre Wood (34/33/33)
|8–90
|25
|1.7
|7–70
|23
|1.7
|2–40
|13
|1.8
|5–30
|12
|1.7
|6–100
|23
|1.9
|-
|Woodplumpton (40/36/32)
|10–80
|26
|1.7
|8–80
|21
|1.8
|4–60
|11
|1.7
|5–40
|11
|1.7
|5–60
|20
|1.7
|}

'''Table 2''' Analysis of outdoor Rn results.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area
|Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3
|Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3
|Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3
|Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
|-
|Little Plumpton
|4±1
|2±1
|1±1
|2±1
|3±1
|5±1
|-
|Woodplumpton
|4±1
|3±1
|2±1
|2±1
|4±2
|5±1
|}

'''Table 3''' Range and distribution of AlphaGUARD Rn measurements. AM: arithmetic mean; GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation; SD: standard deviation.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Monitoring period
|colspan="3" | Alphaguard
|colspan="2" | Passive detectors
|-
|
|colspan="3" | Bq/m3
|colspan="2" | Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|AM
|GM
|GSD
|AM
|SD
|-
|Mar 17 – Jun 17
|1–35
|6
|5
|1.9
|7
|2
|-
|Jun 17 – Sep 17
|1–46
|9
|7
|2.0
|10
|1
|-
|Sep 17 – Dec 17
|1–12
|3
|3
|1.8
|4
|1
|-
|Dec 17 – Mar 18
|1–12
|2
|2
|1.8
|2
|1
|-
|Mar 18 – Sep 18
|1–49
|6
|5
|2.2
|4
|1
|}

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T14:43:32Z

Dbk: /* Data tables */

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
Information icon
Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
'''Table 1''' Range and distribution of reported annual average Rn concentrations. GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area (number of homes per period)
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Feb–May 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|-
|Little Plumpton (36/36/40)
|6–90
|33
|1.9
|4–100
|29
|2.1
|1–50
|14
|2.5
|2–60
|16
|2.0
|2–90
|25
|2.1
|-
|Roseacre Wood (34/33/33)
|8–90
|25
|1.7
|7–70
|23
|1.7
|2–40
|13
|1.8
|5–30
|12
|1.7
|6–100
|23
|1.9
|-
|Woodplumpton (40/36/32)
|10–80
|26
|1.7
|8–80
|21
|1.8
|4–60
|11
|1.7
|5–40
|11
|1.7
|5–60
|20
|1.7
|}

'''Table 2''' Analysis of outdoor Rn results.
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area |
Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3
|Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3
|Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3
|Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3
|Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
|-
|Little Plumpton
|4±1
|2±1
|1±1
|2±1
|3±1
|5±1
|-
|Woodplumpton
|4±1
|3±1
|2±1
|2±1
|4±2
|5±1
|}

'''Table 3''' Range and distribution of AlphaGUARD Rn measurements. AM: arithmetic mean; GM: geometric mean; GSD: geometric standard deviation; SD: standard deviation.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Monitoring period
|colspan="3" | Alphaguard
|colspan="2" | Passive detectors
|-
|
|colspan="3" | Bq/m3
|colspan="2" | Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|AM
|GM
|GSD
|AM
|SD
|-
|
|Mar 17 – Jun 17
|1–35
|6
|5
|1.9
|7
|2
|-
|Jun 17 – Sep 17
|1–46
|9
|7
|2.0
|10
|1
|-
|Sep 17 – Dec 17
|1–12
|3
|3
|1.8
|4
|1
|-
|Dec 17 – Mar 18
|1–12
|2
|2
|1.8
|2
|1
|-
|Mar 18 – Sep 18
|1–49
|6
|5
|2.2
|4
|1
|}

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T14:36:08Z

Dbk: /* Data tables */

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
Information icon
Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
Table 1
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area (number of homes per period)
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Feb–May 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|-
|Little Plumpton (36/36/40)
|6–90
|33
|1.9
|4–100
|29
|2.1
|1–50
|14
|2.5
|2–60
|16
|2.0
|2–90
|25
|2.1
|-
|Roseacre Wood (34/33/33)
|8–90
|25
|1.7
|7–70
|23
|1.7
|2–40
|13
|1.8
|5–30
|12
|1.7
|6–100
|23
|1.9
|-
|Woodplumpton (40/36/32)
|10–80
|26
|1.7
|8–80
|21
|1.8
|4–60
|11
|1.7
|5–40
|11
|1.7
|5–60
|20
|1.7
|}

Table 2
Area Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3 Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3 Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3 Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3 Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3 Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
Little Plumpton 4±1 2±1 1±1 2±1 3±1 5±1
Woodplumpton 4±1 3±1 2±1 2±1 4±2 5±1

Table 3
Monitoring period Alphaguard Passive detectors
Bq/m3 Bq/m3
Range AM GM GSD AM SD
Mar 17 – Jun 17 1–35 6 5 1.9 7 2
Jun 17 – Sep 17 1–46 9 7 2.0 10 1
Sep 17 – Dec 17 1–12 3 3 1.8 4 1
Dec 17 – Mar 18 1–12 2 2 1.8 2 1
Mar 18 – Sep 18 1–49 6 5 2.2 4 1

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T14:33:56Z

Dbk: /* Data tables */

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
Information icon
Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
Table 1
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Area (number of homes per period)
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | Feb–May 18, Bq/m3
|colspan="3" | May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
|-
|
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|Range
|GM
|GSD
|-
|Little Plumpton (36/36/40)
|6–90
|33
|1.9
|4–100
|29
|2.1
|1–50
|14
|2.5
|2–60
|16
|2.0
|2–90
|25
|2.1
|-
|Roseacre Wood (34/33/33)

8–90 25 1.7 7–70 23 1.7 2–40 13 1.8 5–30 12 1.7 6–100 23 1.9
Woodplumpton
(40/36/32)

10–80 26 1.7 8–80 21 1.8 4–60 11 1.7 5–40 11 1.7 5–60 20 1.7

Table 2
Area Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3 Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3 Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3 Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3 Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3 Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
Little Plumpton 4±1 2±1 1±1 2±1 3±1 5±1
Woodplumpton 4±1 3±1 2±1 2±1 4±2 5±1

Table 3
Monitoring period Alphaguard Passive detectors
Bq/m3 Bq/m3
Range AM GM GSD AM SD
Mar 17 – Jun 17 1–35 6 5 1.9 7 2
Jun 17 – Sep 17 1–46 9 7 2.0 10 1
Sep 17 – Dec 17 1–12 3 3 1.8 4 1
Dec 17 – Mar 18 1–12 2 2 1.8 2 1
Mar 18 – Sep 18 1–49 6 5 2.2 4 1

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Air quality and greenhouse gases - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T14:27:02Z

Dbk: /* Measurement statistics */

{{underconstruction}}
==Air quality and greenhouse gas monitoring in the Vale of Pickering==
From January 2016 to February 2020, the Universities of York and Manchester were together monitoring air quality and greenhouse gases at the proposed Third Energy shale gas exploration site in Kirby Misperton. The monitoring equipment was set up to measure concentrations of ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 and NOx), methane (CH4), non–methane hydrocarbons (NHMCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as capturing meteorological information.

==Rationale for monitoring==
'''Figure 1''' Air quality monitoring equipmentFigure 1. Air quality monitoring equipment at the Kirby Misperton site.
In the context of hydrocarbon exploration and production, atmospheric emissions have a number of potential effects. Emissions may have, both separately and collectively, implications for climate change, air quality and public and occupational health.

==Public health==
These parameters concern direct primary emissions ranging from infrastructure onsite (e.g. particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from generators; traffic; plant; flares; dust, and materials handling), to gases that may affect air quality (e.g. non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), and potentially hazardous and harmful trace gases such as benzene (C6H6)). Secondary impacts may occur downwind through reactive chemistry. Unlike greenhouse gases, many of the species mentioned are regulated both for emissions and in ambient air.

==Greenhouse gases==
There are numerous sources of greenhouse gases, both natural and artificial. Natural variations of long-lived greenhouse gases, mainly CH4 and CO2, relate to soil and deeper subsurface processes. This signal is augmented by fugitive emissions from vehicle exhausts, industry and landfill. Development of a shale gas exploration programme potentially adds further fugitive emissions from leaks, gas storage, processing operations, fracking fluid and flowback. It is important to establish the range of baseline concentrations of greenhouse gases and other air quality parameters before any shale gas operations begin.

Wide variations in the concentration of these gases occur over various timescales as a result of uptake by plants and variations in anthropogenic emissions. Variations can be seen for even minor changes in wind direction, depending on local conditions (e.g. if a road exists nearby).

Monitoring of gases over time therefore provides an understanding of the baseline, to which any changes induced by future activity can be compared quantitatively.

==The monitoring site==
The monitoring site (Figure 1) was located within the boundary of the Third Energy site. The station consisted of a waterproof enclosure installed with instrumentation to measure continuous concentrations of O3, PM, NOx, CH4 and CO2, as well as wind speed and direction, air temperature, and relative humidity. In addition, air samples were taken in stainless steel canisters and returned to the University of York for analysis of a wider range of parameters.

==Data interpretation==
===Meteorology===
'''Figure 2''' Wind rose showing wind speed and direction statistics for the period January 2016 – 10 March 2016. The radius defines the percentage of time the wind in each of 12 wind direction cones (30 degree span), while the colour scale defines the wind speed (redder colours indicating strong wind speeds > 6 ms-1 and yellow colours indicating lighter winds.

Data for the first few months of wind measurement are shown in Figure 2. This shows that over the winter 2015/16 period the dominant wind direction was from the south west quadrant (~40%), which is also the direction from which the strongest winds were observed. This is consistent with the series of vigorous Atlantic storms experienced over the winter.

===Greenhouse gases===
'''Figure 3''' Time series of methane (red) and carbon dioxide (grey) concentrations in air. Units are parts per million (ppm)

Greenhouse gas concentrations have been measured from 13 January 2016. A time series of the data is shown in Figure 3. A general correlation between CO2 and CH4 can be seen over the measurement period. Concentrations above the background are seen for every wind direction but with a greater tendency when the wind is from the south west (albeit for the very limited dataset).

===Air quality===
The time series for O3, NO, NO2, NOx, PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10 are shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The data gap in the PM measurement is due to an instrument problem. The data indicate that there are times when the site is affected by higher levels of pollution in the form of NO, NO2 and particles (spikes on the graphs). These are likely to reflect emissions from vehicle movements near the site.

'''Figure 4''' Time series of nitrogen oxide species concentrations.
'''Figure 5''' Time series of Ozone (O3) concentrations.
'''Figure 6''' Time series of particulate material concentrations.Figure 6. Time series of particulate material concentrations.

===Measurement statistics===
The concentration statistics for the range of parameters are shown in Table 1. Although there is only a limited dataset, the mean concentration of methane is similar to the Northern Hemispheric seasonal average of ~1.9 ppm, while the carbon dioxide site average is marginally enhanced relative to this wintertime hemispheric average (~402 ppm).

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Compound
|10%
|25%
|33%
|Mean
|75%
|90%
|95%
|-
|CH4 (ppm)
|1.94
|1.96
|1.97
|2.06
|2.08
|2.26
|2.45
|-
|CO2 (ppm)
|404.73
|405.93
|406.92
|412.97
|414.30
|428.40
|439.25
|-
|O3 (ppb)
|13.36
|21.35
|23.93
|28.92
|34.01
|38.44
|40.53
|-
|NO (ppb)
|LOD
|0.03
|0.05
|0.10
|0.27
|0.83
|1.66
|-
|NO2 (ppb)
|LOD
|0.37
|0.63
|1.27
|2.61
|4.97
|6.54
|-
|NOx (ppb)
|LOD
|0.41
|0.68
|1.41
|2.92
|5.51
|7.86
|-
|PM1 (μg / m3)
|1.17
|2.17
|2.92
|5.19
|13.10
|23.53
|29.71
|-
|PM2.5 (μg / m3)
|1.78
|3.08
|3.87
|6.57
|14.49
|24.94
|31.76
|-
|PM4 (μg / m3)
|2.28
|3.86
|4.84
|7.79
|15.66
|26.00
|33.15
|-
|PM10 (μg / m3)
|2.79
|4.55
|5.80
|8.98
|17.68
|27.85
|34.83
|-
|PMtotal (μg / m3)
|3.17
|5.34
|6.75
|10.29
|19.75
|30.78
|38.26
|-
|Particle Count (particles / cm3)
|28.83
|57.92
|78.73
|154.20
|407.60
|573.96
|682.93
|}
'''Table 1''' Statistical metrics for air quality pollutants. Percentages refer to percentiles. LOD refers to measurements below the limit of detection of the instrument.

===NMHC results===
Samples for hydrocarbon (C2–C6) analysis have been collected weekly in special canisters from both the Little Plumpton (Lancashire) and Kirby Misperton (Yorkshire) sites and returned to the WACL laboratory at York University.

The plots below show the distribution of individual species (ethane, propane and benzene) at the Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton sites (Kirby Misperton: 87 samples from November 2015 to August 2017; Little Plumpton: 65 samples from October 2015 to August 2017). The dataset for hydrocarbons is available on the BADC website.

'''Figure 7''' Box plots showing the distributions of ethane from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.
'''Figure 8''' Box plots showing the distributions of propane from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.
'''Figure 9''' Box plots showing the distributions of benzene from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.=

Note: EC Air Quality Directive limit value for benzene (annual mean) = 1.54 ppb. Observations to date indicate a median baseline concentration around a factor of ten lower than the EC Directive limit value.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Air quality and greenhouse gases - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T14:26:44Z

Dbk: /* Measurement statistics */

{{underconstruction}}
==Air quality and greenhouse gas monitoring in the Vale of Pickering==
From January 2016 to February 2020, the Universities of York and Manchester were together monitoring air quality and greenhouse gases at the proposed Third Energy shale gas exploration site in Kirby Misperton. The monitoring equipment was set up to measure concentrations of ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 and NOx), methane (CH4), non–methane hydrocarbons (NHMCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as capturing meteorological information.

==Rationale for monitoring==
'''Figure 1''' Air quality monitoring equipmentFigure 1. Air quality monitoring equipment at the Kirby Misperton site.
In the context of hydrocarbon exploration and production, atmospheric emissions have a number of potential effects. Emissions may have, both separately and collectively, implications for climate change, air quality and public and occupational health.

==Public health==
These parameters concern direct primary emissions ranging from infrastructure onsite (e.g. particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from generators; traffic; plant; flares; dust, and materials handling), to gases that may affect air quality (e.g. non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), and potentially hazardous and harmful trace gases such as benzene (C6H6)). Secondary impacts may occur downwind through reactive chemistry. Unlike greenhouse gases, many of the species mentioned are regulated both for emissions and in ambient air.

==Greenhouse gases==
There are numerous sources of greenhouse gases, both natural and artificial. Natural variations of long-lived greenhouse gases, mainly CH4 and CO2, relate to soil and deeper subsurface processes. This signal is augmented by fugitive emissions from vehicle exhausts, industry and landfill. Development of a shale gas exploration programme potentially adds further fugitive emissions from leaks, gas storage, processing operations, fracking fluid and flowback. It is important to establish the range of baseline concentrations of greenhouse gases and other air quality parameters before any shale gas operations begin.

Wide variations in the concentration of these gases occur over various timescales as a result of uptake by plants and variations in anthropogenic emissions. Variations can be seen for even minor changes in wind direction, depending on local conditions (e.g. if a road exists nearby).

Monitoring of gases over time therefore provides an understanding of the baseline, to which any changes induced by future activity can be compared quantitatively.

==The monitoring site==
The monitoring site (Figure 1) was located within the boundary of the Third Energy site. The station consisted of a waterproof enclosure installed with instrumentation to measure continuous concentrations of O3, PM, NOx, CH4 and CO2, as well as wind speed and direction, air temperature, and relative humidity. In addition, air samples were taken in stainless steel canisters and returned to the University of York for analysis of a wider range of parameters.

==Data interpretation==
===Meteorology===
'''Figure 2''' Wind rose showing wind speed and direction statistics for the period January 2016 – 10 March 2016. The radius defines the percentage of time the wind in each of 12 wind direction cones (30 degree span), while the colour scale defines the wind speed (redder colours indicating strong wind speeds > 6 ms-1 and yellow colours indicating lighter winds.

Data for the first few months of wind measurement are shown in Figure 2. This shows that over the winter 2015/16 period the dominant wind direction was from the south west quadrant (~40%), which is also the direction from which the strongest winds were observed. This is consistent with the series of vigorous Atlantic storms experienced over the winter.

===Greenhouse gases===
'''Figure 3''' Time series of methane (red) and carbon dioxide (grey) concentrations in air. Units are parts per million (ppm)

Greenhouse gas concentrations have been measured from 13 January 2016. A time series of the data is shown in Figure 3. A general correlation between CO2 and CH4 can be seen over the measurement period. Concentrations above the background are seen for every wind direction but with a greater tendency when the wind is from the south west (albeit for the very limited dataset).

===Air quality===
The time series for O3, NO, NO2, NOx, PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10 are shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The data gap in the PM measurement is due to an instrument problem. The data indicate that there are times when the site is affected by higher levels of pollution in the form of NO, NO2 and particles (spikes on the graphs). These are likely to reflect emissions from vehicle movements near the site.

'''Figure 4''' Time series of nitrogen oxide species concentrations.
'''Figure 5''' Time series of Ozone (O3) concentrations.
'''Figure 6''' Time series of particulate material concentrations.Figure 6. Time series of particulate material concentrations.

===Measurement statistics===
The concentration statistics for the range of parameters are shown in Table 1. Although there is only a limited dataset, the mean concentration of methane is similar to the Northern Hemispheric seasonal average of ~1.9 ppm, while the carbon dioxide site average is marginally enhanced relative to this wintertime hemispheric average (~402 ppm).

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Compound
|10%
|25%
|33%
|Mean
|75%
|90%
|95%
|-
|CH4 (ppm)
|1.94
|1.96
|1.97
|2.06
|2.08
|2.26
|2.45
|-
|CO2 (ppm)
|404.73
|405.93
|406.92
|412.97
|414.30
|428.40
|439.25
|-
|O3 (ppb)
|13.36
|21.35
|23.93
|28.92
|34.01
|38.44
|40.53
|-
|NO (ppb)
|LOD
|0.03
|0.05
|0.10
|0.27
|0.83
|1.66
|-
|NO2 (ppb)
|LOD
|0.37
|0.63
|1.27
|2.61
|4.97
|6.54
|-
|NOx (ppb)
|LOD
|0.41
|0.68
|1.41
|2.92
|5.51
|7.86
|-
|PM1 (μg / m3)
|1.17
|2.17
|2.92
|5.19
|13.10
|23.53
|29.71
|-
|PM2.5 (μg / m3)
|1.78
|3.08
|3.87
|6.57
|14.49
|24.94
|31.76
|-
|PM4 (μg / m3)
|2.28
|3.86
|4.84
|7.79
|15.66
|26.00
|33.15
|_
|PM10 (μg / m3)
|2.79
|4.55
|5.80
|8.98
|17.68
|27.85
|34.83
|-
|PMtotal (μg / m3)
|3.17
|5.34
|6.75
|10.29
|19.75
|30.78
|38.26
|-
|Particle Count (particles / cm3)
|28.83
|57.92
|78.73
|154.20
|407.60
|573.96
|682.93
|}
'''Table 1''' Statistical metrics for air quality pollutants. Percentages refer to percentiles. LOD refers to measurements below the limit of detection of the instrument.

===NMHC results===
Samples for hydrocarbon (C2–C6) analysis have been collected weekly in special canisters from both the Little Plumpton (Lancashire) and Kirby Misperton (Yorkshire) sites and returned to the WACL laboratory at York University.

The plots below show the distribution of individual species (ethane, propane and benzene) at the Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton sites (Kirby Misperton: 87 samples from November 2015 to August 2017; Little Plumpton: 65 samples from October 2015 to August 2017). The dataset for hydrocarbons is available on the BADC website.

'''Figure 7''' Box plots showing the distributions of ethane from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.
'''Figure 8''' Box plots showing the distributions of propane from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.
'''Figure 9''' Box plots showing the distributions of benzene from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.=

Note: EC Air Quality Directive limit value for benzene (annual mean) = 1.54 ppb. Observations to date indicate a median baseline concentration around a factor of ten lower than the EC Directive limit value.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Research ouputs - Eddleston

2026-04-10T14:19:01Z

Dbk: /* Reports */

{{underconstruction}}
==Outputs==
The outputs from the project can be viewed and/or downloaded from this page.

===Geology maps and models===
* 3D geological model in PDF
* New geological map of the Eddleston Water catchment: Auton, C A. 2011 Eddleston Water Catchment, Superficial Geology, 1: 25 000 Scale. British Geological Survey.

===Reports===
====Detailed descriptions of characterisation work at the Eddleston site and collected data====
Ó Dochartaigh, B E, MacDonald, A M, Merritt, J E, Auton, C A, Archer, N, Bonell, M, Kuras, O, Raines, M G, Bonsor, H C, Dobbs, M. 2012. Eddleston Water Floodplain Project: data report. Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 95pp. (OR/12/059) (Unpublished).

===Conference papers===
Ó Dochartaigh, B E, MacDonald, A M, Archer, N A L, Black, A R, Bonell, M, Auton, C A, and Merritt, J E. 2012. Groundwater-surface water interaction in an upland hill slope floodplain environment, Eddleston, Scotland. In: BHS 11th National Symposium, Hydrology for a Changing World, Dundee, Scotland, 9–11 July 2012. (Unpublished).

Archer, N A L, Bonell, M, Coles, N, MacDonald, A M, Stevenson, R, and Hallett, P. 2012. The relationship of forest and improved grassland to soil water storage and its implication on Natural Flood Management in the Scottish Borders. In: BHS 11th National Symposium, Hydrology for a Changing World, Dundee, Scotland, 9–11 July 2012. (Unpublished).

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Research ouputs - Eddleston

2026-04-10T14:18:44Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Outputs== The outputs from the project can be viewed and/or downloaded from this page. ===Geology maps and models=== * 3D geological model in PDF * New geological map of the Eddleston Water catchment: Auton, C A. 2011 Eddleston Water Catchment, Superficial Geology, 1: 25 000 Scale. British Geological Survey. ===Reports=== Detailed descriptions of characterisation work at the Eddleston site and collected data Ó Dochartaigh, B E, MacDonald, A M,..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Outputs==
The outputs from the project can be viewed and/or downloaded from this page.

===Geology maps and models===
* 3D geological model in PDF
* New geological map of the Eddleston Water catchment: Auton, C A. 2011 Eddleston Water Catchment, Superficial Geology, 1: 25 000 Scale. British Geological Survey.

===Reports===
Detailed descriptions of characterisation work at the Eddleston site and collected data
Ó Dochartaigh, B E, MacDonald, A M, Merritt, J E, Auton, C A, Archer, N, Bonell, M, Kuras, O, Raines, M G, Bonsor, H C, Dobbs, M. 2012. Eddleston Water Floodplain Project: data report. Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 95pp. (OR/12/059) (Unpublished).

===Conference papers===
Ó Dochartaigh, B E, MacDonald, A M, Archer, N A L, Black, A R, Bonell, M, Auton, C A, and Merritt, J E. 2012. Groundwater-surface water interaction in an upland hill slope floodplain environment, Eddleston, Scotland. In: BHS 11th National Symposium, Hydrology for a Changing World, Dundee, Scotland, 9–11 July 2012. (Unpublished).

Archer, N A L, Bonell, M, Coles, N, MacDonald, A M, Stevenson, R, and Hallett, P. 2012. The relationship of forest and improved grassland to soil water storage and its implication on Natural Flood Management in the Scottish Borders. In: BHS 11th National Symposium, Hydrology for a Changing World, Dundee, Scotland, 9–11 July 2012. (Unpublished).

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Investigating groundwater checmistry

2026-04-10T14:17:19Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Investigating groundwater chemistry== Sampling groundwater from one of the floodplain boreholes. Measuring bicarbonate alkalinity in the field using a titrator. To help us understand how groundwater flows through the floodplain and interacts with rain, soil and river water, the project is sampling and analysing the chemistry of groundwater and surface water across the Eddleston site at different times of the year. To collect groundwater samples..."

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==Investigating groundwater chemistry==
Sampling groundwater from one of the floodplain boreholes.
Measuring bicarbonate alkalinity in the field using a titrator.

To help us understand how groundwater flows through the floodplain and interacts with rain, soil and river water, the project is sampling and analysing the chemistry of groundwater and surface water across the Eddleston site at different times of the year.

To collect groundwater samples we use a small electrical pump powered by a 12V battery to purge the borehole and ensure that we have fresh groundwater from the aquifer.

As well as collecting samples for laboratory analysis of inorganic groundwater chemistry, and environmental tracers such as stable isotopes and dissolved gases, we measure parameters like water temperature, acidity/alkalinity and oxygen content in the field, as these can change quickly once groundwater is exposed to air.

We collected groundwater samples for laboratory analysis, to discover their chemical composition.

We used a digital titrator to measure the bicarbonate concentration (alkalinity) of freshly pumped groundwater samples to get the most accurate results.

Our portable meters measure other important parameters including pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen.

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Monitoring groundwater and soil moisture

2026-04-10T14:15:50Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} Groundwater levels and temperature are being monitored across the floodplain using automatic sensors installed in the piezometers. These sensors make and record measurements every 15 minutes, and every few months we download the data from them using a laptop, and take it back to the office. Setting up automatic sensors in floodplain piezometers Installing an automatic sensor in a floodplain piezometer Soil water and shallower groundwater levels in..."

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Groundwater levels and temperature are being monitored across the floodplain using automatic sensors installed in the piezometers. These sensors make and record measurements every 15 minutes, and every few months we download the data from them using a laptop, and take it back to the office.

Setting up automatic sensors in floodplain piezometers
Installing an automatic sensor in a floodplain piezometer

Soil water and shallower groundwater levels in the wetland piezometers are being monitored using water level sensors provided by the University of Western Australia.

Soil moisture content below the hill slope is measured by the buried hill slope sensors every 30 minutes, and recorded by a logger at the ground surface. The logger is protected by a steel drum, so that it can't be damaged by grazing sheep or cows.

Downloading water level data from wetland piezometers
Logger recording soil moisture data from buried sensors on the hill slope at Eddleston

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Soil and shallow groundwater

2026-04-10T14:13:56Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Soil and shallow groundwater== Measuring surface soil and subsoil permeability at Eddleston using a ponded disc permeameter and two constant head well permeametersMeasuring surface soil and subsoil permeability at Eddleston using a ponded disc permeameter and two constant head well permeameters The University of Dundee, in partnership with the BGS, has carried out a lot of work on soil permeability and soil water dynamics across the Eddleston sit..."

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==Soil and shallow groundwater==
Measuring surface soil and subsoil permeability at Eddleston using a ponded disc permeameter and two constant head well permeametersMeasuring surface soil and subsoil permeability at Eddleston using a ponded disc permeameter and two constant head well permeameters

The University of Dundee, in partnership with the BGS, has carried out a lot of work on soil permeability and soil water dynamics across the Eddleston site, which links closely with the groundwater investigations.

In some cases it's hard to distinguish where the boundary is between soil water and shallow groundwater, which is why it is so important to consider both together in the floodplain environment.

===Shallow wetland piezometers===
Installing shallow piezometers in a wetland area using a Dutch augerInstalling shallow piezometers in a wetland area using a Dutch auger.

Six smaller, shallower piezometers were installed by hand using a Dutch auger in a wetland area in one part of the site, as three pairs between ground level and 2 m depth.

The piezometers intercept low permeability silts and peat, and are being used to characterise the hydraulic properties of these deposits, which are a major control the hydrology of the wetland, and to monitor wetland hydrology over time.

The shallow piezometers were tested to establish the hydraulic properties of the silts and peat underlying the wetland.

This was done with a peristaltic pump, which has a very low flow rate of between 40 ml/min and 3.5 l/min, using a rapid recovery method (sometimes known as a slug test), where the piezometer is rapidly pumped dry and the time taken for the water level to recover to its natural level is recorded.

===Soil moisture sensors on the hill slope===
Soil moisture sensors being installed at 20 cm, 30 cm and 60 cm depth beneath the hill slope at Eddleston

Soil moisture sensors being installed at 20 cm, 30 cm and 60 cm depth beneath the hill slope at Eddleston
Six sensors were installed in soils on the hill slope above the wetland area, in two groups spaced 10 m apart up the slope.

For each group, a hole was dug, a sensor placed at 20 cm, 35 cm and 60 cm depth, and the hole filled in again, leaving the sensors buried so they can monitor soil moisture.

===Soil permeability across the hill slope and floodplain===
Click on the image to view a full-size map showing the location of soil permeability testing sites

The University of Dundee carried out an extensive survey of soil permeability below different land covers across the hill slope and floodplain at the Eddleston site (see map), supported by colleagues at the Centre of Excellence for Ecohydrology at the University of Western Australia.

Two different methods were used:

* Surface soil permeability was measured using a ponded disc permeameter. A metal ring is sunk 4 mm into the ground; the permeameter is placed on the soil surface; a free flow of water is allowed to infiltrate the ground and the rate at which it infiltrates is measured.
* Sub-soil (below 4 cm) permeability was measured using a constant head well permeameter. An auger is used to dig a 15 cm-deep hole, which is filled with water at a constant rate, and the rate at which the water soaks into soil below the hole is recorded.

Preliminary results show that soil permeability is significantly higher between established woodlands than beneath grasslands used for grazing. This will affect rainfall infiltration and groundwater recharge.

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Groundwater in the floodplain

2026-04-10T14:11:45Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Groundwater in the floodplain== Drilling a borehole using a shell and auger rig, Eddleston, 28 March 2011. Groundwater in the Quaternary aquifers below the Eddleston Water floodplain is connected to water in the soil; to the river; and to groundwater in the underlying bedrock aquifer. A large part of this work is investigating how groundwater in the floodplain interacts with water in the soil. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish what is groundw..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Groundwater in the floodplain==
Drilling a borehole using a shell and auger rig, Eddleston, 28 March 2011.

Groundwater in the Quaternary aquifers below the Eddleston Water floodplain is connected to water in the soil; to the river; and to groundwater in the underlying bedrock aquifer.

A large part of this work is investigating how groundwater in the floodplain interacts with water in the soil.

Sometimes it is hard to distinguish what is groundwater and what is soil water, because they are so closely linked — see Soil and shallow groundwater

===Borehole drilling into the floodplain===
Drilling boreholes into the floodplain at Eddleston. The blue standpipe in the foreground is one borehole in a pair; the rig is drilling the second

Nine boreholes were drilled into the Quaternary floodplain deposits at the Eddleston site, using a shell and auger (also called a percussion) drilling rig.

Geological samples were collected during drilling and detailed geological logs produced, to show how the Quaternary deposits change with depth and laterally across the floodplain.

These data were invaluable for creating the 3D geological model.

The boreholes were installed with piezometers for aquifer hydraulic testing and ongoing groundwater monitoring.

They were drilled in pairs, with one shallower (typically 4 to 5 m deep) and one deeper (typically 7 to 8 m deep) at each location.

Most of the boreholes have only one piezometer, but two boreholes have a pair of nested piezometers at different depths, and one has a triplet of piezometers.

===Hydraulic testing===
Measuring and recording groundwater levels in a borehole during test pumpingMeasuring and recording groundwater levels in a borehole during test pumping
Six smaller, shallower piezometers were installed by hand using a Dutch auger in a wetland area in one part of the site, as three pairs between ground level and 2 m depth.

These are being used to characterise the hydraulic properties of the soil and shallowest underlying Quaternary deposits, which help to control the hydrology of the wetland, and to monitor wetland hydrology over time.

Test pumping of the floodplain and the wetland piezometers was done to establish the hydraulic properties of the geological deposits.

Three different pumps were used for testing, as the deposits have very different permeabilities. The highest yielding floodplain piezometers, which were constructed in highly permeable sands and gravels, were tested with a suction pump with a capacity of approximately 2 litres/second (l/s).

Lower yielding floodplain piezometers constructed in moderately permeable sands and silts, were tested with an electric pump with a capacity of approximately 0.14 l/s.

All of these were constant rate tests, where the piezometer is pumped at a constant rate for between 100 and 360 minutes. The water level in the borehole is monitored during pumping and after the pump is switched off, until it recovers to its natural level.

The alluvial and glaciofluvial deposits show generally moderate permeability, with most measured transmissivity values from test pumping between 200 and 400 m2/day.

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Geology of the Eddleston water catchment

2026-04-10T14:08:59Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} The floodplain at Eddleston is underlain by a variable Quaternary valley fill sequence which ranges up to around 20 m thick. From near the surface to approximately 5–7 m depth is a relatively continuous layer of alluvial sandy gravel, sometimes overlain by and/or interbedded with alluvial silt and fine sand and/or peat. Below this, from approximately 7 m to between 12 and 15 m depth, is a layer of glaciofluvial gravel, which is largely restricte..."

{{underconstruction}}
The floodplain at Eddleston is underlain by a variable Quaternary valley fill sequence which ranges up to around 20 m thick.

From near the surface to approximately 5–7 m depth is a relatively continuous layer of alluvial sandy gravel, sometimes overlain by and/or interbedded with alluvial silt and fine sand and/or peat.

Below this, from approximately 7 m to between 12 and 15 m depth, is a layer of glaciofluvial gravel, which is largely restricted to the centre of the floodplain.

Below this are glaciolacustrine silts and clays. In some places, glacial till underlies the rest of the Quaternary sequence. Below the Quaternary deposits, bedrock across this whole area comprises greywackes — a form of sandstone — of Lower Palaeozoic age.

==New geological map of the Eddleston Water catchment==
New quaternary geology map of the Eddleston Water catchment

As well as a detailed survey of the geology of the experimental site itself, the BGS has re-surveyed the Quaternary geology of the whole of the Eddleston Water catchment, and produced a new map at 1:25 000 scale.

To purchase the map as a hard copy or in pdf format, please contact the BGS Sales Desk.

For more information about this mapping, and about licensing the data as GIS-enabled digital files, contact Digital Data.

==Three dimensional (3D) geology of the experimental site==
A new detailed 3D geological model of the Eddleston site has been created by combining all the new geological and geophysical data from geological surveying, geophysical surveying, trial pit digging, and borehole drilling.

The geological model was produced using GSI3D geological software, and as well as the new data collected on site, also uses a high resolution digital terrain model (DTM) which was derived from LiDAR data provided by Scottish Borders Council.

The completed model has been exported as a 3D pdf — one of the first times this kind of technology has been used to visualise geological information.

Instructions for opening the Eddleston 3D pdf model

Download the 3D geological model 10 MB pdf

Contact
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Geophysical surveying

2026-04-10T14:07:39Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Geophysical surveying== Map of geophysical survey linesMap of the Eddleston site showing the geophysical 'survey lines' Three different types of near-surface geophysical surveys were carried out at the Eddleston site to help explore the shallow geology of the site. The techniques used were: * electromagnetic induction (EM, also referred to as ground conductivity mapping) * 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and * ground penetrating radar..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Geophysical surveying==
Map of geophysical survey linesMap of the Eddleston site showing the geophysical 'survey lines'
Three different types of near-surface geophysical surveys were carried out at the Eddleston site to help explore the shallow geology of the site.

The techniques used were:

* electromagnetic induction (EM, also referred to as ground conductivity mapping)
* 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and
* ground penetrating radar (GPR)

An example ground conductivity map for the Eddleston site
An example of a ground conductivity map

This combination of electrical and electromagnetic (EM) techniques is a common application in investigations of shallow Quaternary deposits, and has been used successfully in a variety of recent BGS projects.

The geophysical results were used to develop the 3D geological model and to help decide where to site the floodplain boreholes.

===Cross sections===
The image below is an example of an ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) geophysical cross section across the floodplain/valley floor and the adjacent hill slope.

ERT example Example of an ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) geophysical cross section across the floodplain/valley floor and the adjacent hill slope.

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information.
[[category:Eddleston ]]

Category:Eddleston

2026-04-10T14:05:28Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Eddleston: groundwater-surface water interaction on an upland floodplain== Eddleston Water catchment and the experimental siteEddleston Water catchment and the experimental site The Eddleston Water is a small, upland tributary of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders, which has been selected as a demonstration research catchment by the Scottish Government for promoting Natural Flood Management. Over time, as in many rural valleys, the course of..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Eddleston: groundwater-surface water interaction on an upland floodplain==
Eddleston Water catchment and the experimental siteEddleston Water catchment and the experimental site
The Eddleston Water is a small, upland tributary of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders, which has been selected as a demonstration research catchment by the Scottish Government for promoting Natural Flood Management.

Over time, as in many rural valleys, the course of the Eddleston Water has been channelised and straightened, and the land has been drained to improve agricultural production.

Such changes have caused a loss of habitat diversity, and have increased the amount of rainwater run-off and the speed at which it flows through the catchment, which have led to an increased risk of flooding in Eddleston village and the town of Peebles downstream.

===Eddleston Water floodplain project===
The Eddleston Water Floodplain Project is a joint effort by a number of organisations to investigate and reduce the impact of flooding in the Eddleston catchment, a large part of which has been supported and funded by the Scottish Government.

The BGS, in partnership with the University of Dundee, is carrying out new research at a site near Eddleston village into the role groundwater plays in flooding in this kind of environment. Other work to investigate and reduce the impact of flooding in the Eddleston catchment is being done by the Tweed Forum and SEPA.

Already we're seeing that groundwater throughout the Eddleston floodplain is closely linked to surface water (rivers, soil water and wetlands).

Depending on the local environment and the weather, groundwater can mitigate, exacerbate or cause flooding. It is therefore important that natural flood management measures assess and take into account groundwater if they are to be fully effective.

===The experimental site===
A view across the Eddleston floodplain.

The BGS and the University of Dundee are working on an experimental site approximately 0.3 km2 in area, which includes most of the width of the Eddleston Water floodplain on both sides of the river.

It is a rural site, with a diverse range of land uses including mixed livestock farming on improved grassland, arable farming, established forest shelter belts, deciduous woodlands, and a riverbank strip of unimproved grassland.

Since 2010 we have been characterising the geology, soils, hydrology and hydrogeology of the site and have set up ongoing monitoring of groundwater, soil moisture, river flow, and climate.

===Characterising the floodplain environment===
Installing equipment in a monitoring borehole at EddlestonInstalling equipment in a monitoring borehole at Eddleston
Between summer 2010 and the end of 2011, the BGS and the University of Dundee carried out extensive work to characterise the shallow, Quaternary subsurface environment — the glacial and post-glacial geology, hydrogeology and soil hydrology — of the experimental site at Eddleston.

This work included:

* Characterising the geology of the site by geological surveying, including:
** 3D geological model of the site
** digging trial pits
** drilling boreholes and installing shallow piezometers
** geophysical surveying
** geological map of the Eddleston catchment area
* Groundwater in the floodplain: Investigating the hydraulic properties of the Quaternary aquifer beneath the floodplain by test pumping the new boreholes and piezometers.
* Investigating groundwater chemistry: collecting for chemical analysis.
* Monitoring groundwater and soil moisture: Measuring soil permeability in areas of different land use and topography across the site.

===Ongoing environmental monitoring===
A monitoring phase was started shortly after the initial characterisation of the Eddleston experimental site. We installed equipment to monitor soil moisture, groundwater levels and temperature, and groundwater chemistry over time; the data from which will improve our understanding of the dynamic workings of the floodplain environment.

==Contact==
Contact BGS Enquiries for further information
[[category:Catchment processes ]]

Category:Catchment processes

2026-04-10T14:01:44Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} category:Hydrogeology "

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[[category:Hydrogeology ]]

Ground motion - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T13:58:04Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Ground motion in theVale of Pickering== BGS monitored surface ground motion (subsidence, uplift or stability) in the Vale of Pickering using line of slight (LOS) interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). This is an ideal technique for ground motion monitoring because: * archive radar data (acquired by satellites since 1992) are available and can be used to ascertain a baseline of motion or lack of motion prior to any gas exploration/produ..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Ground motion in theVale of Pickering==
BGS monitored surface ground motion (subsidence, uplift or stability) in the Vale of Pickering using line of slight (LOS) interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). This is an ideal technique for ground motion monitoring because:

* archive radar data (acquired by satellites since 1992) are available and can be used to ascertain a baseline of motion or lack of motion prior to any gas exploration/production
* the analysis produces data over a region rather than at a point location

==Satellite data==
The archive radar data were acquired by the ERS–1/2 and ENVISAT satellites for the periods 1992–2000 and 2002–2009 respectively. There is no satellite coverage in the region between 2009 and 2014 due to the orbital decay of ENVISAT. Nonetheless, the period 1992–2009 was sufficient to provide a meaningful baseline assessment of ground motion prior to unconventional gas operations.

For the Vale of Pickering, ESA's archives include two data stacks of ERS–1/2 and ENVISAT scenes that cover a standard satellite frame extending 100 by 100 km. 75 ERS–1/2 SAR scenes for 1992–2000 and 25 ENVISAT ASAR scenes for 2002–2009 are available. These data (1992–2000 and 2002–2009) were provided by the European Space Agency (ESA) under grant id. 31573, and analysed by BGS.

A new ESA radar satellite, Sentinel–1A, was launched in April 2014. However, at the time of analysis, a sufficient stack of data had not been acquired by the satellite to carry out high–precision InSAR analysis.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Soil and near-surface gases - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T13:56:27Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Soil and near surface gas monitoring in the Vale of Pickering== BGS monitored baseline gas in soil and the near surface at locations in the Vale of Pickering. Concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and radon (Rn) were measured in the soil, along with flux of CO2 and CH4. The baseline monitoring was similar to that carried out in Lancashire, with the potential to utilise other gas monitoring too..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Soil and near surface gas monitoring in the Vale of Pickering==
BGS monitored baseline gas in soil and the near surface at locations in the Vale of Pickering. Concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and radon (Rn) were measured in the soil, along with flux of CO2 and CH4.

The baseline monitoring was similar to that carried out in Lancashire, with the potential to utilise other gas monitoring tools. Near surface atmospheric gases (CO2 and CH4) may be measured using laser gas analysers mounted on a quad bike or similar all-terrain vehicle. This makes continuous measurements as the vehicle is driven across the fields.

==Background==
For many years we have been analysing soil gases and the air overlying the surface in relation to geological CO2 storage. The techniques used proved highly successful for measuring baseline gas concentrations, locating and studying rates of gas escape from natural vents, and demonstrating the absence of leakage from storage projects. The baseline data allow existing natural or man-made sources of gas to be identified and distinguished from any emission resulting from shale-gas operations.

==Gas measurements==
As part of our monitoring activities, we carried out sampling of near-surface gases in the Vale of Pickering in areas close to where shale-gas planning applications were submitted (KMA). This included measuring soil gas concentrations and the flux from the soil to the atmosphere.

Soil gas was monitored by hammering a small diameter steel tube into the ground to a depth of up to 1 m. Samples of the gas were then pumped to a portable field gas-analysing instrument or collected for laboratory analysis. The steel tube was then removed from the ground. Flux was determined by placing a small metal chamber onto the ground surface and measuring the flow of the gas into the chamber. Both soil gas and flux measurements only took a few minutes and caused very little disturbance to the soil or vegetation. The field methods are shown below.

Soil gas measurement (left) and gas flux measurement (right).

A total of 142 sample sites were measured for flux in November 2015 but soil gas could only be determined at 100 of these because of wet ground conditions. Repeat flux measurements were made at 21 sites in March 2016 but waterlogged ground prevented further work.

Vale of Pickering soil gas monitoring area ringed in red. Map shows the superficial geology, which mostly consists of former lake deposits and glacial material (diamicton) sitting on Kimmeridge Clay Formation bedrock.

Results for CO2 flux from the soil in the Vale of Pickering, November 2015.

Results for CO2 concentrations in soil gas in the Vale of Pickering, November 2015.

Comparison of CO2 flux at the same sites measured in November 2015 and March 2016. Values were appreciably lower in March 2016. This is likely to be because of reduced biological activity and wetter soil conditions.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Air quality and greenhouse gases - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T13:53:23Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Air quality and greenhouse gas monitoring in the Vale of Pickering== From January 2016 to February 2020, the Universities of York and Manchester were together monitoring air quality and greenhouse gases at the proposed Third Energy shale gas exploration site in Kirby Misperton. The monitoring equipment was set up to measure concentrations of ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 and NOx), methane (CH4..."

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==Air quality and greenhouse gas monitoring in the Vale of Pickering==
From January 2016 to February 2020, the Universities of York and Manchester were together monitoring air quality and greenhouse gases at the proposed Third Energy shale gas exploration site in Kirby Misperton. The monitoring equipment was set up to measure concentrations of ozone (O3), particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 and NOx), methane (CH4), non–methane hydrocarbons (NHMCs), hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) as well as capturing meteorological information.

==Rationale for monitoring==
'''Figure 1''' Air quality monitoring equipmentFigure 1. Air quality monitoring equipment at the Kirby Misperton site.
In the context of hydrocarbon exploration and production, atmospheric emissions have a number of potential effects. Emissions may have, both separately and collectively, implications for climate change, air quality and public and occupational health.

==Public health==
These parameters concern direct primary emissions ranging from infrastructure onsite (e.g. particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) from generators; traffic; plant; flares; dust, and materials handling), to gases that may affect air quality (e.g. non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs), and potentially hazardous and harmful trace gases such as benzene (C6H6)). Secondary impacts may occur downwind through reactive chemistry. Unlike greenhouse gases, many of the species mentioned are regulated both for emissions and in ambient air.

==Greenhouse gases==
There are numerous sources of greenhouse gases, both natural and artificial. Natural variations of long-lived greenhouse gases, mainly CH4 and CO2, relate to soil and deeper subsurface processes. This signal is augmented by fugitive emissions from vehicle exhausts, industry and landfill. Development of a shale gas exploration programme potentially adds further fugitive emissions from leaks, gas storage, processing operations, fracking fluid and flowback. It is important to establish the range of baseline concentrations of greenhouse gases and other air quality parameters before any shale gas operations begin.

Wide variations in the concentration of these gases occur over various timescales as a result of uptake by plants and variations in anthropogenic emissions. Variations can be seen for even minor changes in wind direction, depending on local conditions (e.g. if a road exists nearby).

Monitoring of gases over time therefore provides an understanding of the baseline, to which any changes induced by future activity can be compared quantitatively.

==The monitoring site==
The monitoring site (Figure 1) was located within the boundary of the Third Energy site. The station consisted of a waterproof enclosure installed with instrumentation to measure continuous concentrations of O3, PM, NOx, CH4 and CO2, as well as wind speed and direction, air temperature, and relative humidity. In addition, air samples were taken in stainless steel canisters and returned to the University of York for analysis of a wider range of parameters.

==Data interpretation==
===Meteorology===
'''Figure 2''' Wind rose showing wind speed and direction statistics for the period January 2016 – 10 March 2016. The radius defines the percentage of time the wind in each of 12 wind direction cones (30 degree span), while the colour scale defines the wind speed (redder colours indicating strong wind speeds > 6 ms-1 and yellow colours indicating lighter winds.

Data for the first few months of wind measurement are shown in Figure 2. This shows that over the winter 2015/16 period the dominant wind direction was from the south west quadrant (~40%), which is also the direction from which the strongest winds were observed. This is consistent with the series of vigorous Atlantic storms experienced over the winter.

===Greenhouse gases===
'''Figure 3''' Time series of methane (red) and carbon dioxide (grey) concentrations in air. Units are parts per million (ppm)

Greenhouse gas concentrations have been measured from 13 January 2016. A time series of the data is shown in Figure 3. A general correlation between CO2 and CH4 can be seen over the measurement period. Concentrations above the background are seen for every wind direction but with a greater tendency when the wind is from the south west (albeit for the very limited dataset).

===Air quality===
The time series for O3, NO, NO2, NOx, PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10 are shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. The data gap in the PM measurement is due to an instrument problem. The data indicate that there are times when the site is affected by higher levels of pollution in the form of NO, NO2 and particles (spikes on the graphs). These are likely to reflect emissions from vehicle movements near the site.

'''Figure 4''' Time series of nitrogen oxide species concentrations.
'''Figure 5''' Time series of Ozone (O3) concentrations.
'''Figure 6''' Time series of particulate material concentrations.Figure 6. Time series of particulate material concentrations.

===Measurement statistics===
The concentration statistics for the range of parameters are shown in Table 1. Although there is only a limited dataset, the mean concentration of methane is similar to the Northern Hemispheric seasonal average of ~1.9 ppm, while the carbon dioxide site average is marginally enhanced relative to this wintertime hemispheric average (~402 ppm).

Compound 10% 25% 33% Mean 75% 90% 95%
CH4 (ppm) 1.94 1.96 1.97 2.06 2.08 2.26 2.45
CO2 (ppm) 404.73 405.93 406.92 412.97 414.30 428.40 439.25
O3 (ppb) 13.36 21.35 23.93 28.92 34.01 38.44 40.53
NO (ppb) LOD 0.03 0.05 0.10 0.27 0.83 1.66
NO2 (ppb) LOD 0.37 0.63 1.27 2.61 4.97 6.54
NOx (ppb) LOD 0.41 0.68 1.41 2.92 5.51 7.86
PM1 (μg / m3) 1.17 2.17 2.92 5.19 13.10 23.53 29.71
PM2.5 (μg / m3) 1.78 3.08 3.87 6.57 14.49 24.94 31.76
PM4 (μg / m3) 2.28 3.86 4.84 7.79 15.66 26.00 33.15
PM10 (μg / m3) 2.79 4.55 5.80 8.98 17.68 27.85 34.83
PMtotal (μg / m3) 3.17 5.34 6.75 10.29 19.75 30.78 38.26
Particle Count (particles / cm3) 28.83 57.92 78.73 154.20 407.60 573.96 682.93
'''Table 1''' Statistical metrics for air quality pollutants. Percentages refer to percentiles. LOD refers to measurements below the limit of detection of the instrument.

===NMHC results===
Samples for hydrocarbon (C2–C6) analysis have been collected weekly in special canisters from both the Little Plumpton (Lancashire) and Kirby Misperton (Yorkshire) sites and returned to the WACL laboratory at York University.

The plots below show the distribution of individual species (ethane, propane and benzene) at the Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton sites (Kirby Misperton: 87 samples from November 2015 to August 2017; Little Plumpton: 65 samples from October 2015 to August 2017). The dataset for hydrocarbons is available on the BADC website.

'''Figure 7''' Box plots showing the distributions of ethane from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.
'''Figure 8''' Box plots showing the distributions of propane from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.
'''Figure 9''' Box plots showing the distributions of benzene from Kirby Misperton and Little Plumpton.=

Note: EC Air Quality Directive limit value for benzene (annual mean) = 1.54 ppb. Observations to date indicate a median baseline concentration around a factor of ten lower than the EC Directive limit value.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Seismicity - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T13:49:01Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Seismicity in the Vale of Pickering== The objective of our seismicity investigations was to monitor background seismic activity in the vicinity of the Kirby Misperton proposed exploration site and surrounding Vale of Pickering. The data collected have allowed reliable characterisation of baseline levels of natural seismic activity and help discriminate between natural seismicity and any future induced seismicity. A further aim was to make recommen..."

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==Seismicity in the Vale of Pickering==
The objective of our seismicity investigations was to monitor background seismic activity in the vicinity of the Kirby Misperton proposed exploration site and surrounding Vale of Pickering. The data collected have allowed reliable characterisation of baseline levels of natural seismic activity and help discriminate between natural seismicity and any future induced seismicity. A further aim was to make recommendations for a suitable traffic–light system to mitigate earthquake risk.

==Design of the monitoring network==
Ten seismometers were installed at locations across the Vale of Pickering (Figure 1), six were surface seismometers and four installed in boreholes. Modelling indicated that this array of seismometers had a detection threshold of 0 magnitude events. Seismometers around Kirby Misperton were decommissioned in March 2020, but others in the area remain as part of the national network.

* Realtime Data
* Recorded Events
* Fracking and Earthquake Hazard

==Data processing and analysis==
Continuous real–time data from all installed stations were transmitted to the BGS offices in Edinburgh and have been incorporated in the data acquisition and processing work flows used for the permanent UK network of real–time seismic stations operated by BGS. A simple detection algorithm is applied to the data from the five installed stations as well as two permanent BGS monitoring stations in the region to detect possible events. All detections have been reviewed by an experienced analyst.

No events have been detected in the immediate locality of the Vale of Pickering. However, a number of other earthquakes and quarry blasts from elsewhere in the UK have been detected (the closest shown by yellow stars in Figure 1). As an example, the southernmost yellow star in Figure 1(a) shows the location of a magnitude 1.7 ML earthquake near Warsop, Nottinghamshire, in the relation to the former monitoring network. Recordings of the ground motions for this event at the five stations in the network are shown in Figure 7(b) along with the recording at station HPK just north of Leeds. The signal–to–noise ratio is good and the event is well recorded, with clear P– and S–wave arrivals on most stations.

'''Figure 1''' (a) Location of a magnitude 1.7 ML earthquake near Warsop, Notts (southernmost yellow star) in the relation to the installed monitoring network (red triangles) and other BGS monitoring stations (blue triangles). (b) Recordings of the ground motions for this event for the five stations in the network, along with the recording at station HPK (blue triangle) just north of Leeds.

In addition, a number of large earthquakes from elsewhere around the world have been detected. For example, Figure 2 shows the recorded ground motions from a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the Hindu Kush at 09:09 on 26/10/2015 at each of the five stations in the Vale of Pickering as well as the permanent BGS monitoring station GDLE. Numerous signals from various seismic waves that have propagated along different paths through the Earth are clearly visible, as marked by the dashed lines, suggesting that the data quality is good. Comparison with the permanent station GDLE suggests that the stations in the Vale of Pickering give a similar data quality to the permanent station.

'''Figure 2''' Recorded ground motions from a magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the Hindu Kush at 09:09 on 26/10/2015, detected at stations in the Vale of Pickering.

In the future, processing will also include automatic detection and location of any seismic events along with an estimate of the event magnitude.

==Data availability==
Helicorder plots showing 24 hours of data from each station within the national monitoring network are available online and can be found on the BGS Seismology Team web site.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Water quality - Vale of Pickering

2026-04-10T13:46:34Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Water-quality monitoring in the Vale of Pickering== Water-quality monitoring was carried out by the operator at and around the Kirby Misperton (KMA) operational and former planned shale-gas site. The BGS's monitoring investigations were additional and independent. * Groundwater-bearing rocks * Sampling water * Water-quality results ==Reports== Ward, R S; Smedley, P L; Allen, G; Baptie, B J; Barker, P; Barkwith, A K A P; Bates, P; Bateson, L; Bel..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Water-quality monitoring in the Vale of Pickering==
Water-quality monitoring was carried out by the operator at and around the Kirby Misperton (KMA) operational and former planned shale-gas site. The BGS's monitoring investigations were additional and independent.

* Groundwater-bearing rocks
* Sampling water
* Water-quality results

==Reports==
Ward, R S; Smedley, P L; Allen, G; Baptie, B J; Barker, P; Barkwith, A K A P; Bates, P; Bateson, L; Bell, R A; Coleman, M; Cremen, G; Crewdson, E; Daraktchieva, Z; Gong, M; Howarth, C H; France, J; Lewis, A C; Lister, T R; Lowry, D; Luckett, R; Mallin Martin, D; Marchant, B P; Miller, C A; Milne, C J; Novellino, A; Pitt, J; Purvis, R M; Rivett, M O; Shaw, J; Taylor-Curran, H; Wasiekiewicz, J M; Werner, M; Wilde, S. 2020 Environmental monitoring: phase 5 final report (April 2019 - March 2020). Nottingham, UK, British Geological Survey, 137pp. (OR/20/035) (Unpublished)

Ward, R S, Smedley, P L, Allen, G, Baptie, B J, Barkwith, A, Bateson, L, Bell, R A, Bowes, M, Coleman, M, Cremen, G, Daraktchieva, Z, M, Fisher, R E, Gong, M, Howarth, C H, Jones, D G, Jordan, C J, Lanoiselle, M, Lewis, A, Lister, T R, Lowry, D, Luckett, R, Mallin–Mertin, D, Marchant, B, Miller, C A, Milne, C J, Novellino, A, Pitt, J, Purvis, R M, Rivett, M, Shaw, R, Wasikiewicz, J M, Werner, M, and Wilde S. 2020. Environmental Monitoring – Phase 4 Final Report (April 2018–March 2019). BGS Open Report, OR/19/044, 197pp.

Ward, R S, Smedley, P L, Allen, G, Baptie, B J, Cave, M R, Daraktchieva, Z, Fisher, R, Hawthorn, D, Jones, D G, Lewis, A, Lowry, D, Luckett, R, Marchant, B P, Purvis, R M, and Wilde, S. 2018. Environmental baseline monitoring: Phase III final report (2017–2018). BGS Open Report, OR/18/026, 143pp.

Smedley, P L, Ward, R S, Bearcock, J M, and Bowes, M J. 2017. Establishing the baseline in groundwater chemistry in connection with shale–gas exploration: Vale of Pickering, UK. Procedia Earth and Planetary Science, 17. 678–681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeps.2016.12.143.

Ward, R S, Smedley, P L, Allen, G, Baptie, B J, Daraktchieva, Z, Horleston, A, Jones, D G, Jordan, C J, Lewis, A, Lowry, D, Purvis, R M, and Rivett, M O. 2017. Environmental Baseline Monitoring Project. Phase II, final report. BGS Open Report, OR/17/049, 163pp.

Newell, A J, Ward, R S, and Fellgett, M W. 2016. A preliminary 3D model of post–Permian bedrock geology in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire, UK. BGS Open Report, OR/15/068.

Bearcock, J B, Smedley, P L, and Milne, C J. 2015. Baseline groundwater chemistry: the Corallian of the Vale of Pickering, Yorkshire. BGS Open Report, OR/15/048.

Ford, J R, Hughes, L, Burke, H F, and Lee, J R. 2015. The Vale of Pickering: an initial summary of the Quaternary/superficial geology and data holdings. BGS Open Report, OR/15/064.

Smedley, P L, Ward, R S, Allen, G, Baptie, B, Daraktchieva, Z, Jones, D G, Jordan, C J, Purvis, R M and Cigna, F. 2015. Site selection strategy for environmental monitoring in connection with shale–gas exploration: Vale of Pickering, Yorkshire and Fylde, Lancashire. BGS Open Report, OR/15/067.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.
[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire ]]

Category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire

2026-04-10T13:43:55Z

Dbk:

{{Underconstruction}}
==Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering==
BGS, along with the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Royal Holloway and York and partners from Public Health England (PHE), conducted an independent environmental baseline monitoring programme in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire.

The investigation was initiated as a result of planning permission being granted in 2016 to oil and gas operator, Third Energy, to explore for shale gas by high-volume hydraulic fracturing at its Kirby Misperton site. Subsequent failure to obtain final government consent and the imposition of the 2019 moratorium on hydraulic fracturing for exploration in England meant that no hydraulic-fracturing operations were ever undertaken at the site. In early 2020, the site operator indicated an intention to drop plans for shale-gas exploration in favour of alternative subsurface energy developments.

==Monitoring==
The environmental monitoring programme was initiated in response to widespread public concern over the potential environmental impacts of new shale-gas exploration and was planned to continue through operations should they take place. The monitoring was separate from that conducted by the site operator.

The monitoring in and around the Vale of Pickering included:

* water quality (groundwater and surface water)
* seismicity
* ground motion
* air quality
* soil gas

The activities included:

* Monitoring the quality of groundwater and surface water using an established network of monitoring sites
* Monitoring groundwater quality and water levels in newly established boreholes drilled into the local shallow aquifer
* Conducting time-integrated indoor and outdoor measurements of radon in air
* Conducting real-time monitoring of seismicity at six surface sites and four sites installed in new boreholes
* Conducting real-time monitoring of atmospheric greenhouse gases and indicators of air quality at and close to the former proposed exploration site (KMA)
* Streaming of real-time data to the BGS website
* Evaluating soil gas compositions from surveys at selected sites
* Interpretation of satellite data for assessment of ground motion
* Continuing an analogous environmental monitoring programme around a site of hydrocarbon exploration in Lancashire

==Establishment of the environmental baseline==
While the original remit of the project to establish a baseline ahead of shale-gas exploration no longer applies in the area, the project has served to provide robust environmental data for air, water, ground motion and soil. This has helped provide insights into natural, urban and industrial processes that impact on air and water quality including deep groundwater, guidance for monitoring nearfield natural and induced seismic events, testing of new and developing technologies for monitoring (including in real time), and insights into protocols and practice for sound environmental monitoring and data evaluation. The monitoring has been independent of the hydrocarbon industry and regulators to ensure evidence-based and impartial scientific outputs.

==Contact==
Contact BGS enquiries for further information.

[[category:Shale gas environmental monitoring]]

Ground motion

2026-04-10T13:39:14Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} Some preliminary results of ground motion monitoring are shown in Figure 1. The causes of the observed changes are being investigated, but those around Manchester are likely to be related to the former Lancashire coalfield. Further processing needs to be carried out to improve the ground motion results, especially across rural areas. '''Figure 1''' InSAR results. Red signifies subsidence; blue signifies uplift. ERS-1/2 SAR data provided for researc..."

{{underconstruction}}
Some preliminary results of ground motion monitoring are shown in Figure 1. The causes of the observed changes are being investigated, but those around Manchester are likely to be related to the former Lancashire coalfield. Further processing needs to be carried out to improve the ground motion results, especially across rural areas.

'''Figure 1''' InSAR results. Red signifies subsidence; blue signifies uplift. ERS-1/2 SAR data provided for research purposes to F Cigna via the Category-1 project id. 1354: 'Enhancing landslide research and monitoring capability in GB using c-band satellite SAR imagery and change detection, InSAR and Persistent Scatterers techniques'. InSAR results are overlapped onto shaded relief of the SRTM V4 DEM produced by NASA.

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Soil and near-surface gases

2026-04-10T13:34:42Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} For many years, BGS has been analysing soil gases and the air overlying the surface in relation to geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. The techniques used have proven highly successful for: * measuring baseline gas concentrations * locating and studying rates of gas escape from natural vents * demonstrating the absence of leakage from storage projects The methods are equally applicable to baseline and production monitoring of shale gas operat..."

{{underconstruction}}
For many years, BGS has been analysing soil gases and the air overlying the surface in relation to geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. The techniques used have proven highly successful for:

* measuring baseline gas concentrations
* locating and studying rates of gas escape from natural vents
* demonstrating the absence of leakage from storage projects

The methods are equally applicable to baseline and production monitoring of shale gas operations. There is a time-limited opportunity to gather baseline data, which should allow existing natural or artificial sources of gas to be distinguished from any emission resulting from shale gas operations.

==Gas measurements==
As part of our monitoring activities, we carried out sampling of near-surface gases in the Fylde in areas where planning applications were submitted for the development of shale gas. This included measuring soil gas concentrations and the flux (flow of gas) from the soil to the atmosphere. These measurements were made in order to help characterise baseline conditions prior to any shale gas development.

Soil gas was monitored by hammering a small diameter steel tube into the ground to a depth of up to 1 m. Samples of gas were then pumped to a portable field gas-analysing instrument or collected for laboratory analysis. The steel tube was then removed from the ground. Flux was determined by placing a small metal chamber onto the ground surface and measuring the flow of the gas into the chamber. Both soil gas and flux measurements only took a few minutes and caused very little disturbance to the soil or vegetation. Figures 1 and 2 show each of the methods.

Measuring soil gas
Measuring gas flux

A total of 86 sample sites were measured for both soil gas and flux in the vicinity of one of the application sites (Roseacre) and a further 45 samples sites were measured for soil gas only.

A total of 66 sample sites were measured for both soil gas and flux in the vicinity of a second application site at Preston New Road.

LancashireSoilGasMonitoring
PreliminaryResultsForCO2
CO2Concentrations

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Radon in the air

2026-04-10T13:32:40Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Radon in the air== Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.) Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKr..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Radon in the air==
Radon (chemical symbol: Rn) is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is released from the ground and is present everywhere. Outdoor Rn levels in the UK are low, typically a few becquerels (Bq) per cubic metre (m3) of air. (1 Bq means one event per second on average for aperiodic radioactive decays.)

Indoor Rn levels vary across the UK from less than ten to thousands of Bq per m3 of air. More information is available at UKradon.

The 2014 Public Health England (PHE; now the UK Health Security Agency, UKHSA) report on the potential public health impact of shale gas in the UK recognised that Rn may be released into the environment from shale gas activities but at levels that are not expected to result in significant additional Rn exposure. The report recommended the establishment of baseline Rn levels in areas of interest for shale gas activities.

PHE monitored the existing outdoor and indoor Rn concentrations in the Fylde, Lancashire for this project .

==Radon affected areas==
‘Radon affected areas’ are those where at least 1 per cent of homes are expected to have high Rn levels. The area of the Fylde in Lancashire is not a Rn affected area. This is illustrated in Figure 1.

Radon potential in the Fylde
Information icon
Figure 1 Rn potential in the Fylde. BGS © UKRI.

==Indoor radon monitoring==
===Results from the five three-month periods (May 2017 to August 2018)===
Three areas were selected for indoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 to 3 km from the Preston New Road extraction site
* the area around Roseacre Wood
* the area around Woodplumpton (control site)
* The control site was chosen as it was situated at a similar distance from both the Preston New Road site and the Roseacre Wood site.

In early April 2017, a total of 600 households were sent letters inviting them to take part in the indoor Rn monitoring. There were 135 positive replies (23 per cent response rate). In early May 2017, detectors were sent to those householders that had agreed to monitor Rn in their homes. These were in the target areas around Little Plumpton (51 houses), Roseacre Wood (47 houses) and Woodplumpton (37 houses).

Each test consists of PHE’s standard pack of two passive detectors that are placed in an occupied bedroom and living area for three months. Indoor Rn was monitored over the length of this study in the selected houses. Each participant received several three-month packs. In addition, each home received detectors to carry out monitoring for a longer, continuous period.

Results from the reported annual average Rn concentrations estimated from the five three-month back-to-back tests in homes were analysed and are presented in Table 1. The annual average Rn concentrations were calculated employing seasonal correction factors as outlined in the PHE validation scheme (Howarth and Miles, 2008). Distribution parameters were calculated for each area, assuming log–normality. The results for the homes around Little Plumpton, Roseacre Wood and Woodplumpton are consistent with the expected low Rn potential for this area.

==Outdoor radon monitoring==
This part of the project established the baseline level of Rn in outdoor air. Two areas were selected for outdoor Rn monitoring in the Fylde:

* the area around Little Plumpton, about 2 km from the Preston New Road site (9 sampling points)
* the area around Woodplumpton, about 10 km from the Preston New Road site (control site: 10 sampling points)

Passive Rn monitors, very similar to those used routinely in homes, were placed in small aluminium-wrapped plastic pots in discreet but open-air locations for three months or longer. The outdoor Rn monitoring pack and placement of detectors are shown in Figure 3.

PlacementOfOutdoorDetectors
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Figure 3 Placement of PHE outdoor Rn monitoring pack. BGS © UKRI.

==Results from the monitoring (March 2017 to September 2018)==
The aluminium-wrapped plastic pots placed at each sampling point initially contained four three-month and four one-year passive detectors to record Rn concentrations. The detectors were replaced and processed following the standard procedures during the monitoring period. Some of the sites around Woodplumpton were vandalised, with pots or detectors missing. No data was reported for some of the periods at these sites.

Aggregated results for outdoor monitoring from the four three-month measurement and one six-month period, including the one-year test, are given in Table 2. The analysis of the detectors for these periods indicates that the average Rn levels were similar around the Little Plumpton area and the Woodplumpton area.

The results are similar to those measured in previous studies (Wrixon et al., 1988). The results for the three-month for both areas show low Rn levels and are close to the detection limit for the passive Rn detection technique.

The estimated average Rn concentrations at each sampling point in the areas around Little Plumpton and Woodplumpton are presented in Figures 5a and 5b.

Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.
Figure 5: Average radon concentrations at the sampling points around Little Plumpton.

==Monitoring near the Preston New Road site==
Measurements of Rn in outdoor air were made close to the Preston New Road site. Continuous measurements were made using an active monitor called AlphaGUARD.

The data from the AlphaGUARD for the period March 2017 to September 2018 was analysed. The inherent background reading of the instrument of 2 Bq m-3, resulting from the longer half-life, alpha-emitting radionuclides, was taken into account when the data was processed. The Rn data, which was taken at one-hour intervals, was log-normally distributed.

The distribution parameters for the five monitoring periods are given in Table 3. The first four monitoring periods were three months, while the fifth period was six months. The average Rn concentrations measured over the five monitoring periods were in the range 2 to 9 Bq m-3.

Ten passive monitors were also placed at the same location. The average Rn concentrations measured using the passive detectors were similar to the arithmetic means (AM) of the distributions measured with the AlphaGUARD for these periods, as shown in Table 3.

Time series of the measured Rn without background correction are given in Figure 6. The results show that there are variations in the hourly concentrations measured at the site, however the overall average Rn concentrations agrees well with the results of the passive detectors from the same location.

Time series of radon concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD.
Information icon
Figure 6 Time series of Rn concentrations as recorded by the AlphaGUARD. BGS © UKRI.

==Summary==
The results for both the outdoor and indoor Rn monitoring show low Rn concentrations that are consistent with the anticipated Rn levels in this area.

==Data tables==
Table 1
Area (number of homes per period) May–Aug 17, Bq/m3 Aug–Nov 17, Bq/m3 Nov–Feb 18, Bq/m3 Feb–May 18, Bq/m3 May–Aug 18, Bq/m3
Range GM GSD Range GM GSD Range GM GSD Range GM GSD Range GM GSD
Little Plumpton
(36/36/40)

6–90 33 1.9 4–100 29 2.1 1–50 14 2.5 2–60 16 2.0 2–90 25 2.1
Roseacre Wood
(34/33/33)

8–90 25 1.7 7–70 23 1.7 2–40 13 1.8 5–30 12 1.7 6–100 23 1.9
Woodplumpton
(40/36/32)

10–80 26 1.7 8–80 21 1.8 4–60 11 1.7 5–40 11 1.7 5–60 20 1.7

Table 2
Area Mar–Jun 17, Bq/m3 Jun–Sep 17, Bq/m3 Sep–Dec 27, Bq/m3 Dec 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3 Mar 17–Mar 18, Bq/m3 Mar–Sep 2018, Bq/m3
Little Plumpton 4±1 2±1 1±1 2±1 3±1 5±1
Woodplumpton 4±1 3±1 2±1 2±1 4±2 5±1

Table 3
Monitoring period Alphaguard Passive detectors
Bq/m3 Bq/m3
Range AM GM GSD AM SD
Mar 17 – Jun 17 1–35 6 5 1.9 7 2
Jun 17 – Sep 17 1–46 9 7 2.0 10 1
Sep 17 – Dec 17 1–12 3 3 1.8 4 1
Dec 17 – Mar 18 1–12 2 2 1.8 2 1
Mar 18 – Sep 18 1–49 6 5 2.2 4 1

==References==
Howarth, C B, and Miles, J C H. 2008. Validation scheme for organisations making measurements of radon in dwellings: 2008 Revision HPA-RPD-047. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.)

Wrixon, A D, Green, B M R, Lomas, P R, Miles, J C H, Cliff, K D, Francis, E A, Driscoll, C M H, James, A C, and O’Riordan, M C. 1988. Natural Radiation Exposure in UK Dwellings. Report number
NRPB-R–190. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) ISBN: 0 85951 260 6. Available: https://inis.iaea.org/records/f540x-ttm61

==More information==
Miles, J C H, and Algar, R A. 1988. Variations in radon–222 concentrations. Journal of Radiological Protection, Vol. 8(2), 103–106. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/0952-4746/8/2/005

Kibble, A, Cabianca, T, Daraktchieva, Z, Gooding, T, Smithard, J, Kowalczyk, G, McColl, N P, Singh, M, Mitchem, L, Lamb, P, Vardoulakis, S, and Kamanyire, R. 2014. Review of the Potential Public Health Impacts of Exposures to Chemical and Radioactive Pollutants as a Result of the Shale Gas Extraction Process. (Chilton, UK: National Radiological Protection Board.) Available: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b9a360140f0b678692eb5ca/PHE-CRCE-009_3-7-14.pdf

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Air quality and greenhouse gases - Fylde

2026-04-10T09:59:28Z

Dbk:

{{underconstruction}}
==Air quality and greenhouse gases==
The universities of York and Manchester together monitored air quality and greenhouse gases at the proposed Cuadrilla shale gas exploration site in the Fylde, Lancashire. The monitoring equipment for greenhouse gases was set up in December 2014 and for air quality in December 2015; as well as capturing meteorological information, they measured concentrations of:

* ozone (O3)
* particulate matter (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, and PM10)
* nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2 and NOx)
* methane (CH4)
* non-methane hydrocarbons (NHMCs)
* hydrogen sulfide (H2S)
* carbon dioxide (CO2)

airQualityLancashireSite
InfrastructureMonitoringAtmospheric3

==Rationale for monitoring==
In the context of shale gas exploration and production, atmospheric emissions have a number of potential effects. Emissions may (both separately and collectively) have implications for climate change, air quality, and public and occupational health.

==Public health==
These parameters concern direct primary emissions from infrastructure onsite such as PMs and NO2 from:

* generators
* traffic
* plant
* flares
* dust
* materials handling

There are also gases that may affect air quality, such as NMHCs and potentially hazardous and harmful trace gases such as benzene (C6H6).

Secondary effects may occur downwind through reactive chemistry. Unlike greenhouse gases, many of the species mentioned here are regulated both for emissions and in ambient air.

==The importance of greenhouse gases==
Wide variations in the concentration of these gases occur over various timescales as a result of uptake by plants and variations in anthropogenic emissions. Variations can be seen for even minor changes in wind direction, depending on local conditions (for example, if a road exists nearby). Monitoring of gases over time therefore provides an understanding of the baseline, to which any changes induced by future activity can be compared quantitatively.

There are numerous sources of greenhouse gases, both natural and artificial. Natural variations of long-lived greenhouse gases, mainly CH4 and carbon dioxide CO2, relate to soil and deeper subsurface processes. These variations are augmented by fugitive emissions from vehicle exhausts, industry and landfill. Development of a shale gas exploration programme potentially adds further fugitive emissions from leaks, gas storage, processing operations, fracking fluid and flowback. It is important to establish the range of baseline concentrations of greenhouse gases and other air-quality parameters before any shale gas operations begin.

==The monitoring site==
The monitoring site was located close to the Cuadrilla shale gas exploration site at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton, Lancashire. A waterproof enclosure was installed with instrumentation to measure continuous concentrations of O3, PMs, NOx, CH4 and CO2, as well as wind speed and direction, air temperature, and relative humidity. In addition, air samples were taken to the University of York for analysis of a wider range of parameters.

==Data interpretation==
==Meteorology==
The wind statistics observed over an example measurement period (4 December 2014 to 14 March 2016) are shown in Figure 2 as a conventional wind rose. This type of illustration shows the number of times that the wind blows from various directions. The colour scale illustrates the corresponding proportion of winds in each direction for a range of surface wind speeds.

As expected at this site, as for any exposed site in the UK, the dominant wind direction is from the western quadrant (about 50 per cent of the time), consistent with the UK’s location as an island in the Atlantic mid-latitude storm track. This is also the direction from which the strongest winds are observed (red colours in Figure 2), typically coinciding with the passage of mid-latitude cyclones over the UK mainland.

Figure 2 Wind rose showing wind speed and direction statistics for the period November 2014 to March 2016. The radius defines the percentage of time the wind in each of 12 wind direction cones (30° span), while the colour scale defines the wind speed (red colours indicate strong wind speeds over 6 ms-1 and yellow colours indicate lighter winds). BGS©UKRI.

This is important for understanding the local baseline. The position of the site near to the Blackpool shoreline means that winds bringing air from the Atlantic will typically carry relatively well-mixed and background airmasses to the measurement site. (In this context, a ‘background’ can be conceived to be an airmass relatively unaffected by local or regional pollution sources, broadly representative of the average composition of northern hemispheric air at the time.)

==Greenhouse gases==
Greenhouse gas concentrations were measured from December 2014. A time series of the data is shown in Figure 3. A general correlation between CO2 and CH4 can be seen over the measurement period. There are clear periods of background where CO2 and CH4 concentrations appear relatively flat at around 400 parts per million (ppm) and 2 ppm respectively. These periods coincide with westerly winds and represent the relatively unpolluted air from the Atlantic. The periods of generally enhanced CO2 and CH4 (between 400 and 450 ppm and 2 and 4 ppm, respectively) are most often with moderate easterly and southerly winds. The short-term events (spikes on the graph) coincide most often with light south easterly and northerly wind directions.

Figure 3 Time series of carbon dioxide (grey) and methane (red) in units of ppm (December 2014 to March 2016). BGS © UKRI.

The elevated concentrations above the background represent a wide mix of pollutant sources upwind, both local and regional, that are being further investigated. It should be noted that the concentrations of greenhouse gases measured are not toxic or known to be hazardous to health.

Figure 4 shows a sample of the measured data in Figure 2 for CH4 and CO2 but for a 24-hour period. All measurements over a given hour of day for the dataset period are shown together. This gives an idea of when, during an average day, there were changes in concentration relative to the expected baseline. The bold line is the average for that hour of day and the shaded area is the 95 per cent confidence interval. The data shows that there are relative peaks in both the morning and afternoon, as is generally expected for these species.

hourly–averaged data for a 24–hour period for CH4.
hourly–averaged data for a 24–hour period for CO2.

==Air quality==
The time series for O3, NO, NO2, NOx, PM1, PM2.5, PM4 and PM10 are shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7. The data indicates that there are times when the site is affected by higher levels of pollution in the form of NO, NO2 and PMs (spikes on the graphs). O3 shows elevated typical maritime concentrations from the west and is indicative of an aged air mass, broadly reflective of prevailing Atlantic ozone. The influence of the Atlantic air is also shown in the PM measurements, which are all enhanced when the wind is from the west as a result of maritime aerosols.

Local influence can also be observed as spikes on the graphs. Further investigation is being carried out but a road running close to the site may be a contributory factor.

Time series of Ozone (O3) concentrations.
TimeSeriesOfNOConcentrationsLancs
TimeSeriesOfPMConcentrationsLancs

==Measurement statistics==
The concentration statistics for the range of parameters measured are shown in Table 1. The mean concentration of CH4 is slightly above the northern hemispheric seasonal average of about 1.9 ppm, while the CO2 site average is marginally enhanced relative to the hemispheric average (about 402 ppm). The concentration statistics for the other parameters represent only a limited dataset to date.

Table 1 Statistical metrics for air quality pollutants. Percentages refer to percentiles. LOD refers to measurements below the limit of detection of the instrument.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
|Compound
|10%
|25%
|33%
|Mean
|75%
|90%
|95%
|-
|CH4 (ppm)
|1.93
|1.94
|1.95
|2.22
|2.12
|2.68
|3.66
|-
|CO2 (ppb)
|399.13
|402.52
|403.74
|412.83
|418.16
|435.12
|447.34
|-
|O3 (ppb)
|11.37
|23.77
|27.43
|33.32
|38.85
|41.21
|42.73
|-
|NO (ppb)
|0.08
|0.19
|0.26
|0.54
|1.26
|3.17
|7.68
|-
|NO2 (ppb)
|LOD
|LOD
|0.13
|0.96
|4.65
|12.99
|18.93
|-
|NOx (ppb)
|LOD
|0.20
|0.59
|1.60
|5.72
|17.36
|26.15
|-
|PM1 (μg / m3)
|1.06
|1.82
|2.23
|3.01
|5.93
|12.38
|18.12
|-
|PM2.5 (μg / m3)
|1.92
|3.31
|4.04
|5.57
|9.40
|14.49
|19.59
|-
|PM4 (μg / m3)
|2.54
|4.47
|5.49
|7.66
|11.97
|17.64
|21.26
|-
|PM10 (μg / m3)
|3.14
|5.61
|6.73
|9.12
|13.90
|19.91
|23.79
|-
|PMtotal (μg / m3)
|3.69
|6.55
|7.80
|10.55
|15.87
|22.34
|26.43
|-
|Particle Count (particles/cm3)
|15.52
|22.70
|27.29
|41.86
|143.30
|369.60
|490.53
|}

==Non-methane hydrocarbons results==
Samples for hydrocarbon (C2 to C6) analysis were collected weekly in special canisters from both the Little Plumpton (Lancashire) and Kirby Misperton (Yorkshire) sites and returned to the WACL laboratory at the University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories.

The plots in figures 8, 9 and 10 show the distribution of individual species (ethane, propane and benzene) at the Little Plumpton and Kirby Misperton sites, together with distributions from a site at Auchencorth Moss in Scotland and samples taken from air above BGS’s boreholes around Kirby Misperton. The dataset for hydrocarbons from 2016 is available on the BADC website archive.

Box plots showing the distributions of ethane from Kirby Misperton (KM), Little Plumpton (LP), air above BGS boreholes (BH) and Auchencorth Moss (AM).
figure8_boxplot
figure9_boxplot

[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Air quality and greenhouse gases - Fylde

2026-04-10T09:45:30Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire"

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[[category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire]]

Seismicity - Fylde

2026-04-10T09:40:55Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{underconstruction}} ==Seismicity== The injection of fluids during hydraulic fracturing can result in increased seismic activity. A number of seismic events resulting from induced seismicity were recorded in Blackpool area in 2011 as well as 2018 and 2019. Seismic activity monitored in 2019 led to the cessation of hydraulic fracturing at the Preston New Road site and ultimately, uncertainties in ability to predict the probability of seismic events led to the imposition..."

{{underconstruction}}
==Seismicity==
The injection of fluids during hydraulic fracturing can result in increased seismic activity. A number of seismic events resulting from induced seismicity were recorded in Blackpool area in 2011 as well as 2018 and 2019. Seismic activity monitored in 2019 led to the cessation of hydraulic fracturing at the Preston New Road site and ultimately, uncertainties in ability to predict the probability of seismic events led to the imposition of the moratorium on shale-gas hydraulic fracturing in England in November 2019.

Monitoring of seismicity in the Fylde involved installation of a network of seismic stations in the vicinity of the Preston New Road shale-gas wells, with collection of real-time seismic data to help characterise levels of seismic activity both prior to and during hydraulic fracturing. Extra seismic stations installed for monitoring the hydraulic fracturing activities at Preston New Road have now been removed, but core stations included in the national monitoring network remain.

Network of seismometers in the UKArray with inset of former stations in north-west England. BGS © UKRI.
Instrumentally recorded earthquakes (red circles) from 1970 to 2011 and historical earthquakes (yellow circles) prior to 1970 in a 100 km square centred on the epicentre of the 1 April earthquake 2011 (red star). BGS © UKRI.
Seismogram for Blackpool Warton as part of the UKArray network

[[Category:Environmental_baseline_monitoring_in_the_Fylde,_Lancashire]]

Water quality - Fylde

2026-04-10T09:39:23Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{Underconstruction}} ==Water quality== There are two significant aquifers across Lancashire: a shallow aquifer formed of superficial glacial sand and gravel interbedded with clay (Figure 1) and a deeper aquifer formed by the Sherwood Sandstone Group (Figure 2). FyldeMapsAllsitesJBedits_Superficial FyldeMapsAllsitesJBeditsBedrock The shallow aquifer is up to 40 m thick and is designated by the Environment Agency as a secondary B aquifer. It is used for private drinkin..."

{{Underconstruction}}
==Water quality==
There are two significant aquifers across Lancashire: a shallow aquifer formed of superficial glacial sand and gravel interbedded with clay (Figure 1) and a deeper aquifer formed by the Sherwood Sandstone Group (Figure 2).

FyldeMapsAllsitesJBedits_Superficial
FyldeMapsAllsitesJBeditsBedrock

The shallow aquifer is up to 40 m thick and is designated by the Environment Agency as a secondary B aquifer. It is used for private drinking water supply, farms and golf course irrigation. In the area of former shale gas exploration, this aquifer is underlain by a thick layer (up to 350 m) of a low-permeability mudstone, the Mercia Mudstone Group. Water moves slowly through this mudstone and it is not classed as an aquifer. Below this is the Sherwood Sandstone Group, which reaches a thickness of up to 750 m. The Sherwood Sandstone Group is classified as a principal aquifer.

The Sherwood Sandstone is too deep to be practically accessible in the area below the Fylde. However, to the east of the shale gas exploration (east of the Woodsfold Fault; see Figure 1), the aquifer is much closer to the surface. In this area, it is used for both public and private water supply.

The aquifer units overlie the deeper shale that was the shale gas target. In the area of the former gas exploration site, the shale units occur at some 2000 m below the surface.

==Water sampling==
BGS established a network of water sampling sites consisting of third-party boreholes, wells and streams within a radius of some 10 km of the Preston New Road (PNR) and Roseacre Wood (formerly proposed) sites (figures 1 and 2). The network comprised 15 groundwater sites from the superficial deposit and Sherwood Sandstone Group aquifers, and 11 streams. We monitored the water quality at these sites from 2015 to 2020.

We also drilled new boreholes in the vicinity of the PNR and Roseacre sites for more detailed groundwater investigation. These were monitored quarterly as for the groundwater sites in the monitoring network from February 2016. A deep borehole (500 m) provided for further characterisation of deep groundwater.

==Groundwater quality monitoring==
Monitoring of third-party boreholes and wells, together with newly drilled BGS boreholes, involved sampling and analysis of a wide range of physico-chemical parameters, including:

* water level
* temperature
* pH
* conductivity
* redox potential
* major ions and trace elements
* dissolved gases (oxygen; methane; carbon dioxide; radon)
* organic chemicals (for example, total petroleum hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds)
* stable isotopes (18O, 2H of water, 13C of inorganic carbon and methane)
* groundwater ‘age’ indicators (CFCs)

Monitoring equipment installed in the new boreholes provided near real–time measurements of additional water-quality parameters.

==Results==
==Groundwater==
Results from the baseline monitoring of pumped groundwater samples (Figure 3) show that:

* the groundwater in both the superficial deposits and Sherwood Sandstone Group aquifers has near-neutral pH and is largely anoxic (it has low or no dissolved oxygen)
* concentrations of nitrate (NO3–) are low
* concentrations of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) are high
* concentrations of arsenic (As) and ammonium (NH4+) are high in some of the groundwater tested

Methane (CH4) is also often detected, though rarely at high concentrations. The composition of CH4, where present, suggests that it has been produced in the superficial sediments by microbial reaction of organic matter.

LancsBoxes
BoxOrgV

Analysis of organic chemicals suggests that the groundwater contains detectable quantities of some pesticides, perfluorinated compounds and other synthetic chemicals, but the concentrations are low and the numbers of chemicals detected are small. The presence of these substances does, however, indicate effects on the shallow groundwater as a result of human activity (Figure 3).

Monitoring of groundwater in the two aquifers (figures 4, 5 and 6) has shown that the chemical characteristics have been broadly consistent over time. Concentrations of naturally occurring CH4 up to 4 mg/L were observed in groundwater from the superficial aquifer; concentrations in the Sherwood Sandstone Group groundwater are generally low (less than 0.7 mg/l).

TSByType_Quaternary_Ca_Fig4a
TSByType_Quaternary_Na_Fig4b
TSByType_Quaternary_HCO3_Fig4c
TSByType_Quaternary_SO4_Fig4d
TSByType_Quaternary_Fe_Fig4e
TSByType_Quaternary_CH4_Fig4f

TSByType_SST_Ca_Fig5a
TSByType_SST_Na_Fig5b
TSByType_SST_HCO3_Fig5c
TSByType_SST_SO4_Fig5d
TSByType_SST_Fe_Fig5e
TSByType_SST_CH4_Fig5f

TSByTypeBGSBoreholes_Ca_Fig6a
TSByTypeBGSBoreholes_Na_Fig6b
TSByTypeBGSBoreholes_HCO3_Fig6c
TSByTypeBGSBoreholes_SO4_Fig6d
TSByTypeBGSBoreholes_Fe_Fig6e
TSByTypeBGSBoreholes_CH4_Fig6f

==Surface water==
Analysis of water from first-order streams shows generally lower concentrations of dissolved solids than found in the local shallow groundwater, though with slightly higher concentrations of NO3, nitrite (NO2–) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Many trace elements also have lower concentrations than local groundwater due to a combination of differing redox conditions and more limited interaction with rocks and soils. Monitoring of stream quality over time showed by far the greatest variability (Figure 7), considered to be due mainly to varying impacts from amounts of rainfall and water turbidity.

==Post baseline monitoring==
Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7 indicate (grey wash) the initiation of hydraulic fracturing at PNR (October to December 2018 and August 2019) and the subsequent periods. Data from these post-baseline dates provides no evidence for any effect on water quality from the PNR exploration works. Although concentrations of solutes continued to vary over time, key parameters remained within the baseline range at individual sites.

TSByTypestream_Ca_Fig7a
TSByTypestream_Na_Fig7b
TSByTypestream_HCO3_Fig7c
TSByTypestream_SO4_Fig7d
TSByTypestream_Fe_Fig7e

[[Category:Environmental_baseline_monitoring_in_the_Fylde,_Lancashire]]

Category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Vale of Pickering, North Yorkshire

2026-04-10T09:30:30Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{Underconstruction}} category:Shale gas environmental monitoring"

{{Underconstruction}}

[[category:Shale gas environmental monitoring]]

Category:Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire

2026-04-10T09:28:33Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{Underconstruction}} ==Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire== Along with partners from the former Public Health England (now the UK Health Security Agency) and the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Royal Holloway and York, BGS carried out a programme of science-based environmental monitoring in Fylde, Lancashire, an area where hydraulic fracturing for shale-gas exploration was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 by Cuadrilla at its Preston N..."

{{Underconstruction}}
==Environmental baseline monitoring in the Fylde, Lancashire==
Along with partners from the former Public Health England (now the UK Health Security Agency) and the universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Royal Holloway and York, BGS carried out a programme of science-based environmental monitoring in Fylde, Lancashire, an area where hydraulic fracturing for shale-gas exploration was undertaken in 2018 and 2019 by Cuadrilla at its Preston New Road site. Our environmental investigations took place from 2015; most ended in 2020, but limited monitoring of seismicity and groundwater continued.

'''The BGS-led environmental monitoring programme was independent of both the industry and regulators.'''

The study represents the first independent, integrated monitoring programme to characterise the environmental baseline in an area subjected to close scrutiny in the development of a UK shale-gas industry.

Overhead view of a drilling rig in a muddy field
Information icon
Drilling shallow boreholes in Fylde, Lancashire, for monitoring groundwater quality close to sites proposed for exploration of unconventional hydrocarbons. BGS © UKRI.

The investigation built on pre-existing national monitoring programmes for groundwater and seismicity.

==The need for an effective baseline and independent monitoring==
Starting in February 2015, our baseline environmental monitoring programme acquired a robust set of water, air, soil and ground baseline measurements. This provided a vastly improved knowledge base for an area recognised as prospective for shale gas but also of significant public concern. Should any future gas exploration or development take place in Lancashire (or elsewhere in the UK) this data would provide us with a strong evidence base against which to assess any changes in future environmental conditions.

Such baseline characterisation was not undertaken during the early stages of unconventional oil and gas development in parts of North America, where recent scientific study has highlighted that problems with lack of regulation and borehole integrity have led to environmental pollution. The monitoring in Fylde was valuable as it provided environmental baseline data and its temporal variation, regardless of whether or not any future shale gas exploration takes place.

The monitoring we undertook was independent of industry and the regulators, to ensure that scientifically robust outputs were evidence based and impartial.

Information collected from the monitoring programme is summarised on the BGS website and is also supporting peer-reviewed science.
[[category:Shale gas environmental monitoring]]

Stakeholder engagement - BGS groundwater

2026-04-10T09:09:11Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{Underconstruction}} ==Stakeholder engagement== An important part of the environmental baseline monitoring project was communicating with the local communities and other stakeholders who supported us in the areas of investigation. This was done in a variety of ways to reach out to the widest possible audience. P1020586 P1020587 We recognise that, without the support of local communities and site owners, we could not have delivered a successful monitoring programme. Thr..."

{{Underconstruction}}
==Stakeholder engagement==
An important part of the environmental baseline monitoring project was communicating with the local communities and other stakeholders who supported us in the areas of investigation. This was done in a variety of ways to reach out to the widest possible audience.

P1020586
P1020587
We recognise that, without the support of local communities and site owners, we could not have delivered a successful monitoring programme. Throughout, we provided opportunities to find out about the monitoring we were carrying out, how we were going about it and what the results were showing.

==Community events==
In addition to the project reports, available through our project web pages and the NERC Open Research Archive (NORA), we held a number of community ‘drop-in’ events in Lancashire and the Vale of Pickering. These were well received and provided members of the public, community groups and local industry with opportunities to talk to the project scientists about their work and ask questions. These informal events, held over an afternoon and evening, allowed people to attend at a time to suit them.

==Videos==
We prepared two YouTube videos from two of our events in Lancashire and the Vale of Pickering. These include interviews with some of those attending as well as the scientists involved.

We also prepared videos on our different monitoring activities. These show the instrumentation being used and provide an explanation of how it was deployed. All of the videos are available on YouTube:

* groundwater monitoring
* air monitoring
* radon monitoring
* seismic monitoring
* soil gas monitoring

==Web pages==
Our web pages remain active and our data portal provides the latest real-time groundwater and seismic monitoring data available. The data are transmitted to BGS from the field sites.

==Real-time data==
We know that our real-time data display is popular, because, when we temporarily lose the data feed or an event occurs, users often contact us to let us know or notify others by social media. The feedback we receive from users is helpful, as it helps us improve our monitoring.

A good example was when a significant earthquake (magnitude 4.4) which occurred in South Wales on 17 February 2018. A member of the public and social media notified us that this could not be seen on our real-time data display for some of the seismometers close to Kirby Misperton in the Vale of Pickering. The seismometers had recently been replaced and, even though data was still being recorded, BGS was able to make adjustments to the ‘gain’ (similar to increasing the volume) so that the event was seen on the graph.

The magnitude 4.4 earthquake in South Wales (17 February 2018) as measured by the seismometers installed in the Vale of Pickering. BGS © UKRI.
Information icon
The magnitude 4.4 earthquake in South Wales (17 February 2018) as measured by the seismometers installed in the Vale of Pickering. BGS © UKRI.

Expand icon
More information

==Citizen science==
The environmental monitoring carried out requires significant support from the community. This support was provided in a variety of ways and included property owners and industry granting us access to sample their boreholes for groundwater on a regular basis, or giving us permission to install our own monitoring points on their land. We sampled around 25 groundwater monitoring points in each of our study areas and, at the time of active investigations, installed 12 seismometers in the Vale of Pickering. We provide copies of the groundwater and surface water analysis results to the borehole owners.

However, perhaps the most impressive public participation was with the indoor radon (Rn) measurement. This requires householders to volunteer to participate in our Rn measurement study by agreeing to us measuring Rn in their homes. Over 130 households across the Vale of Pickering and a similar number in Lancashire volunteered to receive a Rn measurement pack. This comprised two Rn detectors; one to be placed in the living area and another in a main bedroom. After three months, the detectors were posted back to Public Health England (PHE, now the UK Health Security Agency) for analysis and new ones provided.

The results verified the accuracy of the Rn potential map for the area. They also identified a small number of households with natural Rn levels above the UK action level (200 Bq/m3). Where this occurred, PHE contacted the householder to provide advice on any action required to reduce radon levels.

[[Category:Shale_gas_environmental_monitoring]]

Scope of monitoring - BGS groundwater

2026-04-10T09:03:28Z

Dbk: Created page with "{{Underconstruction}} ==Scope of monitoring== In collaboration with the University of Birmingham, BGS investigated the chemistry of groundwater and surface water by sampling: * existing boreholes and wells (private and public supplies) * streams * purpose-drilled boreholes, some equipped with downhole chemical probes Information icon Environmental baseline monitoring: groundwater. BGS © UKRI. ==Seismicity== Seismologists from BGS and the universities of Liverpool and..."

{{Underconstruction}}
==Scope of monitoring==
In collaboration with the University of Birmingham, BGS investigated the chemistry of groundwater and surface water by sampling:

* existing boreholes and wells (private and public supplies)
* streams
* purpose-drilled boreholes, some equipped with downhole chemical probes

Information icon
Environmental baseline monitoring: groundwater. BGS © UKRI.

==Seismicity==
Seismologists from BGS and the universities of Liverpool and Bristol investigated seismicity.

Urban centres such as Blackpool and Preston make seismic responses ‘noisy’. In both study areas, obtaining meaningful, low-magnitude signals required a high-density array and experimentation with new sensors below the surface in boreholes.

Surface seismometers were deployed at monitoring sites in both Lancashire and Yorkshire for monitoring background seismicity, to improve detection of natural earthquakes and any events induced by human activity. Novel instruments were also tested in newly-drilled boreholes.

Information icon
Environmental baseline monitoring: seismology. BGS © UKRI.

==Air quality and greenhouse gas assessment==
Atmospheric scientists from the University of Manchester and the National Centre for Atmospheric Science at the University of York conducted investigations into baseline occurrence and variability in atmospheric composition and monitored for evidence of change.

In Lancashire, background methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations were measured continuously from late 2014 to 2020 at a fixed location close to one of the proposed shale gas well sites. Together with meteorological information (for example, wind direction) these measurements characterised variations in both natural and existing artificial inputs to the near-surface atmosphere before the start of any shale gas activity.

Site investigations in the Vale of Pickering, Yorkshire also took place between 2016 and 2020. A suite of air-quality parameters (particulate matter, PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2, from, for example, generators, traffic, plant, flares, dust and materials handling), volatile organic compounds and non-methane hydrocarbons were also monitored.

Information icon
Environmental baseline monitoring: air quality. BGS © UKRI.

==Ground motion==
In the areas of investigation, BGS carried out an analysis of how the ground surface has changed over time, either through natural processes or as a result of human development (mining, road building, etc.). This used satellite-based radar data that allows millimetric changes in ground elevation to be detected.

==Soil and near-surface gases==
Soil and near surface gas monitoring was carried out by scientists from the British Geological Survey. Background concentrations of CO2, CH4, oxygen (O2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), radon (Rn) and CO2 flux (the rate at which the gas is coming out of the ground) were measured in the soil. These measurements provide baseline data collected prior to any operations in the area.

Information icon
Environmental baseline monitoring: soil gas. BGS © UKRI.

==Radon in air==
As part of the environmental monitoring investigation, measurement of radon in air was carried out by Public Health England (now the UK Health Security Agency) in the Fylde and the Vale of Pickering. The project involved measurement of baseline concentrations of radon both in the open air and in homes.

[[Category:Shale gas environmental monitoring]]

Category:Shale gas environmental monitoring

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[[Category:Groundwater_and_shale_gas]]

Category:Groundwater and shale gas

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[[category:Hydrogeology| ]]

Category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater

2026-04-10T08:55:38Z

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==National methane baseline survey: results summary==
===Summary results===
Since the beginning of the national methane baseline survey in 2012, a total of 248 new groundwater methane samples have been collected and analysed from five areas:

* South Wales
* East Midlands Province
* Lancashire and Cheshire Basin
* Cumbria and Northumberland
* Southern England comprising Kent, East and West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire

A number of groundwater methane values also exist for other areas from previous research projects, in particular central and southern Scotland and parts of south Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and areas around London. These datasets have been combined to provide a summary of methane concentrations in groundwater in these areas.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
| Central/southern Scotland
| <0.0001
| 0.0036
| 1.68
| 31
|-
| Lancashire and Cheshire Basins
| 0.0002
| 0.0025
| 0.091
| 23
|-
| East Midlands Province
| <0.00005
| 0.0009
| 1.32
| 93
|-
| Southern England
| <0.00005
| 0.0013
| 4.72
| 251
|-
| South Wales
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.0483
| 25
|-
| Cumbria and Northumberland
| <0.0002
| 0.00065
| 1.434
| 16
|-
| Cumbria (Environment Agency data)
| <0.1
| <0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|-
| Lancashire and Cheshire (Environment Agency data)
| <0.01
| <0.5
| 132
| 2842
|}
Summary of the methane baseline results

Methane baseline samples have been collected from potable water supplies — either drinking water or groundwater quality monitoring boreholes. None of the samples in the aquifers used for public water supply have exceeded the explosive limit for methane. For additional information on research carried out by BGS on methane in groundwater apart from baseline surveys, please see our methane in UK groundwater research overview and the following key publications:

* The hydrogeochemistry of methane : evidence from English groundwaters Darling and Gooddy (2006)
* The potential for methane emissions from groundwaters of the UK Gooddy and Darling (2005)

===Methane in UK Groundwater===
Click on the regions on the map below to see initial results from the survey. In addition to methane data, there is a regional overview of the geology, aquifers and shale gas source rocks present. Areas with adequate methane data have been split by aquifer, in addition to a regional summary. Using data collected as part of the BGS and Environment Agency The Natural (Baseline) Quality of Groundwaters in England and Wales project, there is also a brief overview of the relevant aquifer’s groundwater quality. Further information on chemical indicators and trace elements that are not included in the summary can be found in the individual baseline reports.

Click on the regions on the map below to see results from the survey and more detail can be found in the summary report and recent publication.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:Groundwater and shale gas| ]]

Southern England summary results

2026-04-10T08:23:36Z

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==Southern England==
===Regional summary===
In the south of England, 251 sites have been sampled for methane from a number of different aquifers. The two main aquifers are the Chalk and the Lower Greensand.

* The Chalk is a principal aquifer in southern England, used extensively for public water supply. It has a high porosity but low matrix permeability, and groundwater flows through a well-developed interconnected network of fractures. The Chalk outcrops in the Chilterns, North and South Downs, Salisbury Plain, Wessex Downs and on the south coast. It reaches a maximum thickness of 200 m.
* The Lower Greensand aquifer consists of sands and sandstones, and groundwater flow is mainly through the pore spaces in the rock where the sand is unconsolidated. Groundwater from this aquifer is also used for public water supply. The Lower Greensand outcrops around the edge of the Weald and reaches a maximum thickness of 220 m.

The recent DECC report on the Weald Basin has reported that there is unlikely to be any shale gas potential in this region, but there could be shale oil reserves, although how much of this could be recovered is unknown. The shale units present in this region are the Kimmeridge and Ampthill Clays, Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation and the Lias. The Kimmeridge and Amptill Clay consists of mainly black shales and the Kellaways, Oxford Clay and Osgodby Formation consist of mudstones, clays and siltstones.

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summaries are based on the results collected from single visits to each site for the purpose of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for the Southern England region as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

The blue boxes highlight where summary data are available for baseline groundwater quality in the different aquifers present in this region, and link to the summaries for each region.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Southern England
|<0.00005
|0.0013
| 4.72
|251
|-
|Chalk
|<0.00005
| <0.00005
|0.0049
|0.105
|54
|}

Methane samples and concentrations in Southern England 
Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in the table above. 
Thames Water and the Environment Agency are acknowledged for additional sample collection.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Chalk of the North Downs, Kent and east Surrey===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Chalk of the North Downs, Kent and east Surrey is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Analysis'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Ca
|15.7
|116
| 399
| 132
|-
|Mg
|1.1
|2.8
|689
|132
|-
|Na
|6.2
| 15
| 5820
|132
|-
|K
|<0.4
|1.92
|175
|132
|-
|Cl
|10
|26
|10700
|134
|-
|SO4
|<10
|21.4
|1140
|133
|-
|HCO3
|162
|274
|493
|108
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.01
|6.2
|28.2
|133
|}
Baseline quality data for the Chalk in the North Downs, Kent and east Surrey

The Chalk in this region generally contains water of high quality, the main properties being determined by natural reactions between rainwater and the carbonate rock (HCO3). Groundwater is oxidising in the unconfined areas, but becomes rapidly reducing once confined by the Palaeogene deposits. The confined groundwaters are typically fresh and of pristine pre-industrial quality but may contain residual concentrations of chloride (Cl) from older water at depth. Some unconfined Chalk groundwaters show the effects of pollution from industrial, domestic and agricultural sources.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Lower Greensand===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Lower Greensand is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Analysis'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Ca
|9.3
|51.4
|182
|84
|-
|Mg
|1.4
|2.8
|7.17
|84
|-
|Na 5
|10.1
|111
|84
|-
|K
|0.935
|2.5
|20
|84
|-
|Cl
|9.6
|20
|82
|85
|-
|SO4 
|6.9
|21.6
|182
|84
|-
|HCO3
|6
|148
|339
|81
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.003
|0.196
|16.3
|68
|}
Baseline quality data for the Lower Greensand in southern England

The groundwater in the Lower Greensand is fresher than water from most other aquifers in the UK, mainly due to the relative purity of the sands and often short residence times. The low salinities of groundwater even in the deep confined parts of the aquifer show that it has been well flushed of any older water. Where the aquifer is confined, the groundwaters are more reducing and have higher iron concentrations.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Chalk of Dorset===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Chalk of Dorset. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Analysis'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Ca
|37
|106
|143
|59
|-
|Mg
|1.59
|2.5
|19.4
|59
|-
|Na
|6
|11.2
|155
|59
|-
|K
|0.5
|1.7
|7
|33
|-
|Cl
|14
|21
|223
|59
|-
|SO4
|<5
|13.6
|52.2
|60
|-
|HCO3
|107
|271
|324
|33
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.1
|6.6
|12
|59
|}

Baseline quality data for the Lower Greensand in southern England
The Dorset Chalk contains groundwater predominately of very high quality. However, much of the area is farmed, the long term effects of which have impacted on the natural groundwater quality. The main observed effect of agricultural activity has been the increase in nitrate (NO3.N) and potassium (K) over several decades. Apart from these examples, there is no evidence of widespread contamination from urban and rural wastes or other sources of pollution. Oxidising conditions found in the unconfined aquifer rapidly give way to a reducing environment as the aquifer becomes confined beneath Palaeogene deposits.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Palaeogene===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Palaeogene is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Analysis'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
|Ca
|5.2
|46.1
|128
|26
|-
|Mg
|1.72
|5.35
|15.7
|26
|-
|Na
|11.4
|19
|111
|26
|-
|K
|0.9
|2.4
|15.5
|26
|-
|Cl
|17.4
|33.3
|108
|26
|-
|SO4
|2.7
|27.4
|91.8
|26
|-
|HCO3</mall>
|5
|153
|315
|25
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.01
|0.0244
|34.8
|26
|}

Baseline quality data for the Palaeogene in southern England

The water quality of oxidising Palaeogene groundwaters of near-neutral pH is, in the most part, good. High iron and manganese as well as slightly acidic conditions are characteristics of the Palaeogene groundwaters. In these more acidic groundwaters, mobilisation of some trace metals can occur. Some unconfined waters in the Palaeogene are influenced by agricultural activities, showing elevated nitrate (NO3.N) concentrations. The hydrochemical properties of the groundwaters in the Palaeogene aquifers are primarily determined by natural reactions between recharge water and the Palaeogene host rocks.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

South Wales summary results

2026-04-10T08:23:17Z

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{{Underconstruction}}
==South Wales==
===Regional summary===
In South Wales, 25 sites have been sampled for methane in the two main aquifers, the Carboniferous limestone and the Coal Measures sandstones.

* In the UK, the Carboniferous limestone is a principal aquifer and groundwater flows rapidly through a network of fractures, conduits and caves. In South Wales, this aquifer is not used for public supply, although it provides many private supplies. The Carboniferous limestone outcrops south of the coalfield and has a maximum thickness of 425 m.
* The Coal Measures sandstones in South Wales are very hard and dense, and groundwater will only tend to flow through fractures. Due to mining subsidence, there are zones of increased fracturing, and therefore increased water storage and flow. This aquifer is classed as a secondary A aquifer by the Environment Agency and is not used for public water supply.

The shale unit present in this area is the Marros Group, which consists of siliceous mudstones and local quartz rich sandstones and conglomerates. The maximum height of the top of the Marros is about 400 m above OD at outcrop in the west, but deepens towards the east to reach depths of over 2500 m below OD.

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summary results are from single sampling visits to each site as part of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for the South Wales region as a whole and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

Methane samples and concentrations in South WalesMethane concentrations chart for South Wales
{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentration (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| Minimum
| Median
| Maximum
|
|-
| South Wales
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.483
| 25
|-
| Carboniferous limestone
| <0.0001
| 0.032
| 0.483
| 11
|-
|Coal Measures
|<0.0001
|0.034
|0.216
|13
|}
Methane samples and concentrations in South Wales 
Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in the table above.

===Baseline groundwater quality data===
No baseline data are available for the Carboniferous limestone or the Coal Measures in this region.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]

Lancashire and Cheshire Basin summary results

2026-04-10T08:22:55Z

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{{Underconstruction}}
==Lancashire and Cheshire Basins==
===Regional summary===
In Lancashire and Cheshire, 23 sites have been sampled for methane in three aquifers, the main aquifer being Permo-Triassic sandstone. The Environment Agency also holds extensive methane data across the region.

* Permo-Triassic sandstone forms an important aquifer in this region, used extensively for public water supply. Groundwater flow occurs mainly through pore spaces in the rock due to its high porosity, although the presence of fractures is also important. Permo-Triassic sandstone is at the surface along the Lancashire coast and can be up to 600 m thick.
* The two other aquifers sampled for methane are the Millstone Grit and other shallow sand deposits. These are classed as secondary B aquifers and are not used for public water supply.

The shale units present in this area are the Bowland and Craven Groups, which are organic rich mudstones. In the Cheshire Basin, the shale is at its deepest, reaching depths of over 6000 m below OD. The Bowland and Craven Groups are reported to have potential to form a shale gas resource, although this is complicated by Britain's complex tectonic history (Andrews, 2013).

===Methane in UK groundwater results===
These summaries are based on the results collected from single visits to each site for the purpose of the methane baseline project. The data are summarised for Lancashire and Cheshire as a whole, and also for individual aquifers, where enough data are available.

The blue boxes highlight where summary data are available for baseline groundwater quality in the different aquifers present in this region, and link to the summaries for each region.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire and Cheshire
|0.0002
|0.0025
|0.091
|23
|-
|Sherwood Sandstone
|0.0002
|0.0018
|0.091
|10
|}
Methane samples and concentrations in Lancashire and Cheshire

===Environment Agency methane data===
Additional methane data is available from monitoring carried out by the Environment Agency (EA), North West Region, between 1985 and 2012. This sampling was done for different reasons, such as landfill monitoring. Many of the values represent multiple analyses of samples from the same site. The data have been separated into two regions: Lancashire-Cheshire and Cumbria.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Lancashire-Cheshire
|<0.01
|<0.5
| 132
| 2842
|-
|Cumbria
|<0.1
|<0.5
| 14.2
| 836
|}

Note: values less than the analytical detection limit have been converted to half the detection limit for the purposes of this statistical summary and graph, but the relevant detection limit is quoted in this table.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone of Cheshire is below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|4.4
|74
|795
|239
|-
|Mg
| <1
| 21
| 562
|239
|-
|Na
|4
|31
|5600
| 243
|-
|K
|0.25
|3.75
|136
|242
|-
|Cl
|7
| 49
|10000
| 244
|-
|SO4
|<4
|49
|1780
|240
|-
|HCO3
|142
|218
|338
| 23
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.05
|3.3
| 37.5
| 246
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Cheshire

The quality of groundwater in the Permo-Triassic sandstone is determined by natural reactions between rainwater and the bedrock, which creates a variable baseline. Chemical reactions take place during recharge, the most important being mineral dissolution and precipitation. The baseline in Lancashire and Cheshire has been modified by diffuse pollution including agricultural fertilisers, which has led to locally high levels of nitrate (NO3.N), potassium (K) and sodium (Na). Along the Mersey estuary, the ingress of saline water also has an impact on groundwater chemistry.

===Baseline groundwater quality data in the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester===
A summary of the baseline quality of groundwater in Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester is presented below. These data were collected as part of a collaborative project between BGS and the Environment Agency to investigate the baseline quality of groundwater in major UK aquifers. The UK baseline study results page provides downloads of all the reports produced by the project.

{|class="wikitable" style="background-color:#F0F8FF; margin:auto;"
|-
| '''Area'''
| '''Concentrations (mg/l)'''
|
|
| '''Number of samples'''
|-
|
| '''Minimum'''
| '''Median'''
| '''Maximum'''
|
|-
|Ca
|12
| 86.2
|350
|90
|-
|Mg
|2.5
|26.8
|122
|90
|-
|Na
|8.4
| 133
|3360
|90
|-
|K
|0.99
|4.85
|30
|90
|-
|Cl
| 9
|185
| 5400
|88
|-
|SO4
|<5
|82.9
|666
|90
|-
|HCO3
|40
|316
|1310
|89
|-
|NO3.N
|<0.003
|1.61
|33.4
|90
|-
|Fe
|<
|1050
|9600
|85
|}

Baseline quality data for the Permo-Triassic sandstone in Manchester

The groundwaters of the Permo-Triassic aquifer of Manchester display a wide range of chemical characteristics with concentrations for most elements varying over several orders of magnitude. These characteristics are determined largely by natural reactions between the groundwater and the rocks through which it passes. This baseline has been modified by diffuse pollutants including agricultural fertilisers leading locally to high nitrate (NO3.N) and increases in other major elements such as potassium (K), sodium (Na) and sulphate (SO4). Most chemical parameters are highly variable due to the complex geology and the presence of drift deposits, which differ in thickness and type. These drift deposits have a significant effect on recharge of the aquifer but provide a degree of protection from diffuse or point source pollution.

===Contact===
Please contact BGS Enquiries for more information.
[[category:National methane baseline survey of UK groundwater‎ ]]