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This study has also identified and made recommendations for the management of the specific risks related to hydrocarbon extraction involving high volume hydraulic fracturation techniques. These include - the development of less environmentally hazardous drilling and fracturing fluids; -Methods to improve well integrity through development of better casing and cementing methods and practices; – the development of a searchable European database of hydraulic fracturing fluid composition; – Research into the risks and causes of methane migration to groundwater from shale gas extraction; -The development of a system of voluntary ecological initiatives within sensitive habitats to generate mitigation credits which could be used for offsetting future development.
Regarding the development of these extractions, the study also revealed a number of gaps or possible inadequacies in the EU legislation : some that that could lead to risks to the environment or human health not being sufficiently addressed others where uncertainty arises because a lack of information regarding the characteristics of high volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) projects or aspects for which it is not possible to conclude under this study whether or not at EU level the risks are adequately addressed.
