Shale gas exploitation
The plan should address the possibility of contamination to the Sherwood aquifer from loss of well integrity due to failure of the lining - an increased risk due to high level of seismic activity in the former coal mining areas.
The high demand for water required for the hydraulic fracturing process could cause depletion of local water resources.
There is a risk of groundwater pollution from mismanagement of contaminated water from the fracturing process.
At a time when many local boreholes are producing water with nitrate levels above the acceptable levels it would be unwise to take any risks with this essential resource.

Emissions from the wells including benzene, ethylbenzene, methane, ozone, toluene and xylene have been recorded at shale gas sites. The increase in road traffic would raise levels of pollutants along the routes used.
Methane leakage from the wells and the impact of burning fossil fuels is contrary to local and national policies to reduce climate emissions and move towards a low carbon economy.

The impact of the industrialisation of the countryside on tourism, agriculture and health and wellbeing of local people should not be underestimated. Once Sherwood Forest becomes associated with 'fracking' the loss of employment and income from tourism could outweigh any short term economic boost from the shale gas industry. There is already a suggestion that house prices are affected and people may wish to relocate from a gas field to avoid air, noise and light pollution.

The move towards self-regulation by the gas industry, the lack of preparation by regulators combined with the reduction in funding for these bodies raises serious concerns about monitoring and enforcement. Any local policy should ensure that all standards are fully implemented. Environmental samples should be taken by an independent organisation ahead of the commencement of any operations to provide baseline figures to ensure public confidence in any monitoring procedures.

The structuring of companies within the shale gas industry raises the prospect that companies will not be able fulfil their obligations regarding the decommissioning, decontamination and restoration of any sites and other affected areas. There is also the possibility of wells being abandoned if companies cease to be economically viable. The issue of compensation for any longer term impacts should be addressed. The responsibilities of the local authority and central government to deal with the cost of any long term environmental issues should be clarified.