Winchester oil appraisal plans campaign launched

As reported in the Chronicle, the proposal, from IGas Energy Ltd, is for the 'retention of wellsite and existing surface and sub-surface infrastructure for a further period of five years in order to allow for further appraisal of oil and gas'.

WinACC launched a campaign called SD4Nature, which now includes a Crowdfunding page.  

In a newsletter Dr Alex Clayton, chairman of WinACC trustees, said: “Over the last seven weeks we have been campaigning to save the South Downs from the pollution associated with the Avington Oil Field restarting production. 

“The oil company claims in their planning application that the pumping of oil ‘will have no environmental impact‘. We disagree. 

READ MORE: Winchester oil appraisal plans slammed by WinACC

“We are concerned this development will hugely damage the district’s climate plans and pollute our national park. As a district we are racing to reduce the carbon footprint of our area. Pumping oil at Avington will set us back and increase the work needed to provide a healthy, sustainable world for future generations. 

“As chair of trustees for Winchester Action on the Climate Crisis I am absolutely clear that this development must be fought, and the South Downs saved for future generations.

“Our South Downs are for Nature, not oil.”

On Monday September 11, the Crowdfunding page had raised £330 of its £2,000 target. 

In the page's description, it said: “The costs involved with running a campaign like this can vary. As WinACC is a charity all funding needs to be in line with charity law and guidance. We work hard to ensure all donations are used in the most efficient way wherever possible.

“We expect to split your funding roughly equally between: resources such as leafleting, staff time, and social media advertising.”

SEE ALSO: Winchester oil appraisal plans petition launched

A spokesman for IGas Energy Ltd owner Star Energy Group Plc previously said: “There is no question the UK will continue to need oil, we are not currently in a position to rely solely on renewable energy sources. UK-produced oil offers emissions savings over five of its top six suppliers and imports do not offer the economic, environmental or geopolitical benefits offered by domestic production. 

“The Avington site is an existing site that already contains all the infrastructure required for the proposed oil exploration. It is not our intention to detract from the experiential qualities of the National Park. Indeed, at appeal, the planning inspector commented on our plans for the site: 'I find that the proposed development would conserve and enhance the landscape and scenic beauty of the National Park'.

“In respect of emissions, all UK onshore oil and gas sites must receive a permit from the environment agency in order to operate. The permit includes a gas management plan detailing how the site will minimise the impact on the environment. UK regulations for gas management are very strict which can include planned emissions releases. These are typically very low in volume and in the case of Avington, are equivalent to the annual methane emissions of eight cows.”