This project will identify, characterise and parameterise the different pathways within the shallow subsurface and the atmosphere, which link sources of contamination and hazards associated with shale gas operations to human and sensitive environmental receptors, and surface infrastructure. For each component (Water, Air, Solid Earth), Source-Pathway-Receptor combinations will be examined and then integrated in a probabilistic risk assessment framework for quantification of the risks to humans, infrastructure and the environment. A key aspect of the study will be to understand how the risk profile evolves over the life cycle of shale gas operations - from single site to multiple operations across an area. Improved measurement, monitoring and quantification will be critical to effectively evaluating and managing the risks arising from shale gas development and supporting the integrated risk model developed as an outcome of this project. 

The Team