Fracking firm Cuadrilla has announced another “micro seismic” event has been detected at its shale gas exploration site in Lancashire.
It is the third such event in as many days at the site and operations have been paused for 18 hours in order to measure seismic levels.
Cuadrilla said the relebant regulators have been informed and work is expected to resume tomorrow morning.
The tremor was classed as a “red event” as part of the traffic light system regulated by the Oil and Gas Authority.
Cuadrilla said the event measured 0.76 local magnitude.
A smaller event took place at the same sight yesterday afternoon.
A spokesman for Cuadrilla said: “Operations have now paused for the next 18 hours during which seismicity levels will continue to be measured. The British Geological Survey (BGS) records seismicity to one decimal place and therefore have recorded the event as 0.8ML (local magnitude).
“Micro seismic events such as these result in tiny movements that are way below anything that would be felt at surface, much less cause any harm or damage.
“Without the sophisticated monitoring in place at Cuadrilla, they would not be detected. It is reassuring that the monitoring and traffic light system is working as it should.
“All the relevant regulators were informed without delay and we have verified that the well integrity is intact.
“As per the hydraulic fracture plan in place at Preston New Road, work will now pause for at least 18 hours and is expected to recommence in the morning.”