Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Detailed guide: Oil and gas: offshore environmental legislation

By HM Government

Updated: Oil and gas: OSPAR annual reporting updated

The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004



The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 implements the European Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive (2001/42/EC). Although the Directive was not incorporated into UK law until 2004, SEAs have been carried out since 1999 in accordance with its requirements.



The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 (as amended)



The 1985 Council Directive on the Assessment of the Effects of Certain Public and Private Activities on the Environment (85/337/EEC) as amended by Council Directive 97/11/EC, requires environmental assessments to be carried out for certain types of offshore oil and gas activities throughout the European Union. The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 (SI No. 1999/360) (“the Regulations”) implement the Directive. These Regulations were amended in 2007 by the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 to implement the Directive 2003/35/EC which provides for public participation in respect of the drawing up of certain plans and programmes relating to the environment. These amended Regulations came into force on the 16 April 2007.



For the purpose of the Regulations the relevant activities include (but not limiting to); the granting and renewal of production consents for field developments, the drilling of wells (deep boring) and the construction and installation of production facilities and pipelines in the United Kingdom Territorial Sea and on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS).



Regulations



Guidance



Supplementary guidance issued following the Deepwater Horizon Incident



This collates the additional information communicated to oil and gas operators and/or Mobile Drilling Unit (MoDU) operators after the Deepwater Horizon accident. Guidance is provided in relation to four aspects, Environmental Statements and Direction Applications; Other Environmental Application Submissions; Oil Pollution Emergency Plans; and Environmental Reviews and Inspections. It is strongly recommended that operators should study all four documents to develop an overall picture of the environmental requirements.



Project reports



Reporting requirements





  • Authorised deposits return form
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 95.5KB)
     (this form should be used for approvals issued through the PON15 system and for deposits associated with EIA exemption)

  • Authorised deposit return for approvals issued through the PETS system should be made using the appropriate Environmental Emissions Monitoring System (EEMS) reporting form

Environmentally sensitive areas



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager.



The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001 (as amended)



The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 came into force on 18 February 2007, extending certain provisions of the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001.



The 2001 regulations require consent for geological surveys related to oil and gas activities undertaken on the UKCS. The amendments extend these provisions to UK waters (sea adjacent to UK from the low water mark up to the seaward limits of territorial waters) and require prior consent for the testing of equipment to be used in geological surveys.



The Regulations (Reg. 5) requires that the Secretary of State before granting any licence, consent, authorisation, or any approval, where it is considered that any proposed activities is likely to have a significant effect on a relevant site, whether individually or in combination with any other plan or project, make an Habitats Regulation Assessment (Appropriate Assessment) of the implications for the Natura 2000 site in view of the sites conservation objectives.



Regulations



Guidance and application forms



Guidelines for minimising risk to marine mammals



Habitats Regulations Assessments/Appropriate assessments



Marine Mammal Observer report



Noise projects



Moray Firth study



The Moray Firth study assessed the potential impact of oil and gas exploration operations on cetaceans in the Moray Firth.



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager



The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 (as amended)



The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007 came into force on 21 August 2007, introducing provisions for implementing Council Directive 79/409/EEC on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora in relation to offshore marine areas.



The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 2007 ensure that certain activities that have an effect on important species and habitats in the offshore marine environment, can be managed. The regulations apply in the “offshore area” beyond 12 nautical miles from the UK coast and protect marine species and wild birds by creating a number of offences that aim to prevent environmentally damaging activities. The regulations also enable the designation and protection of areas that host certain important habitats and species in the offshore marine area. Once designated these sites will be identified as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) for the protection of certain habitats and species and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for the protection of certain wild bird species.



The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 came into force on 1 April 2010, extending certain provisions of the Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 2007. The extended provisions makes it an offence to deliberately disturb wild animals of a European Protected Species (EPS) in such a way as to be likely (a) to impair their ability (i) to survive, breed, or rear or nurture their young; or (ii) in the case of animals of a hibernating or migratory species, to hibernate or migrate or b) to affect significantly the local distribution or abundance of that species.



Regulations



Application form



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager



The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 (as amended)



The Offshore Chemicals (Amendment) Regulations 2011 came into force on 29 March 2011, extending certain provisions of the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002.



The Offshore Chemical Regulations 2002 were introduced to apply the provisions of a decision made by the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (the OSPAR Convention) to implement a harmonised mandatory control system for the use and discharge of chemicals by the offshore oil and gas industry. Under the regulations offshore operators must apply for permits for the use and/or discharge of chemicals in the course of all offshore oil and gas activities, including oil and gas production operations, well drilling, discharges from pipelines, and discharges during decommissioning activities.



The Offshore Chemicals (Amendment) Regulations 2011 further extend the provisions of the regulations to allow the department to take enforcement action in the event of any unintentional offshore chemical release. They also:



  • extend DECC's information-gathering powers so information can be obtained from a wider range of persons and in relation to a wider range of incidents

  • simplify the permitting process for varying permits or transferring them to other operators

  • more closely align the regulations with the Offshore Petroleum (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations (as amended)

Regulations



Guidance



Application forms



Use the following applications to apply for a chemical permit under the offshore chemical regulations:



Reporting requirements



The standard chemical permit reporting forms can be accessed at the UK Oil Portal.



Additional reporting forms:



OSPAR annual reporting on the phase-out of hazardous substances.



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager



The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (as amended)



All oil discharges from offshore oil and gas installations are carefully controlled to minimise contamination of the marine environment and the living resources it supports. The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (OPPC regulations) prohibit the discharge of oil to sea other than in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit. Operators of offshore installations must identify all planned oil discharges to relevant waters and apply for the appropriate OPPC permits.



The Energy Act 2008 (Consequential Modifications) (Offshore Environmental Protection) Order 2010 (PDF, 78.06KB) extends the provisions of the regulations to offshore gas unloading and storage operations and offshore carbon dioxide storage operations. This extension is, however, subject to geographical limitations to reflect the different devolution settlements relating to these offshore activities.



The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) (Amendment) Regulations 2011 introduced a number of changes to the regulations.



This includes a new definition of ‘offshore installation' to encompass all pipelines, some of which were not previously covered by the OPPC regulations. The amending regulations also introduce the concept of ‘release' to cover all unintentional oil emissions that occur through accidental spills/leaks or non-operational discharges. Intentional emissions are now clarified as discharges. However, given the OPPC regulations already cover oil spills and leaks, the concept of ‘release' is incorporated by amendment of the regulations solely to conform with the Offshore Chemicals (Amendment) Regulations 2011.



In addition, the amending OPPC regulations 2011:



Guidance and reporting requirements



The Dispersed Oil in Produced Water Trading Scheme



The Dispersed Oil in Produced Water Trading Scheme was cancelled following consultation and then approval from the Secretary of State for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.



Visit the National Archives website for background information on the scheme.



For further information please contact:
Email: offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 01224 254054/254033



The Offshore Combustion Installations (Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2013



The Offshore Combustion Installations (Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2013 (“the Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013”) came in to force on 19 May 2013.



The Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013 transpose the relevant provisions of the Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU (“the IED”) in respect to specific atmospheric pollutants from combustion installations (with a thermal capacity rating ≥ 50 MW) on offshore platforms undertaking activities involving oil and gas production and gas and carbon dioxide unloading and storage. In this context, the obligations of the Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013 on the offshore oil and gas industry basically mirror those of the Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations 2001 (as amended).



The Explanatory Memorandum fully describes the scope and other aspects associated with the Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013. The Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013 apply to those offshore combustion installations where a permit for their use is applied for and granted after 19 May 2013 - please note important points under the ‘Guidance' heading below. As required by the IED, the existing 2001 Regulations (as amended) will continue to apply to offshore combustion installations which already have a permit before the Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013 came into force or where a permit was applied for before the 19 May 2013 and it was subsequently granted. Subject to transitional provisions, the existing 2001 Regulations (as amended) will cease to apply after 07 January 2014.



Regulations



Guidance



DECC will be revising the Guidance Notes to the 2001 Regulations (as amended) and the guidance / forms pertaining to ‘PPC permit applications and reporting requirements' in order to reflect the obligations of the Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013. The offshore industry will be consulted - by the end of July / early August 2013 - on drafts of the revised documentation before updated versions are formally published. If, prior to the revised documentation being made available, any Operators need to apply for a new permit under the Offshore (PPC) Regulations 2013 then they should use the existing application form. See links below to the extant Guidance Notes, the present guidance / forms for permit applications and reporting requirements, and other related information.



Graphics and diagrams



The following graphics and diagrams are referred to in the guidance document:



IPPC flowchart



Combustion graphs


Vendor turbine graphics


Project reports



Application form



Reporting requirements



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager.



The Greenhouse Gases Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)



Guidance for EU-ETS Emissions Phase III



Applications must be submitted for all qualifying installations undertaking specified activities that emit specified greenhouse gases, as detailed in schedule 1 of the ETS regulations. For the purpose of these regulations, an installation comprises any ‘stationary technical unit' where one or more schedule 1 activities, and any ‘directly associated activities', are carried out.



The third link above shows indicative allocations to each UK installation with the factor taken into account. We are providing this list now to enable operators to assess the impact of the factor. The list is provisional and does not represent the confirmed free allocation to installations. Further work is required to check and finalize allocations, including to take account of adjustments arising from capacity changes since 2011 and changes to carbon leakage status, and to transfer the data into the Registry. This process, including final clearance by the European Commission, is expected to take around two months. We anticipate moving allowances into operators' registry accounts around November 2013



EU Emissions Trading Scheme phase III



The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2012 (2012 Regulations) require that operators must notify the regulator of changes in activity levels which occurred during the year. Where you have not had any changes in activity level, you are required to submit a NIL return



You must complete and submit the DECC-OGED Change in Activity Notification form before 00:00 on 31 December 2013 completing separate notifications for each EU-ETS Permit held. Please note this deadline is stipulated in the Regulations and failure to Notify the Department and submit the relevant NE&C Change of Activity form (if relevant) by the 31 December could be regarded as a non-compliance.



The Notification Form asks you to identify whether the Installation has had a capacity reduction as per Schedule 6 (6), full cessation of activity as per Schedule 6 (7) or a partial cessation of activity as per Schedule 6 (8) of the 2012 Regulations, during the year. If the answer is ‘No' simply complete the form and return to emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk
If the answer to any of those questions is ‘Yes' you must then consider if this could have an impact on the NIMs allocation of allowances for a qualifying sub-installation. If the answer is ‘No' simply complete the form and return to emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk.



If the answer is ‘Yes' and the change of activity could have an impact on the NIMs allocation of allowances for a qualifying sub-installation, you will also need to complete the EU Commission New Entrants & Closures (Change of Activity) form for recording and amending the amounts allocated for free in case of significant capacity reductions, cessations and partial cessations of installations. The form is available at https://www.gov.uk/oil-and-gas-offshore-environmental-legislation#the-greenhouse-gases-emissions-trading-scheme-ets



Please complete and return the DECC-OGED Change of Activity Notification form and the NE&C form if relevant to EMT by e-mail at the address above before 00:00 (UK Time) on 31 December 2013.



The UK Regulators have determined that allowances will be held in reserve until the notification form is received. Please note, notification of significant capacity reductions should be accompanied by a verification statement.



The EU Commission form



The reporting form for (New Entrant Reserve applications) significant capacity reductions, cessations and partial cessations has been designed by the EU Commission for ALL operations and therefore there are a number of pages that are irrelevant for the offshore industry. Please do NOT try to modify this form.



There is a significant amount of guidance within the form and you are advised to carefully read and follow the relevant instructions within Tab B: ‘Guidelines and conditions', and within the subsequent pages. As you complete the form (yellow boxes) information will be auto-populated into other relevant sections. The form will also automatically calculate allowances (green boxes) eg in the Partial Cessation section. You are specifically advised NOT to ‘cut and paste' information as this will lead to unintended modifications within formulae. If you experience any issues with the form please contact EMT.



When the department receives your completed form, you will receive an acknowledgement. The information provided will be assessed and we will inform you of any anticipated changes to your allowances. All forms received will be collated and forwarded to the Commission for the final determination of allowances.



Even if you are not required to complete the EU Commission form at this time, operators are advised to familiarise themselves with this form, as this will be relevant for all operators in the future.



If you have any comments or queries please contact the EMT.



Supplementary material from the seminar held at Carmelite Hotel in Aberdeen on 26 May 2010.



EU ETS phase II



Installations starting new entrant activities after 31 December 2007 and before 1 January 2013 can apply to the Phase II NER. All applications will require independent verification, including those from Later Phase I New Entrants, where the input data used in the benchmarking spreadsheet has changed from that used in the Phase I NER application. Further guidance is available on the DECC website.



Annual monitoring requirements and emissions reporting




Please note that the Annual emissions spreadsheet above has been adjusted for 2013 reporting on the extreme chance ETSWAP is not up and functioning. Please consult with DECC-OGED before you use this spreadsheet.




For further information please contact:
Email: emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk



The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009



The introduction of the Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA) 2009 has introduced a marine licensing system to cover those offshore energy activities that are the responsibility of DECC, and which are not excluded from the MCAA licensing provisions. The licensable activities are principally related to decommissioning operations, including activities such as disturbance of the seabed, the depositing and removal of materials and the use of explosives.



The vast majority of offshore energy activities relating to oil and gas exploration and production, gas unloading and storage, and carbon dioxide storage operations are controlled under the Petroleum Act 1998 (as amended) or the Energy Act 2008, and specifically excluded from the marine licensing provisions under Part 4, section 77 of the MCAA. Therefore, operations that can be controlled under the Petroleum Act 1998 or the Energy Act 2008; or are exempted under the Marine Licensing (Exempted Activities) Order 2011 (as amended), do not require a MCAA licence.



Regulations



Guidance



Guidance in relation to those offshore energy activities that are covered by the MCAA marine licensing regime is currently being developed. In the interim, please contact the Environmental Management Team if you have any questions.



Application form



Reporting Requirements



  • Authorised deposit / disturbance form (currently under preparation)

For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager.



The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, Part II Deposits in the Sea



The Food and Environmental Protection Act (FEPA), Part II Deposits in the Sea, used to cover the discharge or placement of substances or articles in the sea or on the seabed where the deposits could not be covered by other legislation. Following the introduction of the licensing provisions of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009, on 6 April 2011, it was dis-applied in English and Welsh waters and offshore waters adjacent to Scotland. However, FEPA Part II still applies in Scottish territorial waters, between the 3 NM Scottish controlled waters limit and the 12 NM Scottish territorial sea limit, where DECC will remain the licensing authority. For activities within Scottish controlled waters, the Scottish Government is the licensing authority and the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 is the relevant controlling legislation.



The vast majority of offshore energy activities relating to oil and gas exploration and production, gas unloading and storage, and carbon dioxide storage operations are controlled under the Petroleum Act 1998 (as amended) or the Energy Act 2008, and are specifically excluded from the marine licensing provisions of both the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MCAA) and the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (MSA). Information in relation to exceptions where it may be necessary to obtain a FEPA Part II licence will be included in the MCAA guidance.



Regulations



Application form



  • Application for a FEPA Licence can be made using the Marine Licence application - handled by the UK Oil Portal

For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager.



The Energy Act 2008, Part 4A Consent to Locate



The Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) assumed responsibility for administration of Section 34 of The Coast Protection Act 1949 (CPA) in relation to offshore oil and gas operations on behalf of the Department for Transport (DfT) in October 2005. As of April 2011, the Consent to Locate (CtL) provisions of Section 34 of the CPA were incorporated into The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MCAA). The MCAA provided a regulatory framework for a new marine licensing regime that included consideration of works detrimental to navigation. Although the MCAA licensing regime applies to a number of offshore oil and gas operations, including the disturbance of the seabed and the deposit and removal of substances or articles during the course of decommissioning operations, Section 77 of the MCAA excludes the vast majority of offshore oil and gas operations and carbon dioxide storage operations controlled under The Petroleum Act 1998 (PA) or The Energy Act 2008 (EA). To maintain the CtL provisions for these excluded operations, Section 314 of the MCAA created a new Part 4A of the EA, transferring the provisions of Section 34 of the CPA to the EA and transferring regulatory competence from DfT to DECC.



The issue of a CtL to an individual or organisation by the Secretary of State under Part 4A of the EA allows installation of the proposed offshore structure or operations providing they are undertaken in accordance with the consent conditions. It allows DECC to insist upon the provision of navigational markings that are considered appropriate for the proposed offshore structure or operations.



Regulations



Consultation



DECC have revised the procedures that were in place under the CPA, to ensure that the consenting process under Part 4A of the EA reflected the specific requirements of the operations that are covered by the MCAA exclusion. The revision accounted for requirements set out in Part 4A of the EA and the development of offshore practices that were not envisaged when the CPA was drafted. It has also taken into account the views of the bodies consulted on navigational matters prior to issuing Consents to Locate. DECC has now completed its revision, and the new consenting process was subject to consultation which ended on 30 November 2012.



Guidance



Guidance is in the process of being updated to address comments received through the consultation process. In the interim, please refer to the DECC response document for further information or contact the Environmental Management Team if you have any questions.



Application forms



  • Consent to Locate Application Form - handled by the UK Oil Portal

Reporting requirements



Useful documents



Useful Links



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager.



The Energy Act 2008 (Consequential Modifications) (Offshore Environmental Protection) Order 2010



The Energy Act 2008 makes provision under Part 1, Chapter 2 for the regulation of gas importation and storage through a licensing and enforcement regime for combustible gas. The Offshore Gas Storage and Unloading (Licensing) Regulations 2009, made under Part 1 of the Energy Act 2008, came into force on the 13 November 2009.



The Energy Act 2008 also makes provision under Part 1, Chapter 3 for the regulation of the storage of carbon dioxide (with a view to its permanent disposal or as an interim measure prior to its permanent disposal), through a licensing and enforcement regime. The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) Regulations 2010, made under Part 1 of the Energy Act 2008, came into force on the 01 October 2010.



Following enactment of the Energy Act 2008 (Consequential Modifications) (Offshore Environmental Protection) Order 2010, which came into force on 01 July 2010 the provisions of the following regulations now also apply to gas unloading and storage, and carbon dioxide storage as they do to oil and gas activities. This extension is, however, subject to geographical limitations to reflect the different devolution settlements relating to offshore activities.



For further information please contact the Environmental Management Team by e-mail at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or (01224) 254145 / 254102 / 254050 or please contact your assigned Environmental Manager.



  • The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 (as amended)

  • The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001 (as amended)

  • The Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) Regulations 2007 (as amended)

  • The Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations 2001 (as amended)

  • The Offshore Installations (Emergency Pollution Control) Regulations 2002 (as amended)

  • The Offshore Chemical Regulations 2002 (as amended)

  • The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2005 (as amended)

  • The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (as amended)

  • The REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008 (as amended)

  • The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2009 (as amended)

The Order



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Detailed guide: Oil and gas: wells

By HM Government

Updated: Oil and gas: 2013 Drilling activity – (updated)

Overview



Each application to drill (PON 4) is considered with respect to the fulfilment of specific licence obligations and impact on the environment and other users of the sea. Drilling and petroleum developments offshore are subject to the requirements of the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999, which implement the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (PON 15 and PON 16).



Individual well data



Use the Well Data Search Tool to find basic well header data by quadrant and block (please note that this data is derived directly from WONS and may be subject to later alteration and update).



Approval process



Since November 2000 a new web-based well consent system (WONS - available through the Oil Portal) should be used (unless otherwise instructed by DECC) by operators applying electronically for consent to drilling operations (replacing PON 4, PON 5 and PON 8). This has simplified the procedure for well consents by reducing the need for multiple applications and consents, and also provides a fast and secure method for transmitting information. Applications to drill should be submitted at least 28 days in advance.



Contact Phil Harrison at phil.harrison@decc.gsi.gov.uk for details and instructions for company registration.



A full environmental statement may be required for wells determined as likely to have significant effect on the environment by virtue of their nature, size or location.



The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requires a 21-day notification period for well applications. The Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction, etc.) Regulations 1996 are applicable to these activities



Data requirements



Data collection starts once a well has been spudded when the operator submits a spud notification on WONS. DECC will issue an official well number via WONS (see PON 12), which is to be used for all data and records resulting from the well's drilling.



All well data requirements are set out in the documents PON 9 (offshore) and PON 9b (onshore) below.




  • PON 9 (offshore)
    (PDF, 545KB, 36 pages)


  • PON 9b (onshore)
    (PDF, 288KB, 12 pages)

Onshore operators have a statutory obligation to also supply well data to the British Geological Survey (BGS). Visit the BGS website for more information.



Drilling activity



The following data will allow you to search for information about current drilling activity, as well as details of drilling activity that has already taken place – by year and by basin.



Current drilling







Drilling activity - current (last updated January 2014 - next update April 2014)



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 67.5KB



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If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Drilling activity - current (last updated January 2014 - next update April 2014)").




Drilling activity by year



The table below provides a breakdown of total well numbers by year and by activity since 1964.







Drilling activity – by year



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 17.5KB



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in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Drilling activity – by year").




Drilling activity by basin



The table below provides a breakdown of total well numbers by year and by basin since 1964.







Drilling activity – by basin



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 46KB



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correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Drilling activity – by basin").




Significant Discoveries







A breakdown of significant offshore discoveries, in date order



PDF, 736KB, 17 pages



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quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("A breakdown of significant offshore discoveries, in date order").




Stratigraphy and lithology data



The following data has been provided by licence operators to DECC and is released four years in arrears. Please note that while every care is taken to ensure the information is correct and up-to-date, DECC does not guarantee its accuracy. Anyone relying on the information does so at their own risk



  • chronostratigraphy hierarchy

  • lithology codes

  • lithostratigraphy hierarchy

  • well stratigraphy

  • well stratigraphy - zipped access file

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Detailed guide: Oil and gas: onshore maps and GIS shapefiles

By HM Government

Updated: Oil and gas; Various onshore maps and shapefiles - (updated)

Overview



All data below was mapped and is held by DECC in National Grid coordinates.



13th round of onshore licensing




  • 13th round licences offered
    (PDF, 893KB, 1 page)


  • 13th round acreage on offer
    (PDF, 741KB, 1 page)

Current fields and licences







Wallmap displaying current fields and licences (updated 07 January 2014)



PDF, 1.2MB, 1 page



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correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Wallmap displaying current fields and licences (updated 07 January 2014)").




Historical maps (approximations scanned from previous documents)







Licensed areas as at 28/02/1969



PDF, 582KB, 1 page



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quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Licensed areas as at 28/02/1969").




Onshore GIS shapefiles



GIS mapping software is required to view the following zipped files.




  • 13th round licences offered
    (ZIP, 88.8KB)

Other shapefiles



Shapefile
What it covers
Last updated
Hydrocarbon fields
oil and gas fields in the UK – indication of hydrocarbons, not accurate reflection of reservoir boundaries
07 January 2014
Coastline
low-resolution coastline of mainland Britain
-
National grid
10k and 100k onshore grids
-
Onshore licences
grid of blocks and part blocks displaying licensed areas
07 January 2014
Field determinations
taxation boundary that determines a hydrocarbon field
05 March 2012
Wells
surface locations of all UK onshore and offshore wells
07 January 2014
Strategic Environmental Assessment areas
areas considered for environmental protection and sustainable development
-
Coal mine methane vents
recovery of gas from mine workings for safety and power generation
06 November 2012

Historical shapefiles (approximations scanned from previous documents)




  • Licensed areas as at 28/02/1969
    (ZIP, 38.4KB)


  • Mining licences as at 1969
    (ZIP, 9.26KB)


  • Exploration licences awarded up to 1979
    (ZIP, 31.1KB)


  • Production licences awarded up to 1979
    (ZIP, 46.1KB)

Mapping



Onshore licence coordinates are defined using the National Grid referencing system, which is a metric grid on a Transverse Mercator projection. National Grid coordinates are expressed as distances measured in metres east and north from the grid origin, which is located west of the Isles of Scilly. The National Grid defines a series of 100km squares, each of which is further subdivided into 10km squares. The 100km squares are identified by two letters, e.g. SE or TL. The 10km squares are identified by the letters of the 100km square within which they lie, plus a number from 00 to 99 as follows:



09
19
29
39
49
59
69
79
89
99
08
18
28
38
48
58
68
78
88
98
07
17
27
37
47
57
67
77
87
97
06
16
26
36
46
56
66
76
86
96
05
15
25
35
45
55
65
75
85
95
04
14
24
34
44
54
64
74
84
94
03
13
23
33
43
53
63
73
83
93
02
12
22
32
42
52
62
72
82
92
01
11
21
31
41
51
61
71
81
91
00
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90

Example: If this diagram showed the SE block, then square 46 would be referred to as SE46.



DECC refers to each 10km square as a block. A licence may cover a whole block, part of a block, or several blocks or part-blocks.



  • map of the UKCS illustrating the relationship between the National Grid and quadrants

  • the Ordnance Survey website offers further information on the For more information on the National Grid.

The system of quadrants and blocks used in offshore licensing does extend onshore, but we only use it for well numbering (see Petroleum Operations Notice 12 for details).



Disclaimer



This data is supplied on a best effort basis only, utilising available information as provided by the original operators. While every effort is made to ensure the information is correct and up-to-date, the Department does not accept any liability for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any nature, however caused, which may be sustained as a result of reliance upon such information.



If any errors are found or if you have any comments or other queries please contact:



Toni Harvey
Senior Geoscientest, UK Onshore



Telephone: 0300 068 6037
Email: toni.harvey@decc.gsi.gov.uk

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Detailed guide: Oil and gas: environmental data

By HM Government

Updated: Oil and gas: Chemicals, directions, PON14s, OPPC, OPEP and consent to locate spreadsheets - (updated)

Overview



Here you will find data on the Environmental Statements and Petroleum Operations Notice 15 - PON15s - submitted to DECC with regard to the listed regulations.



Food and Environmental Protection Act 1985 (as amended)



To view received applications, please contact either Marine Scotland (Scottish waters) or CEFAS (English and Welsh waters).





Marine Scotland

Marine Laboratory

PO Box 101

Victoria Road

Torry

Aberdeen

AB11 9DB



tel: 01224 295581
email: env_prot@marlab.ac.uk





CEFAS

Lowestoft Laboratory

Pakefield Road

Lowestoft

Suffolk

NR33 0HT



tel: 01621 787200
email: ogc@cefas.co.uk



The Offshore combustion installations (Pollution prevention and control) regulations 2013




  • Applications received
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 47.5KB)

  • New Permit Public Notices

  • New Permit Decision Notices

Merchant shipping (oil pollution preparedness, response co-operation convention) regulations 1998




  • Oil pollution emergency plans (OPEPs) received and approved
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 108KB)

Offshore petroleum activities (oil pollution prevention and control) regulations 2005 (as amended)




  • OPPC life permit – applications received
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 82KB)

OPPC term permit - applications received




  • OPPC Term Permit applications received in 2013
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 76KB)


  • OPPC Term Permit applications received in 2012
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 56KB)


  • OPPC Term Permit applications received in 2011
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 59KB)


  • OPPC Term Permit applications received in 2010
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 44.5KB)


  • OPPC Term Permit applications received in 2009
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 43KB)

Offshore chemicals regulations 2002



PON15D production applications




  • 2002 - 2013
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 23.7KB)

PON15B, C, E and F applications




  • The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 PON15B, C, E and F Applications in 2013
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 36.9KB)


  • The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 PON15B, C, E and F Applications in 2012
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 113KB)


  • The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 PON15B, C, E and F Applications in 2011
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 102KB)


  • The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 PON15B, C, E and F Applications in 2010
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 141KB)


  • The Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 PON15B, C, E and F Applications in 2009
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 66KB)

European Union emission trading scheme regulations 2003 (EU ETS)



Applications under consultation and decisions




  • ETS Applications
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 67.5KB)

The offshore petroleum production and pipelines (assessment of environmental effects) regulations 1999



Under consultation



  • Environmental statements received

Decisions



  • Environmental statements reviewed

PON15B, C and D applications




  • The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 PON15B, C and D Applications in 2013
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 27.9KB)


  • The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 PON15B, C and D Applications in 2012
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 74KB)


  • The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 PON15B, C and D Applications in 2011
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 74KB)


  • The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 PON15B, C and D Applications in 2010
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 101KB)


  • The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 PON15B, C and D Applications in 2009
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 40KB)

Offshore petroleum production and pipelines (assessment of environmental effects) (amendment) regulations 2007



Listed below are details of projects that have been assessed by the Secretary of State since the above Regulations came into force on the 16 April 2007 and been determined as not likely to have any significant impact on the environment and therefore exempt from the obligation to submit a formal application for a direction and undertake an environmental impact assessment.



Such exemptions are currently restricted to minor pipeline works that are located entirely within existing safety zones around offshore facilities, on the grounds that these works will not have any significant impact on the environment, commercially exploited marine resources, protected habitats or species, or other users of the sea.



These regulations also apply to the renewal of a production consent where the consent relates to the term of the consent being extended but without any other variation in the conditions attached to the consent.




  • Exemptions tracking spreadsheet
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 65.5KB)

Offshore petroleum activities (conservation of habitats) regulations 2001




  • Geological survey and shallow drilling applications reviewed
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 81KB)

PON14 applications




  • PON 14 applications in 2013
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 41.5KB)


  • PON 14 applications in 2012
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 95KB)


  • PON 14 applications in 2011
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 93KB)


  • PON 14 applications in 2010
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 77.5KB)


  • PON 14 applications in 2012
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 95KB)

If you wish to view any of the applications mentioned then please contact the Oil Company direct and they will make available (for a small handling charge) a copy of the statement/application required.



Energy Act part 4a




  • Consent to locate 2013
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 42.9KB)


  • Consent to locate 2012
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 64.5KB)


  • Consent to locate 2011
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 46.5KB)

PON 1 Data



The following spreadsheet presents data about oil and chemical releases that took place between 2005 and 2012. Petroleum Operations Notices (PONs) are used to report oil and chemical releases. PON 1 is used to report oil and chemical releases and Permitted Discharge Notifications (PDNs) from offshore installations and pipelines.



Readers should be aware that HSE and DECC publish Hydrocarbon Release data on their website in accordance with regulatory reporting requirements. HSE and DECC have different regulatory responsibilities and this is reflected in the incident reports received.



Hydrocarbon Release data submitted to HSE is primarily concerned with gaseous and flammable liquid releases capable of causing serious injury or fatality or a major accident. Where required to be reported it is the total quantity released that is reported regardless of whether the hydrocarbon enters the sea. This data is available here



DECC, as the offshore environmental regulator, requires operators to submit details of all chemical and oil releases/spills to sea, regardless of quantity. It is only the quantity of oil or chemical released/spilled to sea that is reported. This information is submitted by operators using a Petroleum Operations Notice 1 (PON1). The PON1 does not record gaseous releases. This data is available below.



As a result of the above reporting requirements there may be incidents that are reported independently to HSE or DECC or on some occasions to both, depending on circumstances. Quantities reported may also vary as DECC is only notified of quantities spilled to sea with the potential to cause pollution.







Overall PON1 data



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 10.8KB



This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.



If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Overall PON1 data").





  • Historical data can be accessed here




  • Latest PON1 Data







PON1 2010 data



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 137KB



This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.



If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("PON1 2010 data").








PON1 2009 data



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 138KB



This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.



If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("PON1 2009 data").








PON1 2008 data



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 133KB



This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.



If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("PON1 2008 data").








PON1 2007 data



MS Excel Spreadsheet, 143KB



This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request a different format.



If you use assistive technology and need a version of this document
in a more accessible format please email
correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("PON1 2007 data").




Please direct any queries to: offshore.inspectorate@decc.gsi.gov.uk

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Wednesday, January 09, 2013

Statistics: Energy trends section 6: renewables

By HM Government

Updated: Renewables obligation: certificates and generation (ET6.3) table updated

Press enquiries should be directed to the DECC press office: Tel: 0300 068 5223. Other enquiries about these statistics should be directed to James Hemingway, e-mail james.hemingway@decc.gsi.gov.uk, tel: 0300 068 5042.

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Sunday, December 30, 2012

Detailed guide: Oil and gas: infrastructure

By HM Government

Updated: Oil and gas: Alwyn North (PL336) Development - Public Notice Documents - (added)

Overview



This page contains a number of sections concerned with various aspects relating to Upstream Oil and Gas Infrastructure, including negotiations for third party access, information about UK platforms and pipelines, and the arrangements for applying for Pipeline Works Authorisations.



Guidance on upstream oil and gas infrastructure access dispute resolution



Access for developers of offshore oil and gas fields to upstream infrastructure for the purpose of transporting and processing hydrocarbons is a key element in the process of extracting the UK's petroleum resources. Companies seeking access for their hydrocarbons to such infrastructure must apply in the first instance to the relevant owner of the infrastructure in question. The Infrastructure Code of Practice (‘ICoP') describes good practice for negotiating third party access; the ICoP and associated Guidance Notes can be obtained free of charge as publications OP022 and OP080 respectively from Oil & Gas UK



If a third party is unable to agree satisfactory terms of access with the owner of the upstream oil and gas infrastructure, the third party seeking such access can – and under the terms of the Infrastructure Code of Practice may be obliged to – make an application to the Secretary of State to require access to be granted and to determine the terms on which it is to be granted.



DECC's
guidance on disputes over third-party access to upstream oil and gas infrastructure
(PDF, 390KB, 27 pages)
sets out the requirements and obligations on all parties. It also sets out the approach DECC would take in handling applications and the principles DECC would expect to be guided by in determining terms of access.



The current guidance reflects the third party access provisions of the Energy Act 2011 which came into force on 21 March 2012. DECC will review the guidance in the light of industry comments, experience and other information when necessary; the latest version dated 15 July 2013 incorporates revised text from the Office of Fair Trading regarding competition law.



Comments on the guidance are welcomed. It would be helpful if any proposals for changes include, wherever possible, both reasons and suggestions. For all general enquiries, write to:



Robert White
Email: robert.a.white@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 068 6056



Performance Review of Infrastructure Negotiations



As a result of work carried out by the PILOT Infrastructure Access Group during 2012, it was agreed that more effort should be made across industry to review the effectiveness and outcome of each third party access negotiation. The prospective user and host owner groups should carry out a post activity review in order to learn lessons from the process and seek improvements that can be made for the future. Building on this, we now expect the user operator and host operator to each complete a questionnaire which gathers information on the approach taken in the negotiation. The questionnaire is divided into two phases; the first covers the handling of the enquiry from the prospective user up to the point that a decision is made whether or not to proceed with a specific export route, and the second covers subsequent detailed negotiations through to conclusion (whether successful or not). The attached diagram illustrates this process.




  • Performance Feedback for Infrastructure Negotiations flowchart
    (MS Powerpoint Presentation, 297KB)

It should be noted that a reference number can be obtained from DECC at the start of each third party access enquiry to an owner (on request to Upstream.infrastructure@decc.gsi.gov.uk), and this will also alert us that a negotiation has started. Use of this reference number when subsequently completing the questionnaire will ensure that the views of the parties for each negotiation can be analysed effectively. The information gathered by this process will be used by DECC to follow up on specific issues with parties, as well as allow the analysis and tracking of industry trends.



The questionnaire is named SPRINT (System for Performance Review of Infrastructure Negotiation Tracking) for short, and is contained within the Excel spreadsheet below. Should there be difficulties in using the spreadsheet, it is possible to use either of the Word documents to complete the questionnaire and send it to DECC by email or as a hard copy. A user guide is also available below.



  • SPRINT Performance Feedback for Infrastructure Negotiations Form


  • Word version of SPRINT Performance Feedback Form
    (MS Word Document, 57.3KB)


  • Word 2007 version of SPRINT Performance Feedback Form
    (MS Word Document, 80.4KB)


  • SPRINT Performance Feedback for Infrastructure Negotiations User Guide
    (MS Powerpoint Presentation, 2.32MB)

Contact:



Robert White
Email: robert.a.white@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 068 6056



Rich Thyer
Email: richard.thyer@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 068 6849



Sue Pain
Email: sue.pain@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 068 6047



Or:



Upstream.infrastructure@decc.gsi.gov.uk



Pipelines and platforms



From this section you can access all guidance produced to assist pipeline promoters on issues related to:



  • legislation

  • decommissioning

  • disused pipelines

  • flaring and venting

  • pipelines work authorisations

You can also download a spreadsheet detailing the length, diameter, operator, starting and ending locations, and commission date for all UK pipelines.



Current UK pipelines and platforms




  • Table of current pipelines
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 103KB)


  • Table of current platforms
    (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 94KB)

Guidance related to pipelines




  • Guidance notes on the Public Gas Transporter Pipe-line Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1999
    (PDF, 541KB, 26 pages)


  • Supplementary guidance note: The Gas Transporter Pipe-lines Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Ammendment) Regulations 2007
    (PDF, 33.6KB, 14 pages)

UK/Norway Framework Agreement 1998



The agreement relates to pipelines on the continental shelf that cross the UK/Norway boundary and link infrastructure on one side under the jurisdiction of one government to infrastructure on the other side under the jurisdiction of the other government. Please note: Vesterled was not covered by the agreement because the Heimdal facilities on the Norwegian shelf and the Norwegian Frigg pipeline on the UKCS are both under Norwegian jurisdiction. Similarly, pipelines direct from a Norwegian field, for example, to a UK landing terminal, are outside the scope of the agreement because the landing terminal would be on the UK's land territory and not on the UKCS. The term ‘petroleum' refers to all liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons.



Licences, authorisations, approvals and consents



Laying and operation of inter-connecting pipelines is subject to authorisations:



  • inlet flange connected to infrastructure on Norwegian shelf, outlet flange connected to infrastructure under UK jurisdiction = Norway grants required authorisation from inlet flange to outlet flange. UK grants required authorisation from median line to outlet flange

  • inlet flange connected to infrastructure on UK shelf, outlet flange connected to infrastructure under Norwegian jurisdiction = UK grants required authorisation from inlet flange to median line. Norway grants required authorisation from median line to outlet flange

  • route of all inter-connecting pipelines is subject to consent of both governments

  • governments must seek to agree on terms of authorisations before they are granted – arbitration is available if needed

  • copies of authorisations must be made available to each government and must not be substantially altered or re-assigned without prior consultation between the governments

  • alterations are not to be made that would prevent unified ownership or operation or prevent /impede transport of petroleum

  • owner of inter-connecting pipeline must establish arrangements to regulate use of the pipeline in accordance with the agreement – governments may request a copy of any agreements setting out such arrangements

Operator



The owner is to appoint an operator. This must be approved (along with any subsequent change of operator) by both governments.



Each of the governments is to encourage optimal use of inter-connecting pipelines and take whatever measures they can to assist connections or access to such a pipeline for use to be made of spare capacity (without prejudicing efficient operation for the transport of petroleum owned by the owner of the pipeline).



Arrangements made by the owner to regulate use of the pipeline will include provisions on priorities for transport of petroleum (royalty in kind to get same priority as petroleum from field from which royalty is taken).



Dispute settlement about third party access



Responsibility for dispute settlement sits with the Norwegian Government where the proposed point of entry of petroleum is on the Norwegian shelf and the UK Government where the proposed point of entry is on the UK shelf.



Governments must consult on dispute settlement, seeking to agree a mutually acceptable response. Arbitration is available if needed. Both governments must apply principles of non-discrimination and fairness for all parties during a dispute, and they must take account of:



  • spare capacity available (allowing for owner's contractual obligations and reasonably expected usage)

  • technical compatibility of third party petroleum with already contracted petroleum in the pipeline

  • economic factors, including costs, tariffs and other conditions applied to use of pipeline

  • need not to endanger security of supply or prejudice safety or environmental measures

  • technical capability and financial viability of third-party applicant

  • other matters relevant to either government

The government responsible for settling the dispute will take into account consultation with the other government and, at least 21 days prior to informing the applicant of the outcome, inform the other government how it intends to respond. Arbitration is available if needed. The other government shall, on request, give effect to an agreed response.



Environmental protection



Governments, jointly and severally, after consultation, will exert every effort to ensure the laying and operation of a pipeline shall not cause pollution of the marine environment or damage by pollution to the coastline, shore facilities, vessels or fishing gear of any country. Competent authorities will develop procedures to implement environmental protection measures in the agreement during an emergency.



Safety



Governments are to consult on common construction and safety standards for inter-connecting pipelines, and to require owners to comply.



Security



Nothing in the agreement is to prejudice special powers in the case of national or international emergencies. Each of the governments are to consult with the other as early as possible for an agreement on measures to reconcile urgency of the situation.



Telecommunications



Competent authorities are to agree on the establishment of operation and control of radio communications relating to inter-connecting pipelines. Other communication systems to be subject as far as possible to common design standards. If there are no common standards, standards of each government shall be compatible.



Exchange of information and confidentiality



Governments may exchange information received from the pipeline owner as long as it does not conflict with any restrictions on disclosure. Such information received by one government from the other is to be treated as confidential with no further disclosure, but information may be used to prepare general reports. Copies of general reports are to be made available to each government by the other.



Tax



Double taxation convention applies.



Metering system



The quality and quantities of petroleum are to be metered (entry and exit) by the pipeline owner. The metering system must be compatible with the metering system of the infrastructure and be properly installed/maintained. Where governments have a legitimate interest in the metering system for quantities of petroleum entering a pipeline, the system shall be subject to agreement between their competent authorities. Competent authorities must agree on regular calibration of the metering system.



Inspection



Each government must appoint inspectors for safe and proper laying of the pipelines. Inspectors must consult and co-operate. Available measures are to be taken to give respective inspectors access to relevant parts of the pipeline. Inspectors may order cessation of operation without consultation in cases of emergency – reasons are to be reported to the governments, which will then consult to consider action necessary for safe and speedy resumption of operations. Competent authorities must consult on inspection matters.



Continued use



If the governments agree, use and operation of a pipeline shall continue after expiration, surrender or revocation of an authorisation. The Government that had granted the authorisation shall grant a new authorisation or conduct for use and operation of the pipeline itself or take other action as agreed by both governments. Any arrangement established by the owner to regulate the use of the pipeline shall continue to apply, but may be subject to supplementary agreements.



If one government considers continued operation of all or part of a pipeline is not practical, the other government must be given the opportunity, in consultation with the owner, to ensure continued operation on fair terms and conditions. Subject to environmental considerations, neither government will prevent the other from securing continued use. Where one government takes over operation, it shall ensure any part of the pipeline no longer in use is removed or isolated if both governments agree on that course of action.



Decommissioning



Each government shall agree measures to be taken in connection with decommissioning. If the governments agree continued use of all or part of a pipeline is not practical, they shall require the owner to submit a decommissioning plan. The plan will include an estimate of the costs of the measures proposed in it; details of timing of the measures or provisions on how timings are to be determined. The governments, in considering a plan, shall take into account:



  • best available cost-effective techniques

  • economic factors

  • applicable international standards/guidelines

  • safety hazards

  • safety of navigation

  • environmental impacts

  • impact on other sea users

  • timetable for decommissioning

  • financial implications and other consequences for either government

  • other matters raised by either government

Governments may approve the plan with or without modifications and conditionally or unconditionally. The owner will be given the opportunity to make representations about any proposed modifications or conditions. The governments will act without unreasonable delay in deciding whether to approve or reject a plan. An approved plan must be implemented. The owner must be informed of the reasons for rejecting a plan and will submit a revised plan with a time limit acceptable to the governments. Arbitration is available if the governments are unable to agree a response to an application.



Arbitration



Any disputes about the interpretation or application of the agreement, or any other matter referred to the governments for settlement under any agreements between a pipeline owner and a user, will be resolved by negotiation between the governments. If a dispute cannot be resolved in that way, or by any other procedure agreed by the governments, either government may request dispute settlement by an arbitration tribunal composed as follows:



Each government designates one arbitrator. Both arbitrators elect a third, who will be chairman. They must not be a national of or habitually reside in either country. If either government fails to appoint an arbitrator within three months of a request, either government may request the International Court of Justice appoint an arbitrator. The same procedure applies if, within one month of the designation or appointment of the second arbitrator, the third arbitrator has not been elected. The tribunal will determine its own procedure, except that all decisions must be taken by a majority vote. The tribunal's decisions are binding on the governments and regarded as agreements between the governments.



Amendment and termination



The governments may amend or terminate the agreement at any time by agreement. Either government may request consultations on an amendment to the agreement at any time; such a consultation is to commence within two months of the request and will be conducted expeditiously. During a consultation, the governments will take full account of the proposals for amendment with the aim of reaching a mutually acceptable solution within the shortest possible time.



Guidelines for the completion of Pipeline Works Authorisations



Since the Guidance Notes for Petroleum and Submarine Pipelines were published in 1992, there have been some legislative changes. The Pipeline Safety Regulations 1996 were introduced by the Health and Safety Executive; as part of a consolidation exercise, the Petroleum Act 1998 repealed and replaced the Petroleum and Submarine Pipelines Act 1975 and the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations came into effect in 1999. All have had an impact in the process of making an application for an offshore Pipeline Works Authorisation (PWA).



Please note that either a Pipeline Works Authorisation (PWA) or PWA Variation should be in place before any construction/modification works of a pipeline or pipeline system begins. It is recommended that, before submitting an application, the prospective owner should informally consult both Pipelines Administration in DECC and the Health and Safety Executive at the earliest possible opportunity, to discuss the proposed scheme and the regulatory requirements involved.



Where there are no objections, it takes approximately 4-6 months from receipt of a satisfactory application to issuing the authorisation. In the case of pipelines in respect of which an environmental statement is required under the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999, the procedure may take longer in order for all the environmental issues to be properly considered. Operators are therefore urged to submit their applications in good time (at least 4-6 months before construction begins), to meet their deadlines.



Consents and Authorisations - charges



For details of charges please see https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/cost-recovery-for-oil-and-gas-consents



Consent and authorisations - processing deadlines



To assist operators when submitting an application please see below table regarding end to end processing times for issuing consents upon receipt of a satisfactory application



Consent
Processing time
PWA
4-6 months

PWA (with Median Line)
6+ months

PWA Variation (Category 1) (less than 500m or totally within a HSE recognised safety zone)
6-8 weeks

PWA Variation (Category 2) (more than 500m or outside a HSE recognised safety zone)
4-6 months
Deposit consent
6-8 weeks

Any queries should be directed to the Consents & Authorisations Manager



Email: Claire Grant
Telephone: 01224 254052



Action required by companies



  • at the design stage, companies should make contact with the Health and Safety Executive Specialised Installations Directorate in Aberdeen for Scottish waters, and the Hazardous Installations Directorate in Norwich for English/Welsh waters (see
    useful addresses
    (MS Word Document, 16.3KB)
    .

  • as soon as the route of the pipeline and basic technical details are known, contact should be made with the Consents and Authorisations Section at DECC EDU-LED in Aberdeen to arrange an informal meeting.

  • when planning is well under way (e.g. to the extent that it is known whether the pipeline is to be trenched or buried and what type of manifolds are to be used), early contact with local fishing organisations is advised (this gives an opportunity for any problems to be highlighted and hopefully ironed out before the official consultation period.)

  • it is important to ensure the application contains all required details (though minor changes may be made at a later stage) and does not contain unnecessary information – particularly in the form of pages of technical drawings.

  • the application should be submitted in good time so the PWA may be issued before construction begins (approximately 4-6 months or longer if the pipeline crosses a median line and there are likely to be treaty issues or where there may be environmental concerns and the possibility of objections is higher).

  • applicants should not hesitate to phone the case officer handling their application if they have any query regarding the content of the application or if they require clarification of the relevant legislation/procedure.

  • the holder of the PWA must ensure the terms of the authorisation are upheld and that DECC is given advance notice of any proposed modifications/variations and of any changes to the names/addresses of the holder/user(s)/operator and owner(s).

Process Summary



  • a draft application should be submitted to DECC allowing checks and any additional information to be requested from the company prior to full submission and processing of the application.

  • the applicant should discuss ‘consent to locate' requirements with DECC's Environmental Management Team (EMT) early in the process. EMT can be contacted at emt@decc.gsi.gov.uk or on 01224 254045. We are unable to issue a PWA consent unless the ‘consent to locate' consent has also been approved.

  • the application will be forwarded to consultees for comment (these are generally other DECC sections, other government departments, fishing federations and other users of the sea). All consults are asked to respond within 28 days.

  • when any queries have been answered, and all consultees are content, DECC will inform the applicant that they are to proceed to public notice. This requires the applicant to publish and make available for inspection details/maps of the project in such publications and at such addresses as may be directed by the Secretary of State for a period of 28 days. The applicant should forward the documents to DECC for review and agreement, prior to publication.

  • schedule 2 to the Petroleum Act 1998 sets out the procedure for considering any objections to the application.

  • once objections have been resolved or if no comments have been received, the Pipeline Works Authorisation may be issued together with additional ‘consent to locate' as referred to above. The PWA contains the terms under which the pipelines have been approved, which must be adhered to.

  • DECC will inform all consultees of the issue of the PWA and arrange publication of a notice to this effect.


Definitions



Offshore pipelines



Under Part 3 of the Petroleum Act 1998 an authorisation is required for the construction and/or use of a “pipeline” in “controlled waters”. For these purposes, controlled waters means the territorial sea adjacent to the UK and the sea in any area designated under section 1(7) of the Continental Shelf Act 1964.



The Energy Act 2008 defines pipelines as a “pipe or system of pipes (excluding a drain or sewer) for the conveyance of anything, together with all apparatus, works and services associated with the operation of such a pipe or system”. This includes pipelines used for the conveyance of hydrocarbons, water, chemicals, apparatus for the supply of energy for operations, hydraulic control lines or umbilicals, as well as services (for example the provision of fuel or power).



Additional approvals and consents under The Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 (As amended), The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) Regulations 2001 (As amended) and Part 4a of the Energy Act 2008 will also be required for their construction/use.



With the introduction of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MCAA) the following should also be noted:



  • the construction of pipelines in internal waters will require a Marine Licence and operators should seek advice from the consents team or EMT as requirements may differ between devolved authorities and dependent on whether the pipeline is associated with oil and gas, carbon capture and storage or gas unloading and storage activities.

  • the MCAA (2009) provides an order-making power by which the Secretary of State may provide that the provisions of Part 3 of the Petroleum Act 1998 do not apply to a specific pipeline or pipelines of a specified description.

  • in addition, the MCAA (2009) provides a second order-making power which allows the Secretary of State to provide that Part 3 of the Petroleum Act applies to specified pipelines or to pipelines of a specified description where the pipeline is used in connection with exploration for, or exploitation of, petroleum, or the importation of petroleum into the UK and that by virtue of the date when construction of the pipeline was begun, section 14(1)(b) of the Petroleum Act 1998 would not apply in relation its use.

Pipeline Works Authorisation



Under the Petroleum Act 1998 a “works authorisation” means an authorisation:



  • for the works for the construction of a pipeline

  • for such works and for the use of the pipeline

Holder of the PWA



The person to whom the authorisation is issued. An authorisation may not be issued to a person other than a body corporate.



User(s) of a pipeline



The person(s) authorised by the PWA to use the pipeline for the purpose of conveying any fluid, or other, so authorised.



Operator of a pipeline



The person designated by the holder as responsible for organising or supervising the construction or operation of the authorised pipeline in a manner that complies with the authorisation and, inter alia, with any relevant legislation existing at the material time. The works authorisation may name the operator as the holder.



Owner(s) of the pipeline



The person(s) in whom the pipeline is vested; and a person who has the right to use capacity in the pipeline, where such right has been acquired by that person on terms that – (a) he is entitled to use the capacity for a period of one year or more, and (b) the right is capable of being assigned or otherwise disposed of to another person. The Petroleum Act 1998 allows the Secretary of State to make an order, designating a person as the “owner” of a pipeline, after giving the person concerned an opportunity of being heard on the subject.



Deposit of materials on the seabed consent (DEPCON)



Required before any material e.g. rocks/mattresses are placed on the seabed for the protection or support of a pipeline during construction or maintenance of a pipeline.



A PWA must be in place before any Deposit Consent can be issued.



Application Guidance



Pipeline Works Authorisation (PWA) & PWA Variation Category 2



The operator is to submit an application using the
PWA & Variation Category 2 Checklist
(PDF, 105KB, 3 pages)
as guidance, supported by a
Table A
(MS Word Document, 32KB)
and
schematic/drawing
(PDF, 51.2KB, 1 page)



  • On receipt of a satisfactory application; the 28 day consultation period will commence

  • All approvals are to be received from the consults and the necessary environmental permits are to be in place

  • A Public Notice will be published for 28 days

  • When all objections/issues are resolved, or no objections have been received, a PWA/PWA Variation Consent will be issued

  • End to end process takes approx 4 – 6 months

An example of a satisfactory PWA application, courtesy of Shell U.K. Limited, can be found below (please note, the contents of the appendices are to be supplied by the Operator e.g. partner letters).







Shell Bardolino PWA example application



PDF, 1.42MB, 42 pages



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correspondence@decc.gsi.gov.uk
quoting your address, telephone number along with the title of the
publication ("Shell Bardolino PWA example application").




Pipeline Works Authorisation (PWA) Variations



When a PWA is in place, if there are any changes to Table As then this must be done through a Variation. There are two categories:



1 Works are less than 500 meters or totally within a HSE recognised safety zone.



The operator is to submit an application using the
PWA Variation Category 1 Checklist
(PDF, 91.9KB, 2 pages)
as guidance, supported by a
Table A
(MS Word Document, 32KB)
and
schematic/drawing
(PDF, 51.2KB, 1 page)



  • On receipt of a satisfactory application; the 28 day consultation period will commence

  • When all approvals are received from the consults and the necessary environmental permits are in place a PWA Variation Consent will be issued

  • End to end process takes approx 6 – 8 weeks

2 Works are more than 500 meters or outside a HSE recognised safety zone.



The operator is to submit an application using the
PWA & Variation Category 2 Checklist
(PDF, 105KB, 3 pages)
as guidance, supported by a
Table A
(MS Word Document, 32KB)
and
schematic/drawing
(PDF, 51.2KB, 1 page)
.



  • On receipt of a satisfactory application; the 28 day consultation period will commence

  • A Consent to Locate (CTL) should be applied for, partner agreements, crossing agreements, block crossings and the necessary environmental permits are to be in place and all approvals are to be received from the consults.

  • A Public Notice will be published for 28 days

  • When all objections/issues are resolved, or no objections have been received, a PWA Variation Consent will be issued

  • End to end process takes approx 4 – 6 months

All queries should be directed to the Consents & Authorisations Manager claire.grant@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 01224 254052



Holder, User, Operator & Owner Variations



In accordance with Term 16 of the PWA the Holder is to notify Claire Grant of proposed modifications/variations and of any changes to the names or addresses of the holder, user(s), operator and owner(s).



The
HUOO Changes Template
(MS Word Document, 17.9KB)
is to be submitted upon execution of licence transfers or any other changes which occur.



Consent to deposit materials on the seabed (DEPCON)



The permanent placing or deposition of material for the support or protection of a pipeline e.g. gravel, rock, mattresses or protective pipeline covers, on the seabed during the construction of a pipeline is governed by the Pipeline Works Authorisation. Schedule 2 of the authorisation prohibits any further deposition except with the prior written consent of the Secretary of State. In instances where, as part of a project requiring a PWA/PWA variation/deposit consent, materials are to be deposited on a temporary basis, please supply a list of the temporary deposits including the following information:



  • the type of deposit

  • how long it will be on the seabed

  • whether the deposit will be within or outside a 500m safety zone.

Please note: this is for our information only and applications for temporary deposits should still be directed to our Environmental Management Team for consideration.



For pipelines that do not have a PWA, e.g. pipelines constructed prior to the coming into force of the Petroleum and Submarine Pipelines Act 1975, any deposition would require a licence under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. However, by virtue of the Petroleum Act 1998 (Specified Pipelines) Order 2011, operators have the option of applying for a PWA for those existing pipelines that were consented before the Petroleum and Submarine Act 1975, therefore precluding the requirement for an MCAA license.



It would be worth noting that there may be other circumstances where the operator may choose to apply for an MCAA License for specific activities in advance of seeking approval under the Petroleum Act (PWA) regime. MCAA licensable activities are likely to be primarily related to decommissioning operations, which are not activities exempt under the MCAA regime. Advice should be sought from the consents team or EMT.



The operator is to submit an application for new materials to be deposited using the
Deposit Consent Application Checklist
(PDF, 89.2KB, 2 pages)
as guidance, supported by a
DepCon 1 Form
(MS Word Document, 33KB)
and a drawing.



  • On receipt of a satisfactory application; the 28 day consultation period will commence

  • When all approvals are received from the consults and the necessary environmental permits are in place a Deposit Consent will be issued

  • End to end process takes approx 6 – 8 weeks

Note: variations or amendments to Deposit Consents that have been issued cannot be made; a new application for the additional deposits must be submitted.



When consent for a deposition of materials is given, it usually contains terms reserving to the Secretary of State the right to require removal of any materials deposited should they become a potential or actual hazard or obstruction to other seabed users. Removal may also be required at the end of the useful life of the pipeline.



The pipeline owner should consult relevant fishing organisations and other seabed users before any operation to deposit materials is begun, and keep appropriate government departments advised of agreements reached (this is usually covered in discussion with the fishermen about the pipeline project as a whole).



Please note that if any preparatory work, e.g. pipeline crossings, are to be put in place prior to the construction of the pipeline, the PWA should be requested early enough to undertake this work, otherwise an MCAA licence may be required. As stated above, it is only activities “for the purpose of constructing or maintaining a pipeline as respects any part of which an authorisation is in force” which are exempt from the provisions of the MCAA Licence.



Addresses for applications and queries



Applications





Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

The Secretary of State

EDU-LED

3rd Floor

Atholl House

86-88 Guild Street

Aberdeen

AB11 6AR



Telephone: 01224 254052
Fax: 01224 254089



Pipeline general enquiries
Email: Lisa Yates
Telephone: 01224 254064
Fax: 01224 254089



Pipeline policy
Email: Claire Grant
Telephone: 01224 254052
Fax: 01224 254089



Enquiries regarding PON 15s / ESs
Email: Environmental Management Team
Fax: 01224 254019



Pipeline decommissioning
Email: Julie Benstead
Telephone: 01224 254034
Fax: 01224 254019



Marine and Coastal Access Act (MCAA)
Email: Environmental Management Team
Fax: 01224 254019







Other addresses for PWA applications and queries



MS Word Document, 18KB



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publication ("Other addresses for PWA applications and queries").




Public Notice for Viewing







Alwyn North (PL336) Development - Public Notice Documents



PDF, 1.05MB, 5 pages



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publication ("Alwyn North (PL336) Development - Public Notice Documents").

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Consultation outcome: Energy Company Obligation (ECO) brokerage service

By HM Government

Updated: The Government Response has been published.

In the November 2011 consultation on the Green Deal and Energy Companies Obligation, the government proposed the introduction of a market-based mechanism to support an open and competitive market for the delivery of ECO. There was a clear majority of views expressed in favour of the proposal, so the government intends to put a brokerage mechanism in place on a voluntary basis - while a consultation asking for views, and any supporting evidence, on the need to regulate energy companies to use the brokerage service, is carried out.



The brokerage service will operate as a fortnightly auction, allowing delivery agents to sell ‘lots' of commitments to deliver units of ECO Obligations, namely the Carbon Saving Obligation, Affordable Warmth and Carbon Saving Communities. ECO-obligated energy suppliers will compete to purchase ECO units. We are seeking views and evidence to supplement our understanding of what volumes of ECO should ideally be traded on the platform, and whether ECO-obligated energy suppliers should be regulated to use it.



Please go to our online survey to respond to this consultation.

...read more

Source: Consultation outcome: Energy Company Obligation (ECO) brokerage service

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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

TEXT-S&P cuts Scottish Power to 'BBB'

Overview -- We have downgraded Spain-based utility Iberdrola S.A. to 'BBB' because we believe that an improvement in its credit ratios is uncertain despite management's focus on deleveraging. The outlook on Iberdrola is stable. -- In line with ...
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