Environmental Legislation Website This Page Last Updated 30 October, 2008
Date News and Updates Topic
31 October 2008

Site wide update undertaken, various updates posted in particular related to the following new legislation or guidance:

  • Condition 5 Return Form;
  • Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2008
  • Batteries and Accumulators (Placing on the Market) Regulations 2008
  • New EU Waste Framework Directive
  • Draft Revised Guidance on the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response & Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 and Offshore Installations (Emergency Pollution Control) Regulations 2002
  • Draft Merchant Shipping (Anti-Fouling Systems) Regulations 2008
  • BERR name change to DECC

OBM/SBM
COMAH
Waste Minimisation
Waste Disposal
Oil Spill Planning
Antifouling Systems
4 September 2008 Scottish Government has launched a consultation that provides information on proposals for schemes for classifying surface waters, including heavily modified and artificial bodies; for classifying groundwaters; and for assessing protected areas. These proposals are intended to enable the consistent assessment of the quality of Scotland's water environment. Closing date for responses 17 October 2008.
20 August 2008

Site wide update undertaken, various updates posted in particular related to the following new legislation:

  • MGN 363 (M+F) The Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments;
  • Draft Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfer) Regulations 2008
  • Scottish draft Marine Bill
  • BERR guidance on undertaking Energy Assessments under PPC Permit requirements
  • Ongoing UK and Scottish consultations on implementation of Environmental Liability Directive
  • OSPAR Recommendation 2008/1 Amending OSPAR Recommendation 2000/4 on a Harmonised Pre-Screening Scheme for Offshore Chemicals.
  • OSPAR Recommendation 2008/2 Amending OSPAR Recommendation 2000/5 on a Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF).
  • OSPAR Guidelines for Completing the Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF).
  • BERR Guidance on Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 and Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2008
  • Number of other updates to all topics concerning ongoing consultations

Ballast Water
Oil Spill Contingency Planning
Offshore EIA
Conservation and Biodiversity
Power Generation
Production Chemicals
Drilling Chemicals
WBM
OBM/SBM
Pipeline Chemicals
Decommissioning Chemicals
Workover
Ozone Depleting Substances

14 August 2008 DEFRA, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Environment Agency are undertaking a review of the waste exemptions from environmental permitting.  The aim of the review is to provide a more risk based and proportionate approach to the regulation of waste recovery and disposal operations, complementing the new environmental permitting regime. Closing date for responses 23 October 2008.  
1st August 2008 The European Commission presented today a proposal to revise the current legislation on the protection of the ozone layer. The revision is intended to simplify the current legislation and reflect the progress made in phasing out ozone-depleting substances in the European Union.  
18 July 2008 Natural England issues consultation on its draft Enforcement Policy. Closing date for responses 18 October 2008  
17 July 2008 5 year UK-Environmental Observation Framework (UK-EOF) launched. UK-EOF is a partnership between Government departments, Research Councils and agencies. The UK-EOF comes from a recognition of the need to address the issues surrounding the collection and sharing of long-term datasets. The UK-EOF aims, by 2013, to find solutions to the long-standing issues of funding and sharing the datasets, and to enable the UK to achieve a robust evidence base by contributing to many national and international programmes such as Living With Environmental Change.  
17 July 2008

New OSPAR Recommendations and Guidance published. All enter into force on 1 January 2009.

 
16 July 2008 BERR issues guidance on Energy Assessment Methodology (pdf file) as required under the Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations 2001.  
14 July 2008 Sustainable Seas for All: A Consultation on Scotland's First Marine Bill. Closing date for responses 6 October 2008.  
11 July 2008 DEFRA consultation on proposed further implementation measures on EC Regulation 842/2006 on fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances. Comments on this consultation should be received by 3 October 2008.  
11 July 2008 DEFRA consultation on draft local air quality management guidance. Closing date for comments 26 September 2008.  
3 July 2008 SEPA is consulting on its plan to introduce a new compliance assessment scheme. Your responses to this consultation will inform the development of the final scheme, which is proposed to be phased in from 1st January 2009. Closing date for responses 3 October 2008.  
30 June 2008 DEFRA launches consultation on draft Wildlife Strategy for England. Closing date for responses 22 September 2008.  
27 June 2008 Scottish Government consultation launched on Implementing the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003: Development of Environmental Standards and Conditions Limits - Phase II. Closing date for responses 30 September 2008  
26 June 2008 BERR has revoked the UK Dispersed Oil in Produced Water Trading Scheme. Dispersed oil in produced water continues to be regulated under the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 and associated permit conditions. All permit conditions remain in force except those specifically associated with the trading scheme. BERR is currently reviewing the conditions associated with the permits and UK offshore oil and gas operators will be consulted on proposed changes by the end of July. Target date for issue of new revised permits is 1 January 2009.  
26 June 2008 The European Commission has decided to refer nine Member States including the UK to the European Court of Justice for failing to transpose the EU directive on liability for damage to the environment into their domestic law. The deadline was 30 April 2007.  
18 June 2008 Consultation on Our Seas – A Shared Resource. To elaborate the marine vision, the UK Government and Devolved Administrations have worked together to set out a number of high level Marine Objectives which articulate the outcomes they are seeking for the UK marine area as a whole. The UK Government, Northern Ireland Executive and Welsh Assembly Government would welcome your views on these. Closing date for responses 30 September 2008.  
18 June 2008 In parallel to DEFRA consultations on radioactive strategy for UK, the Environment Agency has issued draft Radioactive Substances Regulation Environmental Principles (REPs) and Assessment of Best Available Techniques (BAT). Closing date for comments 30 September 2008.  
18 June 2008 DEFRA has launched two consultations - the first on draft Statutory Guidance to the Environment Agency on the regulation of radioactive discharges into the environment and the second on the associated draft UK strategy for radioactive discharges 2006-2030. Closing date for responses 30 September 2008.  
18 June 2008 The EU adoped a Recommendation on the Minimum Criteria for Environmental Inspections in 2001 setting out non-binding rules. This Recommendation has not been fully implemented in all Member States. The EU seeking views on how the Recommendation should be reviewed before deciding on future measures to be proposed. Link to Consultation. Closing date for responses 18 September 2008  
17 June 2008 SEPA has launched a consultation on its proposed new guidance for regulating odorous emissions from regulated sites. Closing date for responses 29 August 2008.  
13 June 2008 DEFRA launched 2nd consultation on the controls on the handling, transfer and transport of waste. Closing date for responses 8 September 2008.  
12 June 2008 BERR has published a list of Public Statements relating to 2007 operations as required by OSPAR EMS Recommendation 2003/05.  
2 June 2008 DEFRA has launched a consultation on draft Regulations and administrative arrangements for the implementation of REACH in the UK. Closing date for responses 25 August 2008 and a summary report will be published in November 2008.  
29 May 2008 DEFRA are seeking views on the proposed EU Directive on Industrial Emissions (Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control) which is to replace the existing EU IPPC Directive. DEFRA is seeking views on a number of areas including Combustion Plant and Various IPPC Activities (including hazardous waste treatment and offsite waste water treatment) and Substantive Amendments to the IPPC Directive. Views received will inform the development of a formal UK Government position. Deadline for responses 25 July 2008.  
28 May 2008 DEFRA launched consultation on transposition of Article 6 of the EU Groundwater Directive. The new Groundwater Directive (2006/118/EC) (GwD) is a “daughter” of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and clarifies certain objectives of the WFD relating to prevention and control of groundwater pollution. Article 6 of the new GwD concerns “measures to prevent or limit inputs of pollutants into groundwater” and needs to be implemented in 2008 to meet with the WFD timetable. Closing date for responses 20 August 2008.  
27 May 2008 Consultation launched on enhanced measures for protection of World Heritage Sites in England. Closing date for responses 22 August 2008.  
20 May 2008 SEPA consultation on draft SEPA Guidance: Control of Priority and Dangerous Substances and Specific Pollutants in the Water Environment. Closing date for responses 18 July 2008.  
19 May 2008 Following last year's publication by the European Parliament of calls for an integrated holistic maritime policy, the European Commission has now published detailed proposals towards implementing an EU Maritime Policy.  
19 May 2008 HSE launches consultation on proposed amendments to the Chemicals (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply Regulations 2002 (CHIP). Amendments will also have implications to those installations falling under the requirements for COMAH. Closing date for responses 4 July 2008.  
16 May 2008 Scottish Government has launched a 2nd Consultation on implementation of the Environmental Liability Directive. Closing Date for Responses 8 August 2008.  
16 May 2008 The principles and requirements for near-surface disposal facilities dealing with radioactive waste have been set down in a new guidance document being consulted on by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and also by the Environment Agency (EA). Closing date for responses for both consultations 1 September 2008  
15 May 2008 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) today launched a 12 week public consultation on proposals for new legislation to regulate ship-to-ship transfer operations in UK waters. Closing date for responses 7 July 2008 Oil Spill Contingency Planning - Terminals
8 May 2008

Site wide update undertaken, various updates posted in particular related to the following new legislation:

Drilling Chemicals
Workovers
Pipeline Chemicals
Production Chemicals
OBM/SBM
WBM
Seismic
EIA
Geological Survey
Oil Spill
Chemical Spill
Decommissioning
IPPC
Power Generation
Flaring
Sewage and Food Waste
Waste from Ships
Offshore Waste Storage
Ozone Depleting Substances
Waste Minimisation EMS
Seismic
Geological Survey

7 May 2008 DEFRA launch consultation on EU Commission Proposals for Phase III of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in 2013. Closing date for responses 30 July 2008.  
8 April 2008 EU Proposed Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law. MEPs in committee agreed that in principle governments should apply criminal measures to punish any illegal behaviour likely to seriously injure people or damage air, soil, waters, plants and animals, when committed intentionally or with serious negligence. N/a
3 April 2008 Draft Marine Bill has been published and DEFRA is seeking views. Closing date for responses 26 June 2008. N/a
14 March 2008 Scottish Government publishes consultation on Implementing the Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003: Promoting an Integrated Approach: A Discussion Paper. Includes proposed legislation for managing marine and coastal activities. Closing date for responses 25 April 2008. N/a
12 March 2008 JNCC has launched a public consultation on Guidance on the Deliberate Disturbance of Marine European Protected Species. This guidance applies to all UK waters apart from Scottish territorial waters. Closing date for responses 4 June 2008. Ballast Water
11 March 2008 EU Proposal for a Directive on Ship-Source Pollution and on the Introduction of Penalties for Infringements. N/a
5 March 2008 Scottish Government has launched consultation on the Scottish Historic Environment Policy on the Marine Historic Environment. This sets out proposals for Scottish Ministers policy for the Marine Historic Environment and proposals for new legislation in this area. Closing date for responses 30 May 2008. Offshore EIA
4 March 2008 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is seeking views on proposals to regulate sewage and garbage from shipping through the draft Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage and Garbage from Ships) Regulations 2008. These regulations will implement Annex IV and Annex V of MARPOL 73/78 in the UK. Closing date for responses 27 May 2008. Sewage
Offshore Waste Handling
3 March 2008 EU Consultation on Invasive Alien Species. This consultation seeks the views of all stakeholders on the scale of the IAS problems and how to address them most effectively at EU level. The results of this consultation will be used to inform the development of EU policy in the field of invasive alien species, the options for which will be presented in a Communication from the Commission at the end of 2008. Closing date for responses 5 May 2008 Ballast Water
13 Feb 2008 BERR has launched a consultation on Revised Offshore EIA Guidance Notes. Closing date for responses 7 May 2008. EIA
10 Feb 2008 Consultation on SEPA's approach to determining whether to grant authorisation for activities are likely to have significant adverse impacts on the water environment. Closing date for responses 11 April 2008. IPPC
5 Feb 2008 European Commission proposes to improve and streamline the European system for collecting, analysing and reporting environmental information. Read More. N/a
31 Jan 08 SNH is renewing its Corporate Strategy to reflect changes in the strategic direction for SNH and actions for delivering them over the next 5 years. SNH is now seeking comments on the Draft SNH Corporate Strategy 2008. A Strategic EA for the draft Strategy has also been published. Closing date for responses 24 March 2008. N/a
31 Jan 2008

Various updates posted, in particular related to the following new legislation:

Climate Change Bill

Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 2007

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2007

JNCC Interim Guidance on the Deliberate Disturbance of Marine European Protected Species (October 2007)

EU Batteries Directive

Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2007

BERR Environmental Inspectorate Enforcement Policy

BERR Guidance Notes on Flare and Vent Applications

BERR Guidance on Environmental Approval for Revised Production Consents under PPD

OSPAR Recommendation 2006/5 and OSPAR Recommendation 2006/3

In addition, the site has been updated to reflect a the change of name from DTI to BERR. A link has also been added to the Links Page to the BERR PON site.

Chemical Topics
Power Generation
Flaring
Seismic
Geological Survey
EIA
Waste Management
IPPC

21 Dec 2007 DEFRA consultation on the proposed UK auction design for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme Phase II. Power Generation and Flaring
21 Dec 2007 New EU Industrial Emissions Directive. The European Commission today adopted new legislation on industrial emissions to strengthen the provisions already in force and reduce industrial emissions throughout the European Union. The proposal will simplify current legislation by merging seven directives into one including the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Directive. N/a
17 Dec 2007 A consultation on a proposed Scottish Climate Change Bill has just been launched. This consultation seeks responses on proposals for inclusion in a Scottish Climate Change Bill, including: the setting of a target for reducing emissions by 2050; setting interim targets and reporting; providing for a source of independent advice and monitoring and creating provisions to help reduce emissions or to adapt to climate change. For more information contact andrew.henderson@scotland.gsi.gov.uk Closing date for responses 30 March 2008.

Power Generation
Flaring
IPPC
22 Nov 2007 New topics on Oil Storage and Hazardous Substances Added

Oil Storage
Hazardous Substances

22 Nov 2007

Various updates posted, in particular related to the following new legislation:

Conservation (Natural Habitats &c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007

The Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2007

Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Pollution by Sewage and Garbage) Order 2006

Offshore Marine Conservation (Natural Habitats &c) Regulations 2007

Offshore Petroleum Activities (Conservation of Habitats) (Amendment) Regulations 2007

Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007

Greenhouse Gas Emission Trading Scheme (Amendment) Regulations 2007

The Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2007

UK EU ETS National Allocation Plan 2008-2012

EC Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH)

OSPAR Recommendation 2006/05 on a management scheme for offshore cuttings piles

EIA
Seismic Survey
Geological Survey
Waste - Offshore Storage and Handling
Transfrontier Shipment of Waste
Power Generation
Flaring
All Chemical Topics
All Drill Cuttings Topics

14 Nov 2007 Draft Climate Change Bill is now before the House of Commons.  
13 Nov 2007

Draft Marine Bill is now before the House of Commons.

The Marine Bill will not bring the offshore oil and gas industry fully within its remit, with regulations of the industry continuing under BERR. However, there will be some implications e.g. some controls under FEPA and the Coast Protection Act would be transferred to the Petroleum Act (and under BERR). Elements of the Marine Bill (e.g. spatial planning) that had clear implications would be adopted.

Consultations
October 2007

Number of consultations open

EA is consulting on the classification of waste from treatment facilities. This may have implications on classification of e.g. treated drill cuttings before disposal to landfill. See EA Consultations Page. Closing date for responses 28 November 2007.

DEFRA has published a summary of responses to the Draft Climate Change Bill.

SEPA is consulting on significant water management issues in the Scotland River Basin District under ongoing activities under the Water Framework Directive. See SEPA Consultation Page. Closing date for responses 8 April 2008.

DEFRA has launched a consultation on recycling targets for packaging for 2008 and thereafter. Closing date for responses 30 November 2007.

Consultations
13 Sept 07 EA/SEPA consulting on revision of the Hazardous Waste Technical Guidance WM2 (interpretation of the definition and classification of hazardous waste). Closing date for responses 6 November 2007. Consultations
31 July 07

Updates incorporated in particular related to the following:

    The Offshore Production and Pipelines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (Amendment) Regulations 2007

    The Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2007

    Offshore Marine Conservation Regulations 2007

    Phase II of the EU ETS (2008 – 2012)

    New EEMS reporting

 All relevant topics updated
11 July 2007 Review and update of onshore topic files.

Radioactive Disposal
Transfrontier Shipment
Waste - Ship generated waste
Ballast water
EIA Onshore
Ozone
PCBs
Waste minimisation
Waste disposal
Transfer of special waste
Transfer of controlled waste
Radioactive waste - storage and disposal
EIA - Pipelines
Discharges to sewer
Discharges to controlled waters
COMAH

11 July 2007

The following consultations have been added:

  • Working together: your role in our environmental permitting decision making.
  • Proposals for offences and penalties and enforcement in relation to EC Regulation 842/2006 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases.
  • Proposals for amendments to The Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002 (SI 2002 No 528) and The Ozone-Depleting Substances (Qualifications) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006 No 1510).
  • Consultation on: Carbon Emissions Reduction Target April 2008 to March 2011.
  • Consultation on the Environmental Permitting Programme: draft revision of the General Guidance Manual.
  • Containment of bulk hazardous liquids at COMAH establishments.
  • Decommissioning Offshore Energy Installations.
  • Consultation on managing radioactive waste safely: a framework for implementing geological disposal.
  • Consultation on the implementation proposals of the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC).
  • Environmental Impact Assessment of Reserved Matters Applications; A Consultation Paper.
Home
10 April 2007 The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is conducting a Strategic Environmental Assessment of a draft plan to offer for licensing for oil and gas exploration and production blocks within the offshore area West of Scotland, extending from the Mull of Kintyre to the Wyville-Thomson Ridge, an area to the west of Shetland. Also included in the draft plan is the re-offer for licensing of blocks in other areas of the UK Continental Shelf previously subject to DTI SEA. SEA 7 is available to download and can also be requested in a paper or CD ROM version from the DTI website. EIA
9 April 2007 The Envrionmental Liability Directive was adopted on 21 April 2004 and is due to be transposed into national law by 30 April 2007. Further information on consultations, white papers and the Directive can be found on the Defra website. Home
5 April 2007

The following consultations are open:

  • A 'Sea Change', a Marine Bill White Papaer has recently been published. Documents available on the Defra website.
  • The government is bringing forward a proposal for a climate change bill to tackle some of the issues relating to climate change. Documents available on the Defra website.
  • Views are sought on enforcement of the new REACH directive. Documents available on the Defra website with further information on the REACH-compliance website.
Home
30 March 2007

A number of updates have been made with regards to the following issues:

  • The enhanced electronic EEMS system went live in February 2007. There are still some aspects of EEMS which are not yet fully available (e.g. reporting for term permits). These are anticipated to become available in Q2, Q3 2007.
  • The components of mud systems must now be listed by components within chemical permits. There is no longer any OCNS Z category chemicals.
  • There is a new method available for oil in water analysis (GC / FID). This has been adopted as the standard method of analysis from January 2007. Other methods must be callibrated with GC / FID.

Atmospherics
Decomissioning chemicals
Displacement water
Drilling chemicals
Extended well test
Flaring
Hazardous and non-hazardous drains
OBM/SBM consents
Pipeline chemicals
Power generation
Production chemicals
Produced water
Venting
VOC
Waste
WBM
Well clean-up
Workover
15 March 2007 CEFAS have taken a precautionary approach to the bioaccumulation potential of surfactant chemicals. This has resulted in a number of chemicals being identified for substitution and new templates issued to chemical suppliers. CEFAS and suppliers have yet to agree on a way forward on this issue.  
19 Febraury 2007 New UKOOA legislation site went live. All topics reviewed, link checked and updated.
03 November 2006 A number of updates have been made with regards to the following issues:
  • New Producer Responsibility Obligations (Packaging Waste) Regulations came into force on 16th December 2005. Consultation is also open on changes to the packaging regulations, EC Directive on Packaging and Packaging Waste 94/62/EC - details availavle on the Defra website.
  • New guidance has been issued to ensure operators meet the requirements of OSPAR Recommendation 2003/5.
  • On 1st January 2007, the OSPAR GC-FID oil in water analysis method will replace the DTI IR method.
  • The Public Participation Directive effects the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999; and the `Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Regulations 2001. Consultation information can be found on the DTI website
 EIA
Waste Minimisation
OSCP
EMS
Produced Water
18 October 2006 OSPAR Recommendation 2006/5 on a Management Regime for Offshore Cuttings Piles.

A summary of the responses to the Marine Bill consultation can be found on the Defra website.

WBM Use and Discharge
OBM and SBM Use and Discharge
4 September 2006 Draft new regulations implementing requirements of the Public Participation Directive - Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipelines (Amendment) Regulations 2007 and Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations consultation document available on the DTI website. Feedback required by 4 Decemeber 2006. EIA
11 September 2006 The following consultations are open:
  • Changes to the Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC as a result of implementation of the 1998 Aarhus Convention affecting the Draft Consolidated Regulations for the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-Lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) (Amendment) Regulations 2007; and Draft Consolidation Regulations for the Offshore Combustion Installations (Prevention and Control of Pollution) (Amendment) Regulations 2007.
28 August 2006 The following consultations are open:
  • EU Thematic Strategy on the Sustainable use of Natural Resources.  Sustainable use of natural resources.
  • SPP 10 Planning for Waste Management Consultation Draft.  Guidance to further the National Waste Plan's objectives in relation to sustainable waste management.
  • SEPA - Revised enforcement policy to reflect concepts of better regulation.
  • Public stakeholder consultation on the new draft regulations of the European Commission to implement the UN Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling.
  • Guidance on the town and country planning (EIA) (England and Wales) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999 No 293)

The following proposal has been issued:

  • Surface water protection against pollution under the Water Framework Directive.
  
14 July 2006 Number of updates made to offshore legislation sections include changes regarding:
  • Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 non-compliance reporting;
  • Changes to to the Coast Protection Act 1949 regime;
  • Public Participation Directive;
  • DepCon and FEPA licence requirements for pipeline stabilisation;
  • Change of regulation of jack-up spud stabilisation deposits from the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (DEFRA) to the Petroleum Act 1998 (DTI); and
  • New Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005.
 Produced Water
Produced Sand
Displacement Water
Hazardous/Non-Hazardous Drains
Machinery Space Drainage
EIA - Offshore Developments
Seismic Survey
Navigational Interference - Installations
Pipeline Stabilisation
Jack-up Stabilisation
1 July 2006 The North Sea Conference has agreed on new reduction targets for maritime air emissions from shipping traffic. It called for a 40% reduction in NOx emissions in the long term and a reduction in the permitted sulphur content in fuel from the current 1.5% to 1%. Power Generation
25 June 2006 SEPA are consulting on a Code of Practice for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks for Hydrocarbons.  
15 June 2006 New guidance published by the DTI on OSPAR Recommendation 2003/5 to Promote the Use and Implementation of Environmental Management Systems by the Offshore Industry. Guidance available for download on the DTI website. All operators must notify DTI, providing details of the status of their EMS by the 8th September 2006. Operators who cannot meet the deadline will be obliged to provide details of the status of their EMS before the DTI issues any further environmental consents to allow offshore operations to proceed. Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
12 June 2006 DEFRA has launched a consultation on promoting an integrated coastal zone management approach in England.  
5 June 2006

Scottish Executive seeking views regulatory proposals for ensuring better transposition of the EC Habitats Directive following a ruling by the European Court of Justice and the proposed new Draft Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Amendment (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
Note: a similar consultation was undertaken for England & Wales by DEFRA.

EIA - Offshore Developments
EIA - Onshore Developments
24 May 2006 DEFRA Consultation on the UK Ship Recycling Strategy. The draft guidance document has implications to sites to be used for onshore dismantling of offshore structures. Decommissioning - Installations
3 May 2006 Number of updates made to offshore chemical use/discharge topics, changes relate to new non-compliance reporting requirements of the Offshore Chemical Regulations 2002 and the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 and updated PON1 (spill reporting) requirements from the DTI. Minor amendments also made relating to the Public Participation Directive. Production Chemicals
Drilling Chemicals
Pipeline Chemicals
Decommissioning Chemicals
WBM Use and Discharge
OPF/OBM Use and Discharge
Reinjection of Mud and Cuttings
Oil Spill Contingency Planning and Reporting
Chemical Spills
21 April 2006 Number of updates made to offshore atmospheric emissions topics, in particular relating to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and Public Participation Directive. Power Generation
Flaring
Extended Well Test
29 March 2006 Marine Bill Consultation available on DEFRA website. Closing date for comments 23 June 2006.  
28 March 2006 Consultation on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme Phase II (2008-2012) - UK Draft National Allocation Plan available on DEFRA website for comment. Closing date 23 May 2006.  
20 February 2006

Consultation on options for creating a streamlined environmental permitting and compliance system (England and Wales) available on DEFRA website. Closing date 15 May 2006

The Environment Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 came into force on 20th February 2006.

EIA
16 February 2006 Consultation on the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 - review of the regulatory approach to some ‘Part B’ activities available on the Scottish Executive website and DEFRA website. Closing date 19 May 2006

 
17th October 2005 New Topics on EMS, Public Access to Environmental Information and Disposal of PCBs added. Public Access to Information
PCBs - Storage and Disposal
Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
13th October 2005 New Topics on Displacement Water, Hazardous/Non-Hazardous Drains and Ballast Water (for Terminals) added. Displacement Water
Hazardous/Non-Hazardous Drains
Ballast Water
1st August 2005 1st August 2005 - Offshore Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2005 went before the House of Lords on the 19th of July and the motion approved. These Regulations will therefore come into force on the 18th August 2005. The first submissions under the rolling start are due in on the 1st August 2005 (see DTI OPPC webpage for more information). Various
7 July 2005 Offshore Pollution Prevention and Control Regulations 2005 are currently in front of the UK Parliament and are expected to come into force July/August 2005. A rolling start will come into place one month after the Regulations come into force. Produced Water
Produced Sand
OPPC Summary Table
14 June 2005 National Allocation Plan under EU Emissions Trading Scheme published. Power Generation
21 April 05 Greenhouse Gas Trading Scheme Regulations 2005 entered into force Power Generation
25 February 05 New topics on Discharges to Controlled Waters, EIA - Onshore Developments and Waste Landed From Ships added to onshore sections Discharges to Controlled Waters
EIA - Onshore Developments
Waste Landed From Ships
12 February 2005 A number of consultations are currently out on the implementation of the Public Participation Directive 2003/35/EC and amendment of existing legislation to meet the new requirements. Significant changes will include the formal requirement for a public scoping exercise. Regulations to be affected will be wide ranging. N/a
20 January 2005 The new Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 are currently expected to come into force Spring/Summer 2005. N/a
20 January 2005 Amendments made to offshore chemical topics, to include new reporting requirements to the DTI for non-compliance. Chemical Spills
Decommissioning Chemicals
Drilling Chemicals
Pipeline Chemicals
Production Chemicals
30 November 04 DEFRA consultation on restriction of use of perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) including use in fire fighting foams. Consultation period closes 25 January 2005. N/a
11 November 04 DEFRA seeking views on proposed amendments to the UK National Allocation Plan with respect to: the total quantity of allowances to be issued for Phase 1; the methodology for calculating the allocation to the power sector; and the methodology for calculating the new entrant reserve. Consultation period closed. Power Generation
22 October 04 DEFRA consultation on a proposed amendment to the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2003. The amendment will enable regulators in the UK to recover the costs of carrying out their permitting responsibilities under the ETS Regulations. Costs will be recovered by the regulators through an annual subsistence charge collected from operators of installations in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Power Generation
15 October 04 Draft Regulations (under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995) are being drawn up in order to implement Annex VI (atmospheric emissions) and Annex IV (sewage) of MARPOL 73/78 in the UK. Sewage and Food Waste
Power Generation
8 October 04 DEFRA is consulting on a draft Code of Practice to accompany updated Environmental Information Regulations for England and Wales. DEFRA is also seeking views on the partial Regulatory Impact Assessment relating to three EC proposals on the Aarhus Convention on access to information, public participation in decision making, and access to justice in environmental matters. The Scottish Executive underwent a similar consultation exercise in April 2004 towards new Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004 and a new Code of Practice. New Topic - Public Access to Environmental Information under construction
7 October 04

3rd Draft of the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2004 is now out for consultation. The latest draft introduces a new Regulation to provide for a "Dispersed Oil In Produced Water Trading Scheme".

New OPPC Guidelines (October 2004) have also been issued. These include more detail on monitoring requirements as well as reference to the new Trading Scheme. New Guidelines are not yet available on the DTI website but have been circulated to industry.

 Produced Water
Produced Sand
29 September 04 A Strategy for Scotland's Coast and Inshore Waters is out for comment. The Strategy has been drawn up by the Scottish Coastal Forum, of which UKOOA is a member. The strategy is intended to advise the Scottish Executive regarding the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Scotland and includes consideration of the oil and gas industry's coastal infrastructure. EIA - Onshore Developments
15 September 04 The Scottish Executive is seeking views on proposals regarding the implementation of Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) requirements in Scotland. A consultation paper and draft SEA Bill are out for comment. N/a
1 September 04 Consultation is ongoing on the JNCC draft UK National Report for the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). Comments in the format requested in the consultation letter must be submitted no later than 19 November 2004. New Topic - Conservation and Biodiversity under construction
27 August 04 The Second Edition of Guidance on Directive 2000/76/EC on the Incineration of Waste is out for consultation. The guide describes the scope and regulatory and technical requirements of the Waste Incineration Directive. The guide is intended for operators of incineration and co-incineration plant, regulators, waste producers and waste managers all of whom will be affected by the implementation of the Directive. Responses should be sent by 26 November 2004. Onshore Waste Disposal
30 August 04 New topic files added for various onshore activities, including discharge to sewer, oil spill contingency planning and control of major accidents. Discharges to Sewer
OSCP - Onshore Pipelines
OSCP - Terminals and Ports
Control of Major Accidents
30 July 04 New Regulations to replace the Special Waste Regulations in England are out for consultation. Two new sets of Regulations are proposed: the List of Wastes Regulations which will replace the European Waste Catalogue and the Hazardous Waste Regulations which will replace the Special Waste Regulations. Onshore Waste Disposal
Transfer Special Waste
Offshore Waste Management
Transfrontier Shipment of Waste
Transfer Controlled Waste
23 July 04 Statutory regime added including background to international, European and UK law, as well as key concepts in the environmental legislation and key regulatory authorities. Site audited, and amendments/updates ongoing.  
11 July 04 Onshore Pipelines EIA added. Onshore activity page amended to allow for new onshore topics coming shortly. Onshore Pipelines EIA
28 June 04 Link to new formal PON16 (application for consent for an offshore oil and gas project) added to the site.

EIA (offshore)

24 June 04 OPPC Regulations now not expected into force until late 2004. Updated (May 04) guidance notes added to site. Produced water
Produced sand
OPPC Summary Table
01 April 2004 Guidance issued on the bi-annual analysis for dispersed oil, aromatics and non-oil components under the pending OPPC Regulations. Produced water
22 March 2004 Links page added that includes regulators websites as well as sites with an environmental legislation element. N/a
11 March 2004 OPPC Regulations now not expected to come into force until end April/May 2004, with rolling start for existing platforms starting one month after this date. N/a
11 February 2004 Draft Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2004 - expected to come into force in March 2004. Produced water
Produced sand
OPPC Summary Table
31 December 2003 European Waste Code into force. Offshore Waste Management
Transfer Controlled Waste
Transfer Special Waste
31 December 2003 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Regulations 2003 came into force. These implement Phase 1 of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme Directive in the UK. These regulations apply to installations with combustion facilities with a combined rated thermal input of >20 MW (th). Permits for existing installations to be in place by end March 2004 (with applications required by end January 2004). Power Generation
10 November 2003 IPC and IPPC Permit Applications added to topic list. IPC Permit Applications
IPPC Permit Applications
7 November 2003 JNCC has launched consultation on the final draft JNCC Guidelines for minimising acoustic disturbance to marine mammals from seismic surveys and the proposals for a JNCC Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) Guidance Document Seismic Survey
31 October 2003 Tranfrontier Shipment of Waste added to topic list. Transfrontier Shipment of Waste
13 October 2003 DTI invites comments on position paper on the mitigation and managment of oil and gas marine seismic surveys. Seismic Survey
03 October 2003 Waste Management (Onshore and Offshore) Sections Launched Offshore Waste Management
Offshore Waste Incineration
Radioactive Sources
Radioactive Waste
Transfer Controlled Waste
Transfer Special Waste
Transfer Radioactive Waste
Onshore Waste Disposal
Waste Minimisation
1st October 2003 Reminder that fire protection systems and fire extinguishers containing halons must be decommissioned by 31st December 2003. Ozone Depleting Substances
31 September 2003 MARPOL Annex IV (Sewage) into force. Implementation for existing vessels by 2008. Sewage and food waste
03 September 2003

DEFRA launches consultation into extending Habitat and Birds Directive to UK offshore waters. Responses on the consultation due by 29 October 2003.

The UK has also gained emergency protection for the Darwin Mounds through European Commission Regulation which will ban fishing activity in the area. The Regulation will be in force for a period of 6-12 months, and the EU will in the meantime develop permanent measures to protect the area.

 Seismic Survey
Geological Survey
EIA
03 September 2003 Part 2 of the Waste and Emissions Trading Bill makes provision for penalty system in future emissions trading schemes and in the current non-statutory UK emissions trading scheme. Power Generation
Flaring
Venting and Fugitive Emissions
28 August 2003 OSPAR Ministers meeting in June 2003 considered carbon dioxide sequestration, which is being increasingly endorsed as a means of meeting GHG objectives. This method could be technically illegal by OSPAR Convention and London Dumping Convention standards. Power Generation
Flaring
28 August 2003 EU Strategy for Protection and Conservation of the Marine Environment includes aspirational target of zero oil discharges from ships and offshore installations by 2020. Produced water
Produced sand
Oily discharges
24 July 2003 MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV to come into force in September 2003 Sewage and food waste
30 June 2003 New DTI Requirement for POPA Exemption for WBM drilling through pay zone and discharge of reservoir hydrocarbon contaminated cuttings or drilling muds WBM Use and Discharge
9 June 2003 First launch of UKOOA environmental legislation website N/a

 

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