An Environmental Statement
is required for any drilling in near shore or sensitive areas. Drilling
associated with a new development is also likely to require an ES.
If unsure whether an ES is required or not, discussions should be
held with DECC or a PON15 can be used to seek a dispensation from the
requirement of an ES. If at all unsure, time should be allowed for
preparation of an ES. |
ES Required |
|
No ES Required |
Action
Needed |
12+
months
|
|
-
|
|
If required, submit
PON15 to determine requirement for an Environmental
Statement. This step can be skipped if it is clear that an
ES is or is not required. |
|
Undertake
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and prepare ES |
|
Identify if proposed
drilling occurs in vicinity of any habitats or protected species under
EU Habitats Directive. Additional measures and Habitats Regulatory Assessment may be required. |
|
If no
asset-wide Oil Pollution Emergency Plan
in place, prepare OPEP. |
4 months
|
4 months |
3
months |
3
months |
|
Prepare
Chemical Permit Application (PON15B) and environmental information sections ,
include any chemical use/discharge associated with well cleanup if applicable
. |
|
- |
|
Submit ES along
with Application for Consent (PON16). |
2 months |
2 months |
|
Submit OPEP to DECC
for approval. |
3-5 weeks |
3-5 weeks |
|
If reinjection of
cuttings planned offsite, submit application for reinjection under FEPA.
|
28
days |
28
days |
|
Submit
Chemical Permit Application (PON15B).
(Note: Ensure chemicals selected are registered with CEFAS and those
of high environmental risk are replaced as far as possible). |
|
Submit
PON4 (Consent to Drill Well). |
|
Make application
to DTLR for Consent to Locate
for rig (as part of PON15B application) |
|
If Deposit of Stabilisation and Protection Materials
required, submit application Direction under EIA Regulations to deposit material on the seabed.
(as part of PON15B application) |
|
If drilling through
pay-zone and reservoir hydrocarbon contamination of drill cuttings for
overboard discharge expected, apply for OPPC
Permit. .
OPPC Permit may also be required if OBM well cleanup is expected or
any oil contamination of WBM/SBM cleanup |
1 week |
1 week |
|
Any radioactive
sources will need a Certificate of Registration.
|
|
|
|
Ensure compliance with any licence, exemption or consent permit
conditions, including any commitments made in ES.
|
|
Ensure
any required spill prevention and oil spill response procedures are
introduced to rig personnel and appropriate equipment is in place. |
|
Use
only the permitted chemicals and mud system. |
|
If reinjecting
cuttings, ensure alternative legal disposal methods are in place as
back up if CRI fails. |
|
Routinely monitor
base fluid use and discharge and sample and analyse the cuttings for
oil content during drilling. Report findings of the sampling and analysis
to DECC. |
|
Use
technology and other techniques to prevent or reduce discharges of
all chemicals. Monitor all use and discharge of chemicals and report
quantities via EEMS reporting. |
|
Ensure compliance
with OPPC. consider the implications of well cleanup and the need
to minimise the possibility of reservoir hydrocarbon contaminated fluid being
discharged. If discharging cuttings overboard ensure no contamination
with oil from the payzone unless appropriate OPPC Permit is in place.
|
|
Undertake
any seabed environmental surveys as required by DECC. |
|
Report any accidental
discharge of oil, including OBM or SBM, to DECC. |
|
Report any accidental
discharge of chemicals, including drilling muds, to DECC. |
|
Undertake
all statutory reporting and EEMS reporting for each activity. |
|
Ensure renewed permit is in place if planned well is to continue beyond expiry date of initial permit. |
|
It
may be necessary to undertake a pre-mobilisation audit of the drilling
rig to ensure environmental compliance for drilling operations and
other non-drilling routine operations. |
|
Machinery space
drainage. Ensure oil content of discharge meets legal performance
standard of 15 ppm (oil in water). Ensure Oil Record Book maintained.
|
|
Diesel
engines and generators. Maintain record of fuel use. |
|
No limits on
sewage and cooling water discharges. |
|
No
garbage (including plastic) to be disposed of overboard. Only comminuted
food waste to be discharged. |
|
Ensure
compliance with all waste disposal licences, garbage management plan and waste transfer documentation
requirements for scrap metal and non-hazardous waste. Reuse or recycling
is the preferred option. |
|
|