Oil and Gas UK Environmental Legislation

Well Suspension or Abandonment - Consent Requirements

	Timeline	Action Needed
	As early as possible		If there is a need to use explosives in abandonment operation, discussions should be held with JNCC/DECC as early as possible to give consideration to any habitats/species issues under the Habitats Regulations
	As soon as need for suspension or abandonment known		Summary of chemical use/discharge must be submitted to DECC using PON5 (even if already covered in existing drilling (PON15B) or decommissioning (PON15E) submission .
			Any deliberate release of oil planned must be subject to a OPPC Permit. Summary must be included in PON5 and this will trigger issue of the OPPC Permit .
			In exceptional circumstances a licence under Part II of FEPA may be required for deposits to the seabed (e.g. rock dumping to cover wellhead). Details should be submitted on PON5
Well Suspension or Abandonment

Key Compliance

			Ensure compliance with any licence, exemption or consent conditions.
			Use technology and other techniques to prevent or reduce chemical discharges.
			Monitor and record use and discharge of all chemicals. Report quantitites of chemicals used and dicharged to UKOOA EEMS Coordinator.
			Report any chemical spills to DECC using PON1
			Report any sheens or oil spills to HM Coastguard and DECC using PON1