Atmospheric Emissions - Venting
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| Key Legislation |
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| Supporting Legislation |
These Regulations set national ceilings and a requirement for the development of a reduction programme for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds in the UK. These Regulations apply to emissions from land, territorial sea and the UKCS.
At present, the UK government believes that it can meet targets through existing targets onshore. However, this does not preclude future targets for offshore operations. |
| Emission Trading Schemes |
- EC Directive 2003/87/EC Establishing a Scheme for Greenhouse Gas Emission Allowance Trading
Offshore installations will come within the scope of the mandatory EU Emissions Trading Scheme. The mandatory EU ETS currently only includes carbon dioxide and does not apply to venting.
- Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003
This Act provides for the enforceability of penalties, including fixed financial penalties, in the current voluntary UK Emissions Trading Scheme 2002. Part 2 of the Waste and Emissions Trading Act 2003 amends Schedule 1 to the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999. The amendment provides for penalties in any future emissions trading schemes. |
| Guidance |
DECC Guidance Notes for the Completion of Flare and Vent Applications. |
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| Consent Needed |
Consent to vent is required under the Energy Act 1976. |
| How to Apply |
In writing by letter to DECC. The DECC Guidance Notes for the Completion of Flare and Vent Applications provide further information.
Venting consent applications should contain the following:
- A summary of the main points of the application.
- A summary of the main venting assumptions.
- A detailed description of the plant start-up procedures and philosophy; the procedure for filling the gas export line should also be described.
- The commissioning schedule.
- Venting calculations – to include venting on a daily basis and total quantities. The quantities of gas should be presented on the same basis as the hydrocarbon gas in the Flaring Consent application.
Sketches and figures should also be supplied for:
- Overall commissioning programme;
- Fuel gas system;
- Gas dehydration system;
- Gas compression system;
- Gas export system and pipeline; and
- Onshore facilities.
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| Who to Apply to |
DECC Contacts for Consent to Vent are as follows:
Northern and Central North Sea
Carol Campbell
Tel: 01224 254052
Email: carol.campbell@BERR.gsi.gov.uk
Southern North Sea and Onshore
Ivor Newman
Tel: 020 7215 5163
Email: ivor.newman@BERR.gsi.gov.uk |
| When to Apply |
Consent(s) should be submitted at least two months before ‘First Oil’ and towards the expiry of the existing consent for operations. However, it is advised by DECC that the operator is in contact with the regulator at all stages, from design through construction to commissioning planning, and demonstrate that all reasonable steps have been taken to keep venting to a minimum. |
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| Limits placed on vent volumes |
Consent will specify the vent volume that must not be exceeded over a specified period.
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| Oil and Gas UK Standards |
Oil and Gas UK has detailed additional voluntary standards in the ‘Guidelines on Reducing Atmospheric Emissions from Oil and Gas Facilities’. |
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| Vent volumes |
Daily vent and cumulative vent volumes.
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| What to Report |
There are two types of reporting required for venting. The first is statutory reporting to DECC on vent volumes. The second is voluntary reporting of environmental emissions due to venting.
Statutory information
Reporting to DECC with periodicity and details as specified in vent consent.
Voluntary information
Complete atmospheric emissions inventory EEMS pro forma (Atmospheric) that can be obtained from the EEMS website. Guidance notes are also available from the EEMS website. |
| Who to Report to |
Statutory information
DECC’s Petroleum Production Reporting according to terms of consent.
Voluntary information
Completed forms should submitted electronically to the EEMS website. |
| When to Report |
Statutory information
As specified in consent.
Voluntary information
Annually before 7th February. |
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| What to do if in Breach of Consent |
This is reported through the routine vent consent reporting. |
| Offshore Inspection |
The DECC Environmental Inspectorate Enforcement Policy sets out the general principles that Inspectors shall follow in
relation to enforcement including prosecution. |
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| Cold Flaring |
This is considered a venting activity, and controlled under the venting consent. It should not be reported as flaring, or counted against the flaring consent.
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