Environmental Legislation Website This Page Last Updated 2 December, 2014
Date

Archive and Updates

Please note that links to now closed consultation documents are not maintained and may be out of date. Information is archived here for information only.

30 September 2014
4 July 2014
31 March 2014
31 December 2013
10 October 2013
  • DECC's new environmental permitting system (PETS) accessed via the UK Energy Portal.
  • DECC Guidance Notes on The Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (as amended).
  • DECC guidelines for the completion of Pipeline Works Authorisations (PWAs).
  • DECC Environmental Alert in response to Emergency Chemicals Variations.
  • DECC guidance on off-site (inter-field) discharge and/or injection of drill cuttings, produced water and associated waste streams.
  • DEFRA greenhouse gas conversion factors for company reporting 2013: methodology paper for emission factors.
  • Environment Agency Consultation on technical guidance for onshore oil and gas exploratory operations.
  • DEFRA Waste Management Plan for England.
  • DEFRA Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including mandatory greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
  • Environment Agency commitment to streamlining and simplifying environmental regulation of onshore oil and gas exploratory activities (England only).
  • DECC response to the consultation on guidance relating to the consent to locate process under Part 4A of the Energy Act 2008.
  • The Offshore Combustion Installations (Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2013.
  • DECC explanatory memorandum on the Offshore Combustion Installation (Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2013.
  • Merchant Shipping (Ship to Ship Transfers) (Amendment) Regulations 2012.
  • Oil & Gas UK Notice on Copper Antifouling Systems under Biocidal Products Directive.
  • Amendment Directive 2013/2/EU - amending the EU Directive on packaging waste.
  • DECC Guidance Document for the Offshore Industry on the Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulations (EC) No 1005/2009.
30 October 2012

A site wide update undertaken, in particular to capture changes from the following new legislation or guidance:

 

5 April 2012

A site wide update undertaken, in particular to capture changes from the following new legislation or guidance:

9 June 2011 Natural Environment White Paper published outlining the Government’s vision for the natural environment in England and Wales over the next 50 years. Read More.
11 May 2011 Defra consultaiton on GHG emission reporting with the objective of more widespread and consistent reporting. Read More. Closing date for comments 5 July 2011.
8 April 2011

A site wide update undertaken, in particular to capture changes from the following new legislation or guidance:

New Offshore Chemical Regulations Guidance (pdf file) and new Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Guidance (pdf file) have also been published on the DECC website.

4 April 2011 New Offshore Chemical Regulations Guidance (pdf file) and new Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Guidance (pdf file) is published on the DECC website.
31 March 2011 DECC launch consultation on charging a fee in respect of offshore (oil and gas) installations and pipelines decommissioning programmes under the Petroleum Act 1998. Closing date for comments 22 June 2011.
22 March 2011 Scottish Government launches consultation on selected seal haul out sites for protection against harrassment. Read More. Closing date for comments 21 June 2011.
21 March 2011 SEPA is seeking views on a waste data strategy for Scotland is being developed in accordance with the requirements of Scotland’s Zero Waste Plan which was published in June 2010. Read More (pdf file). Closing date for comments 2 May 2011.
18 March 2011 The UK Marine Policy Statement has been jointly published today by all UK Administrations as part of a new system of marine planning being introduced across UK seas.
15 March 2011 Scottish draft Marine Plan issued for consultation. Closing date for comments 7 June 2011
15 December 2010

Site wide update undertaken, in particular the following new legislation or guidance:

New topics also launched:

And new summary tables on the following are now provided:

15 December 2010 SEPA is consulting on its plans to introduce provisions into the PPC regulatory regime to enable the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to take a take a more risk-based and proportionate approach to regulation across a range of lower risk activities, consistent with the need to protect human health and the environment. Read More. Closing date for comments 9 March 2011.
13 December 2010 Scottish Government launches consultation on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) on adapting to climate change. Closing date for comments 7 February 2011.
24 November 2010 The Bonn Agreement Action Plan, an ambitious strategy for improving the protection of the coastal and marine environment against pollution by oil and other harmful substances, has been adopted in Dublin, alongside a political commitment put forward in a ministerial "Dublin Declaration".
24 November 2010 The Environment Agency and Defra are seeking views on a new strategy for flood and coastal erosion risk management in England. Closing date for responses 16 February 2011
23 November 2010 Scottish Government launches consultation on defining boundaries of Scottish Marine Regions under the Marine Scotland Act. Closing date for comments 18 February 2011. Read More.
22 November 2010 SEPA is proposing a number of significant changes in order to improve, simplify and better integrate the environmental protection and improvement services it provides for Scotland. Read More. Closing date for comments 14 February 2011.
8 November 2010 Defra consultation on proposals to replace the Controlled Waste Regulations 1992. Closing date for responses 4 January 2011.
3 November 2010 The Environment Agency in England and Wales will start using new enforcement powers, called civil sanctions, from 4 January 2011. They will still use criminal charges for more serious offences. Read More.
15 October 2010 JNCC publishes State of the UK Birds 2010.
23 September 2010 OSPAR launches Quality Status Report 2010.
3 September 2010 Defra consultation on amendments to the Environmental Permitting Regulations to transpose the directive on carbon capture and storage. Closing date for comments 26 November 2010.
2 September 2010 Environment Agency launches consultation on revised Horizontal Guidance Note H1 - Environmental Risk Assessment for Permits for those applying for a permit under the Environmental Permitting Regulations. Closing date for responses 25 November 2010. The EA is also producing an H1 software tool to support this guidance.
1st September 2010

Site wide update undertaken, in particular the following new legislation or guidance:

20 August 2010 Natural England commences consultation on two new sites - Lune Deep pSAC (in Morecombe Bay) and Prawle Point to Start Point pSAC (off the south Devon coast). Closing date for submissions is 12th November 2010 
20 August 2010 JNCC is currently formally consulting on the Dogger Bank possible SAC (pSAC) in UK offshore waters. Read More. Closing date for submissions 12th November 2010.
20 August 2010 JNCC announces fifteen new Marine Protected Areas.
30 July 2010 Defra seeks views on proposals to amend the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010 and introduce civil penalties. Read More. Closing date for comments 24th September 2010.
29 July 2010 The Government’s review of waste policies has been formally launched today (England only). The review will look at what policies are needed to reduce the amount of waste generated and to maximise reuse and recycling, while also considering how waste policies affect local communities, individual households and businesses. All comments and suggestions received in the discussion or to the survey before 9 September 2010 will be considered and fed into the Review.  The Call for Evidence will close on 7 October 2010.  The early results of the Review will be made available in Spring 2011.
26 July 2010 Defra publishes discussion paper “An invitation to shape the Nature of England”. Views and comments are being sought towards publication of a White Paper on the natural environment by spring 2011. Closing date for responses 30 October 2010.
21 July 2010 Defra is seeking views on the Marine Policy Statement (UK wide). This will be the first part of new systems of marine planning being introduced around the UK. It will provide the high level policy context within which Marine Plans will be developed, and set the direction for marine licensing and other relevant authorisation systems. The Marine Policy Statement will be the overarching policy framework for the UK marine area. The consultation closes 13 October 2010.
21 July 2010 The Marine Planning System consultation (England only) sets out  the marine planning system in England for the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and other interested organisations and persons. It aims to provide a context for the Marine Policy Statement consultation by outlining the planning system in England as a whole. Defra are seeking views by 13 October 2010.
21 July 2010 A new Marine Licensing System (England only) introduced by the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 will be launched in spring 2011.  The consultation (England only) sets out policy proposals for the implementation of the new system, covering key aspects including the application process, appeals against licensing decisions, and exemptions. DECC and Defra are seeking views. Closing date for comments 13 October 2010.
21 July 2010 Defra publishes comprehensive study of UK seas - "Charting Progress 2"
8 July 2010 Defra and the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) invite your views on the second stage consultation on the transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive (rWFD) in England and Wales. Closing date for comments 16 September 2010.
5 July 2010 The OSPAR Commission has launched a dedicated website for the OSPAR Ministerial Meeting, the North-East Atlantic Environment Summit, which will be held in Bergen, Norway, 20-24 September 2010. Read More about the Ministerial Meeting.
28 June 2010

DECC issues revised PON1 proforma and guidance notes to include changed contact details for JNCC and MRCC Coastguard.

23 June 2010 Coalition Government publishes emergency budget including a number of environmental measures. Read More.
18 June 2010 Scottish Government publishes report investigating potential for Energy from Waste.
18 June 2010

Site wide update undertaken, in particular the following new legislation or guidance:

15 June 2010 Coalition Government announces a Review of Waste Policy in England, looking at the most effective ways of reducing waste and maximising the money to be made from waste and recycling.
10 June 2010

Scottish Government publishes Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill.

8 June 2010 DECC announces that the UK Government will increase its inspection of drilling rigs and monitoring of offshore compliance and has asked a new oil industry group to report back on its findings on the UK’s ability to prevent and respond to oil spills. Read More
7 June 2010

Coalition Government publishes Energy Bill 2010

1 June 2010

Coalition Government publishes Programme for Government including chapters on Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and Energy and Climate Change.

6 April 2010

With a general election now called by the Prime Minister, the Civil Service, including DECC and Defra, moves into a period of restricted activity. This will last until the election has been held and a new Government has been formed. During this time the Government and its civil service will continue to carry out essential business, but most other external communication activities including anything other than factual updates will be on hold. Further information on the rules that the Ministers and the civil service will be following can be found in the official guidance published by Cabinet Office on their website

22 March 2010 Scottish Government publishes Towards a Low Carbon Economy for Scotland: Discussion Paper. This discussion paper sets out the Scottish Government’s plans to move towards a low carbon economy in Scotland, as part of the overarching Government Economic Strategy. It identifies the key dimensions of a transition strategy towards a low carbon economy, describes our approach and timeframe to develop the strategy and seeks to engage key stakeholders in the strategy process.
22 March 2010 Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for the Environment, today announced that the new Marine Management Organisation (MMO) will become operational on 1 April 2010. This is an important step in the implementation of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009. The MMO will subsume the Marine and Fisheries Agency (MFA), whose remit and responsibilities will now fall to the MMO.  The MMO will be headquartered in Newcastle and will have a network of 18 coastal offices.
18 March 2010 Defra consultation on introduction of restrictions on the landfilling of certain wastes. Closing date for responses 10 June 2010.
16 March 2010

Further site wide update undertaken:

11 March 2010 JNCC and CEFAS announce partnership that will support national obligations to achieve challenging objectives for marine nature conservation and biodiversity protection. The partnership will allow closer collaboration in the collection of at-sea data will provide better evidence for decision-makers. Read more.
9 March 2010 Defra consultation on a proposed revision to the Government circular Biodiversity and Geological Conservation – Statutory obligations and their impact within the planning system. This consultation complements the DCLG consultation on a new planning policy statement (see below). Closing date for responses 1 June 2010.
9 March 2010 DCLG consultation seeking views on the proposed Planning Policy Statement: Planning for a Natural and Healthy Environment, which sets out streamlined and consolidated planning policy relating to a number of topics including biodiversity and geological conservation and landscape protection and coastal planning. Closing date for responses 1 June 2010.
4 March 2010 Defra launches consultation on Implementing the Packaging Strategy: Recovery and Recycling Targets, Funding Transparency and Technical Changes. Closing date for responses 27 May 2010.
3 March 2010

Site wide update undertaken, in particular the following new legislation or guidance:

1 March 2010 DECC consultation on Guidance for Development of Transboundary Oil and Gas Fields with Norway.
26 February 2010

Further Scottish Government consultation on the Consolidation of the Waste Management Licensing Regulations and Amendments arising from the Better Waste Regulation Exercise. The consultation also incorporates proposals for the transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive; and The Amendment of legislation relating to waste carriers. Closing date for response 21 May 2010.

17 February 2010 Defra and DECC launch EU ETS Phase III Allocation application rounds - see EU ETS for more information.
3 February 2010 Defra publishes 15-year UK Marine Science Strategy which will inform decisions on food and energy security, managing the seas sustainably and climate change.
2 February 2010 The Environment Agency and Natural England today became the first regulators to be given new civil powers that will give them greater flexibility to enforce environmental law, making the system more efficient and effective for both regulators and businesses. Read More.
27 January 2010 Defra consultation on the fifth quinquennial review of Schedules 5 and 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Closing date for responses 20 April 2010.
26 January 2010 Scottish Government consultation on Transposition of Directive 2008/50/EC on the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Read More. Closing date for responses 20 April 2010.
18 January 2010 Defra consultation launched on draft guidance on the legal definition of waste and its application. Closing date for responses 12 April 2010.
12 January 2010 Environment Agency opens two consultations on groundwater risk assessment - Hydrogeological Risk Assessments for Landfills and Groundwater Risk Assessment for Treated Effluent Discharges to Infiltration Systems. Closing date for responses for both consultations is 6 April 2010.
12 January 2010 The waters around Lundy Island, off the coast of Devon, today became England’s first Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) under the Marine and Coastal Access Act.
11 January 2010 DECC has issued a revised ETS7 Annual Emissions Reporting Template for use in ETS7 submissions under the EU ETS which are due by 31 March 2010. The revised template can be found on the DECC Oil & Gas EU ETS webpage
8 January 2010 Scottish Government launches consultation on the consolidation of Waste Management Licensing Regulations and associated amendments. The exercise also incorporates proposals for the transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive and amendments relating to waste carriers legislation. Contact for further information. Closing date for responses 2 March 2010.
5 January 2010 Defra consultation on proposed guidance on the Groundwater (England and Wales) Regulations 2009 (Statutory Instrument 2902). The new guidance will replace the guidance issued in 1999 in respect of the Groundwater Regulations 1998. Whilst there are differences of detail, the principles of groundwater protection are largely unchanged and this is reflected in the guidance such that impacts should be minimised. Read More. Closing date for responses 29th March 2009.
31 December 2009 2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity when everyone will be encouraged to take direct action to reduce the constant loss of biological diversity worldwide. See DEFRA Biodiversity Website for more information.
22 December 2009 Environment Agency consultation on draft guidance document for the treatment and storage of aerosols and similar packaged wastes. Read More. Closing date for responses 23 March 2010.
15 December 2009 Defra launched consultation on new GB Regulations that implement the new EU Regulation 1005/2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer and on a proposed amendment to the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations. Closing date for responses 9 March 2010.
27 November 2009 English Nature/JNCC/CCW consultation on on 10 possible marine Special Areas of Conservation and 2 potential Special Protection Areas in English, Welsh and offshore waters around the UK. Closing date for responses 26 February 2010.
12 November 2009 Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 receives Royal Assent.
30 October 2009 Joint consultation between Defra, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government and the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland launched on the draft regulations with which the Government and Devolved Administrations propose to transpose the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (Directive 2008/56/EC). Closing date for responses 22 January 2010.
30 October 2009

Site wide update of offshore and onshore topics undertaken, in particular the following key new legislation or guidance:

15 October 2009 Defra consultation launced on environmental permitting guidance for exempt waste operations. Closing date for responses 5 January 2010.
1 October 2009 New guidance to measure and tackle greenhouse gas emissions for businesses and organisations has been published by Defra and DECC. The guidance has been published alongside advice on what it means to be carbon neutral. Read More
30 September 2009 Environment Agency consultation on revised H1 Guidance Notes on Environmental Risk Assessment. Being amended to widen scope to include activities being brought in under the Environmental Permitting Regulations in 2010. Closing date for responses 23 December 2009.
28 September 2009 DECC has issued revised Offshore PPC (Combustion Plant) Emissions Monitoring Guidance, in order to provide clearer guidance to operators on what constitutes ‘Best Practice’ with respect to offshore emissions monitoring.  The principle objective was to detail the minimum requirements for valid initial baseline measurements, and to outline how these can be achieved.
22 September 2009 DECC has issued updated Guidance Notes for the Completion of Flare and Vent Applications
18 September 2009

Site wide update of offshore and onshore topics undertaken, in particular the following new legislation or guidance:

20 August 2009 The Scottish Government is consulting on Scotland's Zero Waste Plan. Closing date for responses 13 November 2009.
10 August 2009 DECC has published final revised Guidance on EIA for Offshore Oil and Gas
6 August 2009 DECC has published Updated Guidance Notes on the Decommissioning of Offshore Oil and Gas Installations and Pipelines (Version 4)
24 July 2009 DECC has launched a consultation on amendments to the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 and Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005. Closing date for responses 16 October 2009.
21 July 2009 Defra launches consultation on its Hazardous Waste Strategy. This consultation seeks views on a proposed Strategy for Hazardous Waste Management in England. The proposed strategy has been conceived to underpin the practical application of the revised Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC (WFD) and in particular the requirements that apply to hazardous waste. Closing date for responses 13 October 2009.
16 July 2009 Defra launches consultation on the transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive (Directive 2008/98/EC) in England and Wales. Closing date for responses 9 October 2009.
1 July 2009 JNCC has published best practice guidance notes on seismic survey, piling operations and use of explosives. These are available on the DECC website and the JNCC website.
1 July 2009 DEFRA has launched a first consultation on some of the secondary legislation that will be produced under ‘Part 4: Marine licensing’ of the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. The consultation sets out some initial ideas for how applications for a marine licence should be processed and determined. Closing date for responses 22 September 2009. Read More.
30 June 2009 Environment Agency is seeking views on its revised Technical Guidance on Odour Management. Closing date for responses 13 October 2009.
24 June 2009 DECC is seeking views on a draft Statutory Instrument to transpose the first stage of European Union Directive 2009/29/EC. This Directive, revising EU Directive 2003/87/EC, improves and extends the greenhouse gas emission allowance trading scheme of the European Community. Closing date for responses 16 September 2009. Read More.
12 June 2009 DECC is undertaking a consultation on proposals for a future exemptions regime under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Closing date for responses 4 September 2009. Read More.
8 June 2009 DEFRA is consulting on minor amendments to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994. These amendments extend provisions in order to restrict operations taking place on water as well as on land, in order to protect European sites in England and Wales. Closing date for responses 3 August 2009. Read More.
5 June 2009 Environment Agency is seeking your views on sixteen new or revised sets of rules for standard permits for waste operations. Closing date for responses 28 August 2009.
5 June 2009 Joint DECC/DEFRA consultation on draft guidance for how UK organisations should measure and report their greenhouse gas emissions required by the Climate Change Act. The deadline for consultation responses is 7 August 2009. The final guidance will be published by 1 October 2009. Read More.
5 June 2009

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

21 May 2009 DECC has issued a REACH Guidance Document for the Offshore Oil and Gas Sector. Related topics on this site will be updated at the next site-wide update.
12 May 2009 Natural England issues consultation on its Policy for an Ecosystem Approach. Closing dates for responses 30 July 2009.
8 May 2009

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

Three New Topics have also been created

A number of onshore topics are also in the process of being updated and these will be posted shortly.

6 May 2009 DECC and DEFRA have launched a consultation on Environmental Permitting Programme: Consultation on Government Guidance. This guidance has been drafted or amended as part of the second phase of the Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP2) which is a Better Regulation initiative designed to reduce costs for operators and the regulator by cutting unnecessary red tape, while continuing to protect the environment and human health. Closing date for comments 29 July 2009.
30 April 2009 DECC has issued guidance on data requests not covered by specific regulations and the legal basis for such requests. Read More (pdf document).
30 April 2009 DEFRA is consulting on revisions to the Waste Duty of Care Code of Practice. The revised guidance is in response to feedback on a consultation in June 2008 with the objective of providing clear, fit for purpose and practical guidance to holders of wate and their legal responsibilities. Closing date for response 24 July 2009.
27 April 2009 Scottish Government is seeking views on its proposals for a strategic centrally co-ordinated plan for adapting to climate change. The proposed aim is to increase the resilience of Scotland's people and the natural and economic systems on which we depend, to the impacts of climate change. More information can be found on the Scottish Government website. Closing date for responses 20 July 2009.
20 April 2009 DEFRA has launched a consultation on a Draft Strategy for Marine Protected Areas aimed at providing a coherent network of European Marine Sites (Natura 2000 sites) and new Marine Protection Zones arising from the Marine and Coastal Access Bill. Deadline for comments 13 July 2009.
3 April 2009 Following consultation with industry, DECC has now issued final revised Guidance Notes under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 and The Offshore Installations (Emergency Pollution Control) Regulations 2002 (see OPEPs for more information) .
1 April 2009 EU published White Paper on adapting to climate change : towards a European framework for action.
23 March 2009 Consultation launched on the draft Planning (Hazardous Substances) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2009 to bring the existing regulations in line with the Seveso II Directive. Read More. Closing date for responses 18 May 2009.
19 March 2009 Scottish Government seeking views on the transposition of the Groundwater Directive 2006 and the Priority Substances Directive 2008. Consultation documents can be found on the Scottish Government website. Closing date for comments - 19 June 2009
16 March 2009 SNH is seeking views on the SNH Policy Statement & Action Plan - Climate Change and Natural Heritage. Closing date for comments 27 April 2009.
3 March 2009 DEFRA consultation on the transposition of the INSPIRE Directive. INSPIRE aims to make available consistent spatial data sets about the environment and create services for accessing these datasets so that they can to be more easily shared or combined to benefit the development and monitoring of environmental policy and practice. Closing date for responses 26 May 2009.
26 February 2009 Scottish Government has issued consultation on plans to provide additional powers to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to regulate energy efficiency at industrial installations under Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000. Closing date for comments 22 May 2009.
26 February 2009 DECC is seeking views on a draft definition for the term carbon neutral that can be used by organisations in relations to their goods and services. Practical guidance on applying the definition are also provided. More information on the DECC website. Closing date for views - 21 May 2009.
26 February 2009 JNCC has formally advised an additional two offshore Special Areas of Conservation, Bassurelle Sandbank in the Eastern English Channel and Hatton Bank in the North-East Atlantic. Read more on the JNCC website.
23 February 2009 DECC, DEFRA, the Environment Agency and WAG have launched a joint consultation on the second phase of the Environmental Permitting Programme (EPP2). This consultation proposes to extend the single EP system formed under EPP1 to create a common system of risk-based environmental permitting and compliance for an extended range of regimes, including Water Discharge Consents, Groundwater Authorisations and Radioactive Substances Regulations Permits. More information on the DEFRA website. Closing date for comments - 11 May 2009.
12 February 2009 DECC has launched consultation on proposals for a gas storage and unloading licensing scheme under the Energy Act 2008. More information on the DECC website. Closing date for comments - 23 April 2009
26 January 2009 DECC launches consultation on its Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of a draft plan/programme for further offshore oil and gas licencing, including the underground storage of combustible gas in partially depleted oil/gas reservoirs. Further information from the Offshore SEA website. Closing date for feedback - 22 April 2009
22 January 2009 The Environment Agency is seeking views on an amendment to the Water Resources Act 1991 - Water Protection Zones and related Draft Guidance. It is an examination of regulatory powers to implement the Water Framework Directive by designating Water Protection Zones. The aim is to achieve good chemical and ecological status in inland and coastal waters by 2015. Parts of this consultation will also apply in Wales. Closing date for response is 31 March 2009. DEFRA Consultations Webpage.
5 January 2009 Where a Direction is issued for the deposit of stabilisation or protection materials under the Petroleum Act 1998, DECC now requires operators to complete a return form. This will enable them to collate information on all future deposits. More information from the DECC website
5 January 2009 OSPAR is preparing a major holistic assessment of the quality status of the North-East Atlantic - the Quality Status Report 2010. This assessment will inform the 2010 OSPAR Ministerial Meeting in Bergen on the environmental status and future actions for the protection and conservation of the North-East Atlantic. You will be able to comment on a draft Quality Status Report 2010 in an e-consultation in November 2009.
22 December 2008 Environment Agency and SEPA have launched consultations on Draft River Basin Management Plans which have been put together for the 11 river basin districts in England and Wales and the Scotland and Solway Tweed river basin districts under the European Water Framework Directive. More information from the Environment Agency and SEPA websites respectively. Closing date for responses 22 June 2009.
19 December 2009 HSE is seeking views on the proposed Chemical (Hazard Information and Packaging for Supply) Regulations 2009 – to be known as CHIP 4. The current CHIP Regulations need to be amended as a consequence of the adoption and entry into force of the European Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures, known as the CLP Regulation.  For more information see the HSE consultations webpage. Closing date for responses 13 February 2009.
8 December 2008 DECC has issued the timetable for the 2009-2010 PON15D Major Review rolling programme. As these revisions must be assessed alongside the routine workload it is essential that these dates are strictly adhered to.  Any request for a change or postponement must therefore be discussed and agreed with the relevant Environmental Manager as soon as possible. Further details of the review process and the 2009-2010 schedule can be found at the DECC website
3 December 2008 Marine and Coastal Access Bill announced in Queen's Speech as being in the legislative programme for the UK Government in 2009. The proposed Act will apply to English and Welsh inshore waters as well as to the whole of the UK's offshore waters, including areas of continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the coast. Read More.
1 December 2008 Environment Agency has initiated a consultation on the Pollution Inventory. Changes proposed include changes in reporting requirements for major industrial sites and associated pollutants. Closing date for comments - 1 March 2009. SEPA will be undertaking a similar consultation in due course.
28 November 2008 DECC has issued draft revised Guidance Notes on the Decommissioning of Offshore Installations and Pipelines under the Petroleum Act 1998. These revisions are based on experience gained since the publication of the last guidance notes in 2006 and also changes required under the recently published Energy Act 2008. Closing date for comments - 11 December 2008.
27 November 2008 The Scottish Government has been given responsibility for all planning and nature conservation matters at sea up to 200 miles from the Scottish coast. The move came after talks between the UK Government and other devolved administrations aimed at allowing each country to manage its own seas.
26 November 2008 The Energy Bill - first published in January 2008 - received Royal Assent. The Energy Act 2008 (c. 32) includes provisions for gas importation and storage; decommissioning of energy installations and wells; petroleum licences; and third party access to oil and gas infrastructure and modifications of pipelines amongst others.
26 November 2008 The Climate Change Bill received Royal Assent. The Climate Change Act 2008 (c. 27) sets up a framework for the UK to achieve its long-term goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to ensure steps are taken towards adapting to the impact of climate change.
6 November 2008 The Scottish Environment Protection Agency is consulting on its proposals for groundwater assessment criteria for pollutant inputs that will enable the prevent or limit requirements of the Water Framework and Groundwater Daughter Directives to be met. Closing date for comments 31 December 2008.
5 November 2008 OSPAR Annual Reporting Relating to Chemical Goals. DECC are seeking annual reports to be submitted by 27 February 2009. Reports have been extended this year to include drilling (PON15B) and pipeline (PON15C) term permits. PON15F and PON15D permits are already included in the annual reporting requirements. More information.
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
28 October 2008 DECC has launched a consultation on the proposals for carbon accounting in the UK under the Climate Change Bill. Closing date for responses 19 January 2009.
22 October 2008 DECC has issued draft Guidance for industry comment on Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (OPEP) and Emergency Pollution Plans (EPP) under the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 and the Offshore Installations (Emergency Pollution Control) Regulations 2002 respectively. Closing date for responses 13 January 2009.
20 October 2008 DECC has issued draft guidance for offshore oil / gas industry on the EU Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) Regulation 2037/2000 and the EU Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gases) Regulation 842/2006.
7 October 2008 Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) launched. The Department brings together much of the Climate Change Group, previously housed within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), with the Energy Group from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR).
15 September 2008 MCA launched a consultations on the draft Merchant Shipping (Anti-Fouling Systems) Regulations 2008. Closing date for responses 15 December 2008
14 September 2008 Environment Agency has launched a consultation on new and revised sets of standard rules and generic risk assessments that will be available next year under the Environmental Permitting (EP) Regulations 2007. The rules sets concern waste operations and some low risk installations under the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive. Closing date for responses 14 November 2008.
12 September 2008 Environment Agency consult on proposed charges for 2009/2010. Closing date for responses 5 December 2008.
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
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.
24 June 2008 Adapting Our Ways: Managing Scotland's Climate Risk: Consultation to inform Scotland's Climate Change Adaptation Framework. Closing date for responses to Scottish Government 31 October 2008.
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 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
8 May 2008

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

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.
3 April 2008 Draft Marine Bill has been published and DEFRA is seeking views. Closing date for responses 26 June 2008.
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.
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.
11 March 2008 EU Proposal for a Directive on Ship-Source Pollution and on the Introduction of Penalties for Infringements.
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.
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.
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
13 Feb 2008 BERR has launched a consultation on Revised Offshore EIA Guidance Notes. Closing date for responses 7 May 2008.
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.
5 Feb 2008 European Commission proposes to improve and streamline the European system for collecting, analysing and reporting environmental information. Read More.
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.
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.

21 Dec 2007 DEFRA consultation on the proposed UK auction design for the EU Emissions Trading Scheme Phase II.
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.
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.
22 Nov 2007 New topics on Oil Storage and Hazardous Substances Added
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

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.

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.

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.
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

11 July 2007 Review and update of onshore topic files.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Oil & Gas UK legislation site went live.
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
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.

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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
13th October 2005 New Topics on Displacement Water, Hazardous/Non-Hazardous Drains and Ballast Water (for Terminals) added.
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).
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.
14 June 2005 National Allocation Plan under EU Emissions Trading Scheme published.
21 April 05 Greenhouse Gas Trading Scheme Regulations 2005 entered into force
25 February 05 New topics on Discharges to Controlled Waters, EIA - Onshore Developments and Waste Landed From Ships added to onshore sections
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.
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.
20 January 2005 Amendments made to offshore chemical topics, to include new reporting requirements to the DTI for non-compliance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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 Oil & Gas UK 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.
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.
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.
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.
30 August 04 New topic files added for various onshore activities, including discharge to sewer, oil spill contingency planning and 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.
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.
28 June 04 Link to new formal PON16 (application for consent for an offshore oil and gas project) added to the site.
24 June 04 OPPC Regulations now not expected into force until late 2004. Updated (May 04) guidance notes added to site.
01 April 2004 Guidance issued on the bi-annual analysis for dispersed oil, aromatics and non-oil components under the pending OPPC Regulations.
22 March 2004 Links page added that includes regulators websites as well as sites with an environmental legislation element.
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.
11 February 2004 Draft Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2004 - expected to come into force in March 2004.
31 December 2003 European Waste Code into force.
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).
10 November 2003 IPC and IPPC Permit Applications added to topic list.
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
31 October 2003 Tranfrontier Shipment of Waste added to topic list.
13 October 2003 DTI invites comments on position paper on the mitigation and managment of oil and gas marine seismic surveys.
03 October 2003 Waste Management (Onshore and Offshore) Sections Launched
1st October 2003 Reminder that fire protection systems and fire extinguishers containing halons must be decommissioned by 31st December 2003.
31 September 2003 MARPOL Annex IV (Sewage) into force. Implementation for existing vessels by 2008.
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.

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.
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.
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.
24 July 2003 MARPOL 73/78 Annex IV to come into force in September 2003
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
9 June 2003 First launch of Oil & Gas UK environmental legislation website

 

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