Environment Report 2014

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2014

4. Accidental Oil and Chemical Releases 4.1 Introduction

The oil and gas industry does its utmost to prevent accidental oil and chemical releases by investing heavily in the provision of physical barriers, such as downhole safety valves, maintenance to minimise leaks, as well as in the development of handling procedures and training to influence human behaviours. 4.1.1 Oil Releases The UK is a signatory to the Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention (OPRCC). TheConventionhas been implemented in theUK through theOffshorePetroleumActivities (Oil PollutionPrevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (as amended), which means it is an offence to make an unlawful discharge of oil (a discharge of oil other than in accordance with the permit granted). In addition, the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 introduced intoUK law the oil spill planning requirements and legal oil spill reporting requirements of the OPRCC. Under these Regulations, operators must have approved Oil Pollution Emergency Plans (OPEPs) in place that detail response plans in the event of an accidental release. The level of response is predetermined through installation-specific risk assessments that take into account the type of oil, the location’s environmental sensitivities and the likely movement of the oil using modelling. Depending on the level of risk, the response will range from surveillance to monitoring an oil slick’s behaviour, through to the use of chemical dispersants and physical containment and recovery. A high level of preparedness is maintained in the industry through regular oil spill response training, five-yearly OPEP reviews and demonstration of the effective use of response equipment through exercises. 4.1.2 Chemical Releases Accidental chemical releases are subject to the Offshore Installations (Emergency Pollution Control) Regulations 2002 and the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 (as amended). These Regulations require that chemical use and discharge at offshore oil and gas installations is covered by a permit system. Exceeding discharge limits must be reported. The nature of chemicals means that there is significant mixing and dilution of the release substance(s) into the water column, therefore, the response to an accidental chemical release differs greatly to that of an oil release. As per the Guidance Notes on the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 (as amended), upon notification of a chemical release, the DECC Inspectorate will advise on the appropriate course of action.

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