Library / Midstream and Downstream Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations Under Section 232 and 233 of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). DRAFT DATE: 10/06/2022

Midstream and Downstream Decommissioning and Abandonment Regulations Under Section 232 and 233 of the Petroleum Industry Act (2021). DRAFT DATE: 10/06/2022

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(viii) 
Details of interaction between any part of the pipelines and other uses 
of the sea (in particular fishing activity, marine traffic, marker buoy 
positioning both historical and where relevant to estimate future 
activity). 
 
(ix) 
Materials on the seabed – drill cuttings (amount, composition, 
dimensions), debris, any other materials. 
 
b.  
Where there is a related equipment that is not covered by the decommissioning 
and abandonment programme, details shall be provided for such equipment 
and explanation provided of why it is not part of the programme.  
 
c.  
Proposals for identification and removal of seabed debris following 
decommissioning and abandonment works. As a minimum the area covered for 
debris clearance should include a 500meter radius around any installation and 
a 100meter (50meter either side of the pipeline) corridor along the length of 
any pipelines. Following the work, verification of seabed clearance by an 
independent organisation is required.  
 
d 
For the removal and disposal methods, details of any materials and remains on 
the seabed after decommissioning and abandonment. 
 
e.  
Proposals covering the post-decommissioning and abandonment phase – 
 
(i) 
Seabed sampling surveys to monitor levels of hydrocarbons, heavy 
metals and other contaminants in sediments and biota. 
 
(ii) 
Inspection and maintenance where any installation, structure or pipeline 
remained disused and in position or are to be partly removed.  Where 
any installation, structure or pipeline is partly removed, the licencee 
shall remain liable for any residual liability arising from the installation, 
structure or pipeline not removed and appropriately marked. 
 
f.  
Analysis indicating that the proposal complies with the standards prescribed by 
the international maritime organisation on offshore petroleum installations and 
structures. 
 
 
Approval of an Application for Decommissioning and Abandonment by the Authority 
 
14 (1) The Authority shall approve an application for a decommissioning and abandonment 
programme within one hundred and eighty (180) days after the date of submission of the 
application provided the application meets  the following criteria-  
  
(a)  
The programme is accordance with the approved decommissioning and 
abandonment plan  
 
 
(b)  
the programme addresses considerations and recommendations raised by the 
Authority and the public consultations in the light of individual circumstances; 
 
(c)  
where applicable, the potential for reuse of a transportation pipeline together 
with other existing facility in connection with further hydrocarbon developments 
is considered before decommissioning and abandonment; 
 
(d)  
all feasible decommissioning and abandonment options have been considered 
and a satisfactory comparative assessment made;