Chemical Permits | OEUK Environmental Legislation

Use of Chemicals – Consent Requirements

Under the Offshore Chemical Regulations 2002, all chemicals (including drilling muds) require a consent to discharge. Chemicals used must be registered with CEFAS and selected through a risk based approach. Different permit applications are in place for drilling (Drilling Operations Application), pipelines (Pipeline Operations Application), platforms (Production Operations Application), decommissioning and well abandonment (Decommissioning Operations Application), and workovers (Well Intervention Operations Application) Master Application Templates (MAT).
	Timescale	Action Needed
	4 months		Identify chemical requirements and ensure all chemicals are registered with CEFAS (i.e. full HOCNF data set available).
			Ensure chemicals selected are registered with CEFAS and those of high environmental risk are replaced as far as possible.
			Undertake risk assessment and CHARM modelling for chemicals not on OSPAR PLONOR list. Substitute any chemicals designated as high risk to the environment.
			Prepare MAT. Environmental information is required for all applications, even if a MAT seeking an EIA directions or an ES has not been submitted.
	28 days		Submit appropriate MAT to DESNZ.
Chemical Use or Discharge

			Use technology and other techniques to prevent or reduce chemical discharges.
			Ensure justification for use is given for all chemicals flagged for substitution. Encourage chemical suppliers to have programme in place to identify alternative chemicals.
			Monitor and record use and discharge of all chemicals. Report quantities of chemicals used and discharged via EEMS.
			Report any chemical spills to DESNZ using PON1
			Submission of annual substitution spreadsheets. Identifies all priority action or candidate substitution chemicals that were used and/or discharged throughout the year.