Oil and gas decommissioning sector plan
Oil and gas decommissioning is an emerging sector, diverse in nature and consisting of many operators. The plan presents our vision for the sector, outlining how we are going to regulate operators and work with them to protect and improve the environment. It explains how we will work with the sector, and help influence the industry supply chain, to manage decommissioned waste streams in ways that create economic and social success from environmental excellence.
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Regulations and guidance
Scottish facilities undertaking decommissioning must be authorised to do so by SEPA. We will ensure facilities are appropriately authorised, operators are ‘fit and proper’ and the right conditions are in place to protect the environment and communities from pollution.
Of particular importance to this sector are the Transfrontier Shipment of Waste Regulations 2007 (TFS). We use these regulations to ensure that where installations are being transported for breaking abroad, it is only to the right countries with the right facilities. Further information about TFS is available on our website.
Other key areas of regulation that apply to this sector, and that we are responsible for, are as follows:
- Duty of care obligations;
- Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2012;
- Waste management licensing;
- Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 93);
- Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011;
- The Ship Recycling Facilities Regulations 2015;
- The Control of Mercury Regulations 2017;
Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, the First Minister pledged that Scotland would lead the way to deliver a more equal, more just world, by signing Scotland up to the United Nation (UN) Sustainable Development Goals. These global goals give us the framework to achieve real change, from eradicating poverty to ensuring a good home for us all. This vision is underpinned by Our Approach to Regulation, which aims to deliver environmental protection and improvement in ways which help communities and businesses thrive within the resources of our planet.
Scotland’s businesses have a critical role to play in leading Scotland’s contribution to achieving SDGs. Through our sector plans, we have identified opportunities that will work towards achieving the goals and help realise the economic benefit of increased resource efficiency, innovation and resilience.
The actions set out in the Oil and gas decommissioning sector plan contribute towards Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17.