Pipe-Lines

Petroleum Act 19982018-08-032018-08-042018-09-042018-09-052018-09-062018-09-072018-09-102018-09-142018-09-182018-09-262018-10-022018-10-032018-10-052018-10-082018-10-092018-10-102018-10-122018-10-172018-10-182018-10-192018-10-222018-10-232018-10-242018-10-262018-10-302018-10-312018-12-07TSO (The Stationery Office), St Crispins, Duke Street, Norwich, NR3 1PD, 01603 622211, customer.services@tso.co.uk316779628115

Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy

THE OFFSHORE PETROLEUM PRODUCTION AND PIPE-LINES (ASSESSMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS) REGULATIONS 1999 (AS AMENDED)

ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT DECISIONS

Pursuant to regulations 5A(7) and 5A(8) of the above Regulations, the Secretary of State gives notice of the following decision(s) in respect of the Secretary of State’s agreement to the grant of consent in relation to a relevant project under regulation 5A of the above Regulations.

Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
D/4219/2018 Chrysaor North Sea Ltd Maria Field Increase in Production 16/29a 07/09/2018
Summary of representations received Consultees confirmed no objections and no representations were received in response to the public notice.
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to marine discharges and atmospheric emissions, but impacts were assessed as localised and not significant.
Relevant mitigation measures, environmental conditions or monitoring conditions attached to decision Appropriate controls will be put in in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement to the issue of consent is conditional upon all works being undertaken as detailed in the Environmental Statement. No additional environmental / monitoring conditions were attached to the decision.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
D/4221/2018 Serica Energy (UK) Ltd Columbus Field Development Plan 23/16f & 23/21a 02/10/2018
Summary of representations received Consultees confirmed no objections and no representations were received in response to the public notice.
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to the physical impact of installed infrastructure, marine discharges and atmospheric emissions, but impacts were assessed as localised and not significant.
Relevant mitigation measures, environmental conditions or monitoring conditions attached to decision Appropriate controls will be put in in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement to the issue of consent is conditional upon all works being undertaken as detailed in the Environmental Statement. No additional environmental / monitoring conditions were attached to the decision.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
D/4197/2017 Shell U.K. Ltd Arran Development 22/30 03/10/2018
Summary of representations received Consultees confirmed no objections and no representations were received in response to the public notice.
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to seabed disturbance, marine discharges, noise and atmospheric emissions, but impacts were assessed as localised and not significant.
Relevant mitigation measures, environmental conditions or monitoring conditions attached to decision The JNCC guidelines for minimizing the risk of disturbance and injury to marine mammals from piling will be followed. Visual survey confirmation that proposed anchor locations will contain no presence of biogenic reef. Agreement to the issue of consent is conditional upon all works being undertaken as detailed in the Environmental Statement. No additional environmental / monitoring conditions were attached to the decision.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
D/4201/2017 Zennor Pathway Ltd Finlaggan Development 21/05c, 22/01 & 16/26 09/10/2018
Summary of representations received Consultees confirmed no objections and no representations were received in response to the public notice.
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to seabed disturbance, marine discharges, noise, atmospheric emissions and impacts on other sea users, but impacts were assessed as localised and not significant.
Relevant mitigation measures, environmental conditions or monitoring conditions attached to decision The JNCC guidelines for minimizing the risk of disturbance and injury to marine mammals from piling will be followed. A dynamically-positioned reel pipelay vessel will be used to minimise interaction with fishing vessels. “Trawl safe” corridors and fishing gates will be created along the pipeline / umbilical route, in consultation with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, and locations will be included in the FishSAFE system. Agreement to the issue of consent is conditional upon all works being undertaken as detailed in the Environmental Statement. No additional environmental / monitoring conditions were attached to the decision.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
D/4211/2018 BP Exploration Operating Co Ltd Alligin Development 204/19a & 204/20a 19/10/2018
Summary of representations received Consultees confirmed no objections and no representations were received in response to the public notice.
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to seabed disturbance, marine discharges, noise and atmospheric emissions, but impacts were assessed as localised and not significant.
Relevant mitigation measures, environmental conditions or monitoring conditions attached to decision Pipeline stabilisation materials to be discussed with relevant fishermen’s representative body, and appropriate controls will be put in in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement to the issue of consent is conditional upon all works being undertaken as detailed in the Environmental Statement. No additional environmental / monitoring conditions were attached to the decision.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
D/4207/2017 Corallian Energy Ltd Colter (98/11-E) Appraisal Well 98/11 24/10/2018
Summary of representations received  Consultees requested further information in relation to the check-shot survey noise modelling and drill cuttings discharges, and also suggested that the risk to sensitive species could be reduced if operations were undertaken in the winter. 75 representations were received in response to the public notice.
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based  Main considerations related to seabed disturbance, marine discharges, noise and atmospheric emissions, but impacts were assessed as localised and not significant.
Relevant mitigation measures, environmental conditions or monitoring conditions attached to decision   The proposed drilling operations will be scheduled to take place in winter (November to February), and cuttings generated whilst drilling through the reservoir section will be shipped onshore for treatment and disposal. Appropriate controls will be put in in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement to the issue of consent is conditional upon all works being undertaken as detailed in the Environmental Statement. No additional environmental / monitoring conditions were attached to the decision. 

Having regard to the environmental statement(s) submitted under the above Regulations, any information provided under regulation 10 of these Regulations and any representations received, the Secretary of State has assessed the project(s) as not likely to have a significant effect on the environment and has agreed to the grant of consent under the Petroleum Act 1998.

Direction Decisions

Pursuant to regulations 6(11) and 6(12) of the above Regulations, the Secretary of State gives notice of the following decision(s), in respect of application(s) made under regulation 6 of the above Regulations requesting a direction confirming that a relevant project need not be accompanied by an environmental statement and confirming the Secretary of State’s agreement to the grant of consent.

Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
DRA/581 Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd Buzzard Well 20/6a-CP40 20/6 04/09/2018
DRA/594 Apache North Sea Ltd Forties Delta Well 21/10-D66 21/10 04/09/2018
DRA/592 Chevron North Sea Ltd Captain Well 13/22a-C34Y 13/22a 06/09/2018
DRA/598 Total E&P North Sea UK Ltd Culzean Well C6 Completion 22/25 10/09/2018
DRA/605 Apache North Sea Ltd Forties Well 21/10-D37 21/10 17/10/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to marine discharges and atmospheric emissions. Discharges assessed as no risk to marine environment, and atmospheric emissions rapidly dispersed to background levels. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features / measures Any cuttings contaminated with oil-based mud will be treated offshore prior to discharge or shipped to shore for treatment and disposal. Appropriate controls will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
DRA/589 Apache Beryl I Ltd Callater Well 09/19b-CB3 09/19b 05/09/2018
DRA/528 Neptune E & P UK Ltd FB9 West Exploration Well 44/12b-G 44/12b 17/10/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to marine discharges, atmospheric emissions and interference with other users of the sea. Discharges assessed as no risk to marine environment and atmospheric emissions rapidly dispersed to background levels. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features / measures Any cuttings contaminated with oil-based mud will be treated offshore prior to discharge or shipped to shore for treatment and disposal, and works will be undertaken in accordance with applicable navigational conditions. Appropriate controls will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
PLA/602 Repsol Sinopec North Sea Limited Fulmar 20” Gas Export SSIV/NRV Inspection 30/16 14/09/18
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to seabed excavations and deposit of materials on the seabed. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features / measures Excavations and deposits will be the minimum required to achieve objectives, and appropriate controls will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement was given to the issue of consent providing works are undertaken as specified in the application.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
PLA/448 ConocoPhillips (U.K.) Britannia Ltd Britannia Export Pipeline Deposits, PL1270 19/11 07/09/2018
PLA/562 Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd Telford Pipeline Deposits, PL829 15/22 14/09/2018
PLA/595 Spirit Energy North Sea Ltd Eris Pipeline Deposits 47/8 08/10/2018
PLA/597 BBL Company V.O.F. BBL Pipeline Deposits 52/3 26/10/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to deposit of materials on the seabed and interference with other users of the sea. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features / measures Deposits will be the minimum required to achieve objectives and designed to prevent unnecessary interference with other users of the sea. Works will be undertaken in accordance with applicable navigational conditions and appropriate controls will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement was given to the issue of consent providing works are undertaken as specified in the application.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
PLA/579 Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd Telford Pipeline Installation, PL4523 15/22 18/09/2018
PLA/585 Premier Oil UK Limited Burgman Pipeline Installation 28/9 26/09/2018
PLA/586 Teekay Petrojarl Floating Production UK Ltd Banff Umbilical Installation 22/27a 05/10/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to deposit of materials on the seabed and marine discharges. Discharges assessed as no risk to the marine environment, and impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features/measures Deposits will be the minimum required to achieve objectives and appropriate controls will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement was given to the issue of consent providing works are undertaken as specified in the application.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
PLA/490 Shell U.K. Ltd Brent Bypass Phase II PLEM Installation and Deposits 211/29 03/08/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to installation of infrastructure and associated deposit of materials on the seabed, and interference with other users of the sea. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features / measures Deposits will be the minimum required to achieve objectives and designed to prevent unnecessary interference with other users of the sea. Works will be undertaken in accordance with applicable navigational conditions and appropriate controls will be in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events. Agreement was given to the issue of consent providing works are undertaken as specified in the application.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
PRA/43 Apache Beryl I Ltd Garten Field Commencement of Production 9/13a 17/10/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to marine discharges and atmospheric emissions. Discharges assessed as no risk to the environment and atmospheric emissions rapidly dispersed to background levels. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features/measures Appropriate controls in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events and agreement was given to the issue of consent providing increases are as specified in the application.
Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block Decision Issued
PRA/141 Total E&P UK Ltd Central Graben Area (Elgin) Increase in Production 22/30b & 22/30c 04/08/2018
PRA/35 ConocoPhillips Petroleum Company U.K. Ltd Joanne Field Increase in Production 30/07a 10/10/2018
PRA/24 Chrysaor North Sea Ltd Maria Field Increase in Production 22/05b 12/10/2018
PRA/46 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Ltd Montrose Field Increase in Production 22/17 12/10/2018
PRA/126 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Ltd Godwin Field Increase in Production 22/17 12/10/2018
PRA/53 Shell U.K. Ltd Gannet F Field Increase in Production 21/30 18/10/2018
PRA/53 Shell U.K. Ltd Gannet G Field Increase in Production 22/21 18/10/2018
PRA/259 Teekay Hummingbird Production Ltd Chestnut Field Increase in Production 22/2a 22/10/2018
PRA/52 Shell U.K. Ltd Starling Field Increase in Production 29/3 23/10/2018
PRA/53 Shell U.K. Ltd Gannet A Field Increase in Production 21/25 23/10/2018
PRA/53 Shell U.K. Ltd Gannet B Field Increase in Production 21/25 23/10/2018
PRA/232 Petrofac Facilities Management Ltd Scolty Field Increase in Production 21/8 23/10/2018
PRA/232 Petrofac Facilities Management Ltd Goosander Field Increase in Production 21/12 24/10/2018
PRA/41 CNR International (U.K.) Ltd Columba B/D Field Increase in Production 3/8a 26/10/2018
PRA/22 Shell U.K. Ltd Howe Field Increase in Production 22/12 30/10/2018
PRA/22 Shell U.K. Ltd Bardolino Field Increase in Production 22/13 30/10/2018
PRA/84 Shell U.K. Ltd Brigantine C Field Increase in Production 49/19 30/10/2018
PRA/52 Shell U.K. Ltd Merganser Field Increase in Production 22/30 31/10/2018
PRA/52 Shell U.K. Ltd Scoter Field Increase in Production 22/30 31/10/2018
PRA/223 Repsol Sinopec Resources UK Ltd Beauly Field Increase in Production 16/21 31/10/2018
Main reasons / conclusions on which decision is based Main considerations related to marine discharges and atmospheric emissions. Discharges assessed as no risk to the environment and atmospheric emissions rapidly dispersed to background levels. Impacts assessed as localised and not significant.
Mitigation features / measures Appropriate controls in place to reduce the likelihood of accidental events and agreement was given to the issue of consent, providing increase is as specified in the application.

Having regard to the relevant application(s) for direction(s) submitted under the above Regulations, the Secretary of State has assessed the project(s) as not likely to have a significant effect on the environment and has given a direction that the application for consent under the Petroleum Act 1998 need not be accompanied by an environmental statement. The main reasons and considerations on which this decision is based are summarised above and have taken full account of the characteristics of the project, the environmental sensitivity of the areas likely to be affected by the project and the nature and significance of the potential impacts, as set out in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

Excluded Activities

Pursuant to regulation 5(10) of the above Regulations, the Secretary of State gives notice that, having regard to the matters set out in regulations 5(2) and/or 5(2A) and Schedule 1 to the Regulations, the Secretary of State has decided that the operations in respect of which consent is sought would not be likely to have a significant effect on the environment and accordingly no environmental statement need be prepared in respect of the relevant project.

Reference Operator Project Name Quad / Block
EX-65-2018 Anasuria Operating Company Ltd Teal and Teal South Fields Pipeline Works 21/25-8 and 21/25-10
EX-66-2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Ltd Eris Hydraulic Line Change-out and Stabilisation Works 47/8
EX-67-2018 Shell U.K. Ltd Pierce Electric Cable Replacement 23/27
EX-68-2018 Perenco UK Ltd Mercury Field Pipeline Works 47/09
EX-69-2018 Shell U.K. Ltd Shearwater Field Freespan Remediation Works 22/30
EX-70-2018 EnQuest Heather Ltd West Don Field Pipeline Works 211/18
EX-71-2018 Spirit Energy North Sea Ltd Chestnut Field Pipeline Works 22/02A

Further information in relation to all the decisions detailed in this notice can be found on the GOV.UK website at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/oil-and-gas-environmental-data.

If you have any questions in relation to this notice or the decisions, please contact the Environmental Management Team, Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED), AB1 Building, Crimon Place, Aberdeen AB10 1BJ (e-mail: emt@beis.gov.uk).