As part of the consent process for well operations, the DTI consults with various other Government Departments and non-Governmental bodies with regard to a proposed well. Each application to drill (PON 4) is considered with respect to the fulfilment of specific licence obligations and the impact on the environment and other users of the sea e.g. shipping. Drilling and petroleum developments offshore are subject to the requirements of the Offshore Petroleum Production and Pipe-lines (Assessment of Environmental Effects) Regulations 1999 which implement the EU Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (PON 15 & 16). A full environmental statement may be required for wells which are determined to be likely to have significant effect on the environment by virtue of their nature, size or location.
The technical aspects of well applications (PON 4) are processed within 21 days of receipt. Further consents to sidetrack (PON 4), workover or complete (PON 8), suspend or abandon (PON 5) are normally handled more quickly. Suspended wells are regarded as a short-term measure that needs to be fully justified.
From November 2000 a new web based well consent system (WONS) was implemented to provide an alternative to Operators who wish to apply for consent to drilling operations (PONS 4,5 & 8) electronically. This new system has simplified the procedure for well consents by reducing the need for multiple applications and consents and also provides a fast and secure method for transmitting information. Contact Phil Harrison for more details and instructions for company registration or alternatively view the WONS web location for further information.
Safety is dealt with by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which also requires a 21 day notification period for well applications. The Offshore Installations and Wells (Design and Construction, etc.) Regulations 1996 are applicable to these activities.
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| Title
| Table of Contents
Appendix 1 | Appendix 2 | Appendix 3 | Appendix 4 | Appendix
5 | Appendix 6 | Appendix 7 | Appendix 8 | Appendix 9
Appendix 10 | Appendix 11 | Appendix 12 |
Appendix 13 | Appendix 14 | Appendix 15 |
Appendix 16 | Appendix
17
Index Map | Plate 1 |
Plate 2W | Plate 2E | Plate 3W | Plate 3E | Plate
4W | Plate 4E |
Plate 5 | Plate 6
Plate 7 | Plate
8W | Plate 8E | Plate 9W | Plate 9E | Plate 10W | Plate
10E | Plate 11 | Plate 12 | Legend