Appendix 4: Environmental Considerations and the role of DECC

It is important that operators consider effects on the environment at all stages in the life cycle of a pipeline. A loss of pipeline integrity resulting in an oil release to sea may have an environmental impact. Under the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (as amended) a person is guilty of an offence if they release any oil, or allow such a release to continue. Pipelines must also be included within the scope of an Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (OPEP) as required by the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998 and associated Guidance.

DECC is the offshore environmental regulator for enforcement of these Regulations and for approval of offshore installation OPEPs, including pipelines. DECC may seek information from operators on the actions being taken to prevent releases to sea and may conduct investigations into any releases of oil to sea that occur.