The draft guidance aims to clarify the regulatory requirements for the removal of oil and gas property and sea dumping of infrastructure in Commonwealth waters as part of decommissioning.
The removal of all property and infrastructure is the default requirement. In limited circumstances, titleholders and operators may be given permission to leave property and infrastructure in place if they meet the regulatory requirements.
The draft guidance clarifies existing requirements under Australian law and explains the:
- regulatory requirements around infrastructure that can’t be left in the sea
- infrastructure that may be permitted to be left in the sea, in limited circumstances
- application and assessment considerations, including safety and environmental protection considerations.
The draft guidance is a joint development between the:
- Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR)
- Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
- National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority (NOPSEMA).
It follows the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 and Environment Protection (Sea Dumping) Act 1981.
We’re seeking feedback from anyone with an interest in removing oil and gas property and sea dumping of infrastructure in Commonwealth waters as part of decommissioning.