Consultation opens for best-practice decommissioning

Decommissioned oil rigs.
Decommissioned oil rigs.

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is seeking feedback for the decommissioning of petroleum and geothermal energy property, equipment and infrastructure in WA onshore areas and State coastal waters.

The draft policy and guideline were prepared following industry feedback received on the Draft Decommissioning Discussion Paper which was released for consultation in September 2022.

The materials outline DMIRS’ expectation for decommissioning and provide clear guidance to registered holders on their decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations.

DMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Division’s acting executive director Dan Endacott says the department will emphasise the importance of proactively managing decommissioning and rehabilitation.

“Safe, timely and responsible decommissioning is a key priority for DMIRS, and these guidance materials outline the appropriate level of planning and actions registered holders should be undertaking to meet their obligations,” he said.

“Developed in consultation with stakeholders, they identify the key to successful decommissioning is early, detailed and continual planning, as well as progressive decommissioning where possible.”

All submitted feedback will be considered when finalising the policy and guideline. Feedback submissions close on December 4, 2023.

Advertisement