Hunterston Decommissioning - matters regarding the Petroleum Act 1998: EIR release

Information requested

In relation to the proposed decommissioning at Hunterston;

for a copy of electronic communication approved by Mr Stewart on the same subject; and clarification on matters surrounding “offshore” regarding the Petroleum Act 1998.

Response

Your previous EIR response FOI/19/01364 contains the information you have requested. Specifically, the submission email to the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, dated 04 February 2019 and his decision email of 06 February 2019.  This is available on the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/foi-19-01364/

In response to your other questions:

Q: Provide details of how you define ‘offshore’ as covered by the Act.

The Petroleum legislation relates to decommissioning of offshore oil and gas facilities and pipelines.

Q: Section 12 of the Guidance Notes refers to the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas facilities and pipelines.  A pipeline has to come ashore at some point.  Where in your view is the differentiation?

Scottish Government Petroleum legislation is not devolved.  We cannot offer you a view on the interpretation of this legislation.

Q: That the proposed decommissioning work below Mean Low Water Springs at Hunterston is not covered by Section 12 of the Guidance Notes for the Petroleum Act 1998?

The Scottish Government have not offered views on whether the decommissioning works below Mean Low Water Springs would or would not be covered

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