Non Derogation Decommissioning Programme Template - November 2018
Non Derogation Decommissioning Programme Template - November 2018
Non Derogation Decommissioning Programme Template - November 2018
Version 3
Standard
Decommissioning
Programme(s)
Template
(Non-Derogation)
Insert date
Consultaion/pre-draft
1
Document Control
Insert Tables of Document Revisions.
Approvals
Revision Control
Distribution List
2
Contents
Note: Annotate the Contents table to indicate which sections refer to installation or pipeline
programmes or both. INST = Installations PL = Pipelines INST PL
Delete options and brackets where appropriate. Remove red help text throughout document
1 Executive Summary 5
1.1 Decommissioning Programme/Combined Decommissioning Programmes 5 √ √
1.2 Requirement for Decommissioning Programme(s) 5 √ √
1.3 Introduction 5 √ √
1.4 Overview of Installation(s)/Pipeline(s) Being Decommissioned 6 √ √
1.5 Summary of Proposed Decommissioning Programme(s) 7 √ √
1.6 Field Location Including Field Layout and Adjacent Facilities 8 √ √
1.7 Industrial Implications 11
6 Programme Management 30
6.1 Project Management and Verification 30 √ √
6.2 Post-Decommissioning Debris Clearance and Verification 30 √ √
6.3 Schedule 31 √ √
6.4 Costs 31 √ √
6.5 Close Out 32 √ √
6.6 Post-Decommissioning Monitoring and Evaluation 32 √ √
7 Supporting Documents 33 √ √
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Terms and Abbreviations
Include a table of the terms and abbreviations used in the document (examples in blue below).
Abbreviation Explanation
OPRED Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning
EA Environmental Appraisal
CA Comparative Assessment
Appendices
Include a table of the Appendices which are to be included as part of this document (example in blue below).
Note: The Environmental Appraisal (EA) and any Comparative Assessment (CA) for pipelines are separate,
referenced documents in support of the decommissioning programme(s). They should not be included as an
Appendix but listed in Section 7 (Supporting Documents).
A copy of the Public Notice should be attached as an appendix to the final version of the programme.
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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Combined Decommissioning Programmes: Please provide a clear statement confirming that there is a separate
programme for each set of associated notices served under Section 29 of the Petroleum Act 1998.
Installation(s):
In accordance with the Petroleum Act 1998, the Section 29 notice holders of the ________________
installation(s)/field (see Table 1.2) are applying to the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and
Decommissioning (OPRED) to obtain approval for decommissioning the installations detailed in Section 2.1 and
2.2 of this programme. (See also Section 8 - Partner Letter(s) of Support).
Pipeline(s):
In accordance with the Petroleum Act 1998, the Section 29 notice holders of the ________________ pipelines
(see Table 1.4) are applying to the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning
(OPRED) to obtain approval for decommissioning the pipelines detailed in Section 2.3 of this programme. (See
also Section 8 – Partner Letter(s) of Support).
In conjunction with public, stakeholder and regulatory consultation, the decommissioning programme(s) is/are
submitted in compliance with national and international regulations and OPRED guidelines. The schedule
outlined in this document is for a _____ year decommissioning project plan due to begin in ________________.
1.3 Introduction
Insert introductory paragraphs outlining the background of the decommissioning proposal with information on
topsides, jacket and pipelines (where applicable). Freeform text as per example paragraphs below. (Suggested
maximum of 250 words)
The Welland Field is located in the Southern Basin of the UKCS in license block 53/4a. Welland was discovered in
1983 and consists of three gas reservoirs with condensate traces. It received Annex B approval in 1989 for a
single platform remotely operated from Thames platform. The platform was installed, and production started in
1990. Production ceased in 2003 due to excessive water rates and equipment failures. Cessation of Production
notification was submitted in 2004.
Welland Platform is a 1000 Te topside minimum facilities structure in 37m water depth. It was designed and
operated as a normally unattended satellite installation. Gas was exported to the nearby Thames complex.
Subsea tie-backs to 3 remote wells comingle with production from the 2 platform wells.
Following public, stakeholder and regulatory consultation, the decommissioning programme(s) is/are submitted
without derogation and in full compliance with OPRED guidelines. The decommissioning programme(s) explains
the principles of the removal activities and is supported by an environmental appraisal (EA).
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1.4 Overview of Installation(s)/Pipeline(s) Being Decommissioned
1.4.1 Installation(s)
Any companies which are Exited companies on the Section 29 Notice should also be listed here. Do not include
withdrawn companies.
*Please use full registered company names as recorded on Companies House.
1.4.2 Pipeline(s)
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Any companies which are Exited companies on the Section 29 Notice should also be listed here. Do not include
withdrawn companies.
* Please use full registered company names as recorded on Companies House.
7
Abandoned in accordance with Meets OGA and HSE regulatory A PON5/ Portal Environmental
Oil & Gas UK Guidelines for the requirements. Tracking System (PETS)/Marine
Suspension and abandonment of Licence application under the
Wells. relevant regulations will be
submitted in support of works
carried out.
6. Drill Cuttings
Leave in place to degrade Cuttings pile is small, thin and Left undisturbed on seabed.
naturally. widely dispersed and falls below
both of OSPAR 2006/5 thresholds
7. Interdependencies
Provide (as appropriate) a comment on any interactions between the different elements of the
decommissioning programme e.g. drill cuttings/drilling templates etc.
Whole of jacket can be removed; cuttings pile has little influence on jacket options. Jacket piles can be cut
with minimal disturbance to the thin layer of cuttings around bottoms of legs. Small amounts of sediment and
cuttings may have to be displaced to allow pile cutting.
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Figure 1.2: Field Layout
Insert a diagram to show the layout of the field, including subsea installation(s) (see example)
Include details in this section of decommissioning arrangements for any pipeline crossings that are impacted
by the decommissioning activity.
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Figure 1.3: Adjacent Facilities
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2 DESCRIPTION OF ITEMS TO BE DECOMMISSIONED
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Protection
Structure(s)
(WHPS)
Concrete n/a
mattresses
Grout bags n/a
Formwork n/a
Frond Mats n/a
Rock Dump n/a
Other (describe n/a
briefly)
*Template/manifold/WHPS/Manifold etc.
** Location to be given in both WGS84 decimal and WGS84 decimal of a minute (3 decimal places) formats.
***Indicate in comments/status if piled to seabed.
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2.3 Pipelines Including Stabilisation Features
Complete Tables 2.3 and 2.4 with details of pipelines, flowlines and umbilicals. Please use pipeline details as per OGA PWA consent.
Note – Structures including SSIV’s, SDU’S and other similar subsea structures which have been captured in the relevant PWA documentation as components of the
pipeline system should be listed in the relevant pipelines sections and tables of the decommissioning programme. As these are substantial structures full removal is
required. For such structures please include a brief sentence or footnote to the Subsea Installation section of the DP i.e. Section 3.3 to note that X subsea structure
associated with the X pipeline system will be fully removed to shore.
Export line PL674 16" 17.5 Concrete Gas Welland South Platform Trenched with Operational Hydrocarbon
coated steel – SSIV on Thames AW 7m section
Platform exposed
MEG line PL675 3" 17.5 Composite Chemicals Thames AW Platform – Surface laid Operational Chemicals
Flexible Welland South Platform No free spans
Well 2 Subsea flowline PL678 8" 4.2 Concrete Gas Well-53/04a- 5 – Trenched and Operational Hydrocarbon
coated steel Welland South Platform buried
Well 2 Subsea control PL681 4"/0.75" 4.2 Composite Chemicals Welland South Platform Trenched and IPR Chemicals
umbilical & MEG line Flexible - Well-53/04a- 5 buried
FTP FEPA Exempt 0.17 Composite DC1 – U61R Out of Use
Flexible
1
e.g. Concrete; Steel; Umbilical; Flexible; Bundle
2
e.g. Oil; Gas; Water; Chemicals
3
e.g. Laid on seabed; Trenched; Trenched and Buried; Spanning
4
e.g. Operational; Out-of-use; Interim Pipeline Regime (IPR)
5
e.g. Cleaned; Flushed; Hydrocarbons and/or Chemicals in line
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Table 2.4: Subsea Pipeline Stabilisation Features
Stabilisation Feature Total Number Weight (Te) Location(s) Exposed/Buried/Condition
Concrete mattresses 5 6 tonnes each At PL123 and PL456 crossing Exposed
points.
Can only be recovered when cross
over lines are decommissioned
Grout bags 80 25kg each Around the subsea tee piece Exposed
Formwork n/a
Frond Mats n/a
Rock Dump n/a 2000 2 Locations on PL674
Other (describe briefly) n/a
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2.4 Wells
Complete Table 2.5 (examples in blue below)
For details of well categorisation see OGUK Guidelines for the Suspension or Abandonment of Wells. Issue 5,
July 2015.
Complete Table 2.6 for each cuttings pile (examples in blue below)
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2.6 Inventory Estimates
Provide a table or graph (see pie chart example shown) giving the inventory estimates for the decommissioning
programme(s) contained in this document. Refer to tables or data in the supporting Environmental Appraisal.
Please list the inventories in both tonnage and percentage.
15% Non-Ferrous
NORM/Haz
Other
21%
7% Steel
5% Concrete
Plastic
12%
Non-Ferrous
70% NORM/Haz
Other
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3 REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL METHODS
In line with the waste hierarchy, the re-use of an installation (or parts thereof) is first in the order of
preferred decommissioning options. OPRED is keen to encourage the re-use of facilities wherever this is
practical and will expect the decommissioning programme(s) to demonstrate that the potential for re-use has
been examined fully.
The programme(s) should therefore include a statement of how the principles of the waste hierarchy will be
met, including the extent to which the installation(s) (or parts thereof) will be reused, recycled or scrapped.
(Suggested maximum 250 words)
3.1 Topsides
3.1.1 Topsides Decommissioning Overview
Indicate N/A if no topsides. Briefly describe the topsides and decommissioning methodology (see example in
blue below). Insert a diagram to illustrate. Repeat for each topside in the programme(s). Note: For floating
facilities, provide a brief description of the decommissioning method. (Suggested maximum 150 words)
Topsides Description: The Welland Topside Structure comprises three levels and weighs 942 Te. The lower
level is the cellar deck with process, hydraulic pressure equipment and wells. The 20m x 14m main deck
supports the control room, generation and temporary accommodation facilities with a pedestal crane and vent
boom. The main deck is 25.6m above sea level. A helideck is located at the upper level.
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Preparation/Cleaning: Outline in Table 3.1 the methods that will be used to flush, purge or clean the topsides
offshore, prior to removal to shore, (see examples in blue below).
Removal Methods: Topsides must be completely removed and returned to shore. Possible methods should be
outlined in Table 3.2 (see examples in blue below). Tick which methods you are considering for topsides
decommissioning. Then briefly describe those applicable to your project.
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3.2 Jacket(s)
3.2.1 Jacket Decommissioning Overview
Indicate N/A if no Jacket. Provide an overview of the Jacket(s) Decommissioning methods. See example in blue
below. Outline any special considerations affecting the options. Insert a diagram to illustrate. Repeat for each
jacket in the programme(s). (Suggested maximum 150 words)
The jacket legs may need to be cut at the -11m level (26m above sea-bed) to allow re-use of the topsides by a
Perenco subsidiary at a proposed new location. Although the full engineering process is not yet finalised, it is
envisaged that the Legs will be removed with piles in completeness and then cut on the vessel/barge decks or
at an onshore location to the required length. The lower 26m of the jacket and piles and the subsea wellhead
protection frames will be transported ashore for recycling.
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3.2.2 Jacket Removal Methods
Tick the different methods that you are considering for the removal and disposal of the jacket. Complete Table
3.3 (examples in blue below) to describe how the jacket would be removed completely and returned to shore.
Any piles should be severed below the natural seabed level at such a depth to ensure that any remains are
unlikely to become uncovered. Operators should aim to achieve a cut depth of 3m below the natural seabed
level, however consideration will be given to the prevailing seabed conditions which should be detailed below.
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Wellhead(s) 2 Full recovery as part of MODU Return to shore for reuse or
campaign to P&A wells recycling
Manifold(s) 1 Full recovery Return to shore for reuse or
recycling
Template(s)
Protection Frame(s)
Concrete mattresses 200 Full recovery Recover to shore
20 It is intended that the mattresses
will be recovered to shore, however Transport ashore for disposal
in the event of practical difficulties
during the removal execution ,
OPRED will be consulted and an
alternative method of
decommissioning will be examined
through a comparative assessment.
Grout bags
Formwork
Frond Mats
Rock Dump
Other (describe briefly)
3.4 Pipelines
Decommissioning Options: In Table 3.5 summarise the pipeline(s) or pipeline groups that fall within the
decommissioning programme. (See examples in blue below). Include a cross reference to Table 2.3. Remedial
rock-dump is not OPRED’s preferred decommissioning solution and should only be selected following discussion
with OPRED and if a comparative assessment shows this is the best outcome and other options are not feasible.
*Key to Options:
1) Remove - reverse reeling 2) Remove - Reverse S lay 3) Trench and bury
4) Remedial removal 5) Remedial trenching 6) Partial Removal
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Comparative Assessment Method: Briefly outline the method used to undertake a Comparative Assessment in
line with the requirements of OPRED Guidelines. Cross reference to Comparative Assessment document.
(Suggested maximum of 100 words)
Outcome of Comparative Assessment: Produce a table similar to example in Table 3.6 below for each pipeline
or pipeline group, summarising the outcome of the Comparative Assessment. Identify the recommended option,
and briefly present your justification for this recommendation. Cross-reference any separate Comparative
Assessment document. Repeat for each pipeline/pipeline group
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3.6 Wells
Provide a short statement, similar to the example in blue below, to indicate your approach to well plug and
abandonment. (Suggested maximum of 150 words)
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3.7 Drill Cuttings
Drill Cuttings Decommissioning Options: OSPAR recommendation 2006/5 has indicated that if the oil release
rate from a cuttings pile is less than 10Te/yr and the area persistence is less than 500 km2years then the best
environmental option for the management of the pile is to leave it in place undisturbed to degrade naturally.
Complete Table 3.9 to give details of each of the drill cuttings pile(s). Repeat for each pile and delete or add
extra columns as appropriate. Note any interactions between the cuttings pile(s) and jacket removal.
Comparative Assessment Method: Briefly outline the method used to undertake a Comparative Assessment in
line with requirements of OSPAR recommendation 2006/5 (if applicable). Cross reference to the Comparative
Assessment document. (Suggested maximum of 100 words)
Outcome of Comparative Assessment: Provide a brief summary of the outcome of the Comparative
Assessment for each cuttings pile and of the proposed action to deal with the pile. (Suggested maximum of 100
words for each pile)
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3.8 Waste Streams
Provide a summary in Table 3.10 (similar to example in blue below) describing how the main waste streams
arising from the proposed programme(s) would be managed. If applicable, recognise any potential issues
regarding the trans-frontier shipment of waste. Also, complete Table 3.11 detailing the planned final disposition
of the inventories from the installation(s) and pipeline(s).
Include a statement/graph/table giving your aspirations for the percentages of materials recovered to shore
that will be reused, recycled or disposed of to landfill. Refer to the appropriate sections of the EA to provide
additional detail. (Suggested maximum of 100 words)
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4 ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL OVERVIEW
Seabed
Fish
Fisheries
Marine Mammals
Birds
Onshore Communities
Atmosphere
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4.2 Potential Environmental Impacts and their Management
Environmental Impact Assessment Summary:
Provide a summary of the main impacts identified in the EA, taking into account feedback from consultees - see example in blue below. (Suggested maximum of
250 words)
Overview: Although there is expected to be some environmental impact during the decommissioning of the Welland infrastructure (53/4a, 49/28a and 49/29b),
long term environmental impacts from the decommissioning operations are expected to be negligible. In addition, incremental cumulative impacts and trans-
boundary effects associated with the planned decommissioning operations are expected to be negligible. There will be no planned use of explosives during
these activities. We acknowledge that there will be a requirement for an environmental protection plan to be produced and submitted to OPRED should this
plan change.
Complete Table 4.2 identifying the main environmental impacts associated with decommissioning each of the facilities and summarising how these impacts will
be managed. (Suggested maximum of 100 words for each section)
Decommissioning Pipelines
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5 INTERESTED PARTY CONSULTATIONS
Consultations Summary: (This section should be updated when the statutory consultation phase is
completed)
1) Informal Stakeholder Consultations – Include a brief summaries of other consultations you have
undertaken to date and reference any supporting documents. Under “Response” indicate how
stakeholder concerns have been addressed and/or influenced your decision-making process. Updates
should be provided to OPRED as consultations progress.
2) Statutory Consultations – To be completed after public consultation. - Summarise key comments received
to date from statutory consultees (similar to example in blue below). Provide copies of the public notice
and correspondence from statutory consultees as an Appendix.
Statutory Consultations
National Federation of “Dismantling process … Regular risk assessments to be agreed
Fishermen’s Organisations presents an ongoing danger to and discussed with NFFO
fishermen … Perenco must
ensure arrangement in place …
which updates risk assessment”
Scottish Fishermen’s
Federation
Northern Ireland Fish
Producers Organisation
Global Marine Systems Limited
Public
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6 PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT
A Project Management team will be appointed to manage suitable sub-contractors for the removal of the
installation. Standard procedures for operational control and hazard identification and management will be
used. Where possible the work will be coordinated with other decommissioning operations in the SNS. The
Management team will monitor and track the process of consents and the consultations required as part of
this process. Any changes in detail to the offshore removal programme will be discussed and agreed with
OPRED.
A post decommissioning site survey will be carried out around a 500m radius of installation sites and a 100m
corridor (50m either side) along each existing pipeline route to identify any debris. Any seabed debris related
to offshore oil and gas activities will be recovered for onshore disposal or recycling in line with existing
disposal methods. Independent verification of seabed state will be obtained by trawling the installation sites
and pipeline corridors. This will be followed by a statement of clearance to all relevant governmental
departments and non-governmental organisations.
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6.3 Schedule
Project Plan: Insert a Gantt chart version of the simplified project plan, with key dates and defined milestones,
as per example below.
6.4 Costs
This should include an overall cost estimate in GBP sterling of the preferred decommissioning option. The
estimate should be broken down to reflect the different activities, preferably in accordance with the ‘Element
Level’ of the Oil & Gas UK Decommissioning Cost Estimating Guidelines, work breakdown structure. Cost
detail will be kept confidential with a separate programme including costs provide to OPRED.
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6.5 Close Out
Include a statement similar to the example in blue below. (Suggested maximum of 100 words)
In accordance with the OPRED Guidelines, a close out report will be submitted to OPRED within 1 year of the
completion of the offshore decommissioning scope including debris clearance, verification of seabed
clearance and the first post-decommissioning environmental survey. The report will detail the outcomes of
surveys as well as explain any major variances from the programme.
A post decommissioning environmental seabed survey, centred around sites of the wellheads and
installations, will be carried out. The survey will focus on chemical and physical disturbances of the
decommissioning and be compared with the pre decommissioning survey. Results of this survey will be
available once the work is complete, with a copy forwarded to OPRED. All pipeline routes and installation
sites will be the subject of surveys when decommissioning activity has concluded. After the surveys have
been sent to OPRED and reviewed, a risk based post monitoring survey regime will be agreed by both parties.
Typically, a minimum of two post decommissioning environmental surveys and structural pipeline surveys are
expected.
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7 SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS
Provide a list of supporting documents (and supporting diagrams, graphics or other material) that you have
referenced in the programme(s) which are not presented in the Appendices. See examples in blue below.
For latest document versions provide a web link for all stakeholder/interested parties (or access to other
document control mechanism).
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8 PARTNER LETTER(S) OF SUPPORT
Copies of letter(s) of support from current equity holders in the field should be provided here. Originals should
be submitted with final version of the Programme(s).
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