Seanad debates

Tuesday, 30 March 2010

Petroleum (Exploration and Extraction) Safety Bill 2010 [Seanad Bill amended by the Dáil]: Report and Final Stages.

 

2:00 am

Photo of Jim WalshJim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I would like to refer specifically to amendment No. 2 which deals with the decommissioning of petroleum infrastructure. As a result of the amendment, the Bill now defines "decommissioning", in relation to petroleum infrastructure, as "taking the facility, structure or installation or any part of such facility, structure or installation permanently out of use with a view to its abandonment in situ or removal". I presume inherent in this definition is a requirement that such infrastructure be left in a safe condition. Perhaps it is specified elsewhere in this legislation. Efforts should be made to ensure the decontamination process is fully effective. It is obvious that decontamination is a huge issue when one of these facilities is being decommissioned. I assume it is understood in this legislation that such a facility should be left in an environmentally acceptable condition. Perhaps it is specified in the Bill. I have to say I would prefer the Bill to be prescriptive in this regard than to define "decommissioning" in a loose manner. It is one of the issues and thoughts that have occurred to me. I have some small knowledge of the issues that can arise when petroleum installations are decommissioned, especially when they are left in situ. I am concerned when they are left in situ because proactive steps need to be taken immediately to ensure decontamination takes place. If that is not done, vapours can present risks to people who might enter the sites involved legally or illegally. I would like the Minister of State to provide some clarification on this issue.

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