Directive 2009/31/EC of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

Step 3.3: Risk assessment U.K.

The risk assessment shall comprise, inter alia, the following: U.K.

3.3.1. Hazard characterisation U.K.

Hazard characterisation shall be undertaken by characterising the potential for leakage from the storage complex, as established through dynamic modelling and security characterisation described above. This shall include consideration of, inter alia:

(a)

potential leakage pathways;

(b)

potential magnitude of leakage events for identified leakage pathways (flux rates);

(c)

critical parameters affecting potential leakage (for example maximum reservoir pressure, maximum injection rate, temperature, sensitivity to various assumptions in the static geological Earth model(s));

(d)

secondary effects of storage of CO₂, including displaced formation fluids and new substances created by the storing of CO₂;

(e)

any other factors which could pose a hazard to human health or the environment (for example physical structures associated with the project).

The hazard characterisation shall cover the full range of potential operating conditions to test the security of the storage complex.

3.3.2. Exposure assessment — based on the characteristics of the environment and the distribution and activities of the human population above the storage complex, and the potential behaviour and fate of leaking CO₂ from potential pathways identified under Step 3.3.1. U.K.

3.3.3. Effects assessment — based on the sensitivity of particular species, communities or habitats linked to potential leakage events identified under Step 3.3.1. Where relevant it shall include effects of exposure to elevated CO₂ concentrations in the biosphere (including soils, marine sediments and benthic waters (asphyxiation; hypercapnia) and reduced pH in those environments as a consequence of leaking CO₂). It shall also include an assessment of the effects of other substances that may be present in leaking CO₂ streams (either impurities present in the injection stream or new substances formed through storage of CO₂). These effects shall be considered at a range of temporal and spatial scales, and linked to a range of different magnitudes of leakage events. U.K.

3.3.4. Risk characterisation — this shall comprise an assessment of the safety and integrity of the site in the short and long term, including an assessment of the risk of leakage under the proposed conditions of use, and of the worst-case environment and health impacts. The risk characterisation shall be conducted based on the hazard, exposure and effects assessment. It shall include an assessment of the sources of uncertainty identified during the steps of characterisation and assessment of storage site and when feasible, a description of the possibilities to reduce uncertainty. U.K.