Part 2Sustainability and Renewable Energy Sources
Chapter 3Decommissioning of offshore installations
Decommissioning regulations
I1111Regulations about decommissioning
1
The Secretary of State may make regulations relating to the decommissioning of relevant objects in waters regulated under this Chapter.
2
The provision that may be contained in regulations under this section includes, in particular—
a
provision prescribing standards in respect of decommissioning;
b
provision prescribing standards and safety requirements in respect of anything left in place where a relevant object is not wholly removed;
c
provision about the security that a person may be required to provide under this Chapter;
d
provision for the prevention of pollution;
e
provision for inspections, including provision as to the payment of the costs of inspections.
3
Regulations under this section may include provision making it an offence to contravene provisions of the regulations.
4
Where the regulations under this section create an offence, they must make provision as to the mode of trial and punishment of offenders; but there is no power for regulations under this section—
a
to impose a penalty of imprisonment on summary conviction, or to impose a maximum fine, on summary conviction, of more than the statutory maximum; or
b
to impose a maximum term of imprisonment, on conviction on indictment, of more than two years.
5
Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State must consult—
a
organisations appearing to him to be representative of persons who will be affected by the regulations; and
b
any other persons he considers appropriate.
6
Before making regulations under this section containing provision that relates to the decommissioning of relevant objects which are to be or are, wholly or partly—
a
in Scottish waters, or
b
in waters in a Scottish part of a Renewable Energy Zone,
the Secretary of State must consult the Scottish Ministers.
7
Regulations under this section are subject to the negative resolution procedure.