The Preesall Underground Gas Storage Facility Order 2015

Decommissioning of individual operational caverns during operational phase

32.—(1) Following the completion of all solution mining works relating to the creation of a proposed operational cavern pursuant to the powers granted in this Order, if that proposed operational cavern is determined during testing to be unsuitable for the storage of gas and after a period of 24 months from the date of that determination it is still deemed unsuitable for storage of gas, then a scheme detailing the decommissioning of that proposed operational cavern (referred to hereafter in this paragraph as a “redundant cavern”) and infrastructure related to that redundant cavern not required for the remainder of the authorised development shall be submitted to the relevant planning authority for approval.

(2) The scheme referred to in sub-paragraph (1) shall also set out proposals for—

(a) the long-term management of the redundant cavern;

(b) the monitoring of the redundant cavern;

(c) a risk management plan setting out measures to be taken in appropriate circumstances to minimise risk in respect of the redundant cavern; and

(d) a timetable for implementation of the scheme.

(3) Following written approval by the relevant planning authority, the scheme referred to in sub-paragraph (1) shall be implemented.