Regulation 16 InspectionsF1

(1)

The authority must carry out an inspection (a “routine inspection”) of a storage complex—

(a)

during the initial period—

(i)

no later than 1 year from the date that period commences; and

(ii)

subsequently, no later than 1 year from the date of the immediately previous inspection; and

(b)

during the post-closure period—

(i)

no later than 5 years from the date that period commences; and

(ii)

subsequently, no later than 5 years from the date of the immediately previous inspection.

(2)

A routine inspection must include an examination of—

(a)

the injection and monitoring facilities; and

(b)

the effects on the environment and human health of the activities carried out under the relevant licence.

(3)

The authority must carry out an inspection of a storage complex if—

(a)

the authority becomes aware of—

(i)

leakages or significant irregularities; or

(ii)

a breach of the terms or conditions of the relevant storage permit; or

(b)

a complaint is made to the authority about the effects of activities carried out under the relevant licence on the environment or to human health, unless the authority believes that complaint is frivolous or vexatious.

(4)

The authority may carry out an inspection other than when required under paragraphs (1) or (3) as the authority considers appropriate.

(5)

An inspection carried out pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4)—

(a)

does not constitute a routine inspection for the purposes of paragraph (1); but

(b)

may be carried out simultaneously with a routine inspection.

(6)

In this regulation, in relation to any storage complex—

(a)

“initial period” means the period commencing on the date on which injection commences at the storage site and ending on the third anniversary of the date of closure of the storage site;

(b)

“monitoring facilities” means facilities used for the carrying out of a programme of monitoring pursuant to paragraph 2 of Schedule 2;

(c)

“post-closure period” means the period commencing on the day after the third anniversary of the date of closure of the storage site and ending on the date on which the relevant licence is terminated; and

(d)

“year” means a period of 12 months.

Annotations

Textual amendments

F1: Regs. 16-20 and cross-heading inserted (23.2.2012) by The Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Inspections etc.) Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/461), regs. 1, 4