Regulations for decommissioning offshore oil and gas infrastructure

The aim of these regulations is to strengthen New Zealand’s decommissioning framework for oil and gas installations in the Exclusive Economic Zone. 

They do this through requiring operators to plan for decommissioning and to engage early with the public, iwi, stakeholders, and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).  

Official title

The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects—Decommissioning Plans) Regulations 2021

Lead agency

MfE

In force from

28 October 2021

About the regulations

The Exclusive Economic Zone and Continental Shelf (Environmental Effects) Act 2012 (EEZ Act) was amended in 2017 to require operators of offshore oil and gas installations to submit a decommissioning plan to the EPA before they apply for marine consents for decommissioning-related activities. These regulations set out the information that must be included in a decommissioning plan, and the process and criteria for the EPA to assess and accept them.

The regulations require decommissioning plans to go through comprehensive consultation. If structures will not be completely removed (or if there are submarine pipelines), the proposed decommissioning approach must be the best practicable environmental option.

Guidance

MfE plans to develop guidance for these regulations in 2022.