1.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), the operator must close a storage site where the conditions for closure referred to in regulation 8(h) of the Storage of Carbon Dioxide (Licensing etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (“the Regulations”) are met.
(2) Subject to paragraph (4), the operator may close a storage site if—
(a)the consent of the authority has been given following an application under sub-paragraph (3); and
(b)any conditions attached to that consent have been met.
(3) An application for the authority’s consent to the closure of a storage site must—
(a)be made in writing and sent to the Scottish Ministers; and
(b)contain the reasons why the operator proposes to close the storage site.
(4) A storage site may not be closed under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) until the terms of the post-closure plan have been determined under regulation 12(3) of the Regulations.