The Offshore Gas Storage and Unloading (Licensing) Regulations 2009

Discovery of Petroleum

29.—(1) This paragraph applies if paragraph (4) does not apply, and the Licensee—

(a) becomes aware, whether by means of a geological survey or otherwise, of the presence of any amount of Petroleum at a place within the Licensed Area;

(b) is not the holder of a Petroleum Licence entitling the holder to bore for and get Petroleum in that place; and

(c) has not entered into any agreement with the holder of such a licence, and in accordance with its provisions, entitling the Licensee to the Petroleum got in that place.

(2) Where paragraph (1) applies the Licensee shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable—

(a) notify the Minister of that fact in writing; and

(b) comply with any directions given by the Minister (which may, in particular, require the Licensee to avoid carrying on any activities under this licence in such part of the Licensed Area, and for such period, as may be specified in the direction).

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (1), “Petroleum Licence” means a licence under section 3 of the Petroleum Act 1998(1) or section 2 of the Petroleum (Production) Act 1934(2).

(4) This paragraph applies if the Licensee—

(a) has commenced operations to recover gas from an excluded feature (within the meaning of paragraph (6)); and

(b) becomes aware of any increase in the amount of Petroleum in that feature.

(5) Where paragraph (4) applies the Licensee shall, as soon as is reasonably practicable, notify the Minister of that fact in writing and supply such further information as the Minister may request.

(6) An excluded feature is a place, or a part of a place, in respect of which a direction under section 15 of the Energy Act 2008 is in effect.

(1)

1998 c. 17.

(2)

1934 c. 36 (24 & 25 Geo. 5).