These Regulations make temporary modifications to the Offshore Chemicals Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/1355) (“the 2002 Regulations”) and the Offshore Petroleum Activities (Oil and Pollution Prevention and Control) Regulations 2005 (S.I. 2005/2055) (“the 2005 Regulations”).

The 2002 Regulations set out various requirements for obtaining a permit to allow an operator to use and discharge chemicals. The 2005 Regulations provide that, in order for operators of offshore installations to discharge oil into relevant waters, a permit must be granted to them. Both sets of regulations set out the procedures to be followed when making a permit application.

The modifications made by these Regulations disapply the requirement for applicants for such permits to make copies of relevant documents available for public inspection at an address in the United Kingdom where the effects of coronavirus mean that is not reasonably practicable for the public to inspect them. They provide that copies of documents do not need to be made available to be obtained in person in these circumstances and that copies of the application for consent must be accessible on a public website or supplied by post free of charge or provided electronically where requested, during this period. The modifications will lapse 12 months after the Regulations come into force.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as this is a temporary, emergency measure and no significant impact on business, charities, voluntary bodies or the public sector is foreseen.