Effects of the Harmonised Mandatory Control System (OSPAR Decision 2000/2) on Service Companies

Abstract

Abstract The regulatory body in charge of the North Sea environment is the Oslo Paris Commission, and the key document agreed by the signatory countries is the OSPAR Convention, which came into force in 1998. In June 2000, OSPAR introduced Decision 2000/2, describing a Harmonised Mandatory Control System (HMCS) for the use and reduction of discharge of offshore chemicals. At the heart of this Decision are Recommendations 2000/4 (concerning a Harmonised Pre-screening scheme for offshore chemicals) and 2000/5 (on a Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format, or HOCNF). This Decision and the Recommendations it contains entered into force on 16 January 2001. Decision 2000/2 serves to co-ordinate and harmonise the regulation of offshore chemicals within the convention area. These new regulations have a significant impact on the oil industry operating in the North Sea, and the associated service companies have to put significant effort into complying with these regulations. The major features introduced are: The Harmonised Pre-screening SchemeA new HOCNF formatThe ‘CHARM’ model to calculate HQ valuesObligatory fish tests Although the HMCS was set-up to harmonise the regulations in the convention area, each country implements the regulations differently. The paper describes how Halliburton Energy Services has implemented these changes, how they have influenced the development and registration of products, and how implementation of the regulations by different countries varies.