Consultation open for guidance on best-practice decommissioning

Department releases draft policy and guideline for decommissioning petroleum and geothermal energy property, equipment and infrastructure
Date: Monday, 09 October 2023

The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) is seeking feedback from stakeholders on a draft policy and guideline for the decommissioning of petroleum and geothermal energy property, equipment and infrastructure in Western Australian onshore areas and State coastal waters.

The draft policy and guideline were prepared following industry feedback received on the Draft Decommissioning Discussion Paper released for consultation in September 2022.

The materials outline the department’s expectations for decommissioning and provide clear guidance to registered holders on their decommissioning and rehabilitation obligations.

DMIRS Resource and Environmental Compliance Division’s Acting Executive Director Dan Endacott said the department will continue to emphasise the importance of proactively managing decommissioning and rehabilitation throughout the life of the project.

“Safe, timely and responsible decommissioning is a key priority for DMIRS, and these guidance materials outline the appropriate level of planning and actions registered holders should be undertaking to meet their obligations.”

“Developed in consultation with stakeholders, they identify the key to successful decommissioning is early, detailed and continual planning, as well as progressive decommissioning where possible.”

All submitted feedback will be considered when finalising the policy and guideline. 

More information on the documents and the feedback process can be found at the open consultation page. Feedback submissions close on Monday 4 December 2023.