The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said it had opened an investigation into a possible breach of field production consents contrary to the requirements of the licences.
SANCTION PROCEDURE
This is the third investigation into compliance matters opened by the industry regulatory body during 2021.
The OGA said it had started the latest investigation under its sanction procedure.
This follows an enquiry which concluded that there was sufficient initial evidence to merit a full investigation into a potential failure to comply with such consents.
THEMATIC REVIEW
The OGA added that the investigation would, among other things:
– gather and assess further information to enable it to reach a decision
– offer the company concerned the opportunity to provide written representations
– decide how the case should be resolved
The investigation follows the publication in October 2020 of the OGA’s Thematic Review into industry compliance with regulatory obligations.
2021 INVESTIGATIONS
Previous cases include a transaction delay, possible breach of flare consent, possible licence breach. OGA also fined bp £50,000 for licence breach.