Underground gas storage regulations change
Commercial insurance
27th April 2009
Regulations regarding the underground storage of gas have been changed, it has emerged.
Previously, the storage of gas in depleted reservoirs was regulated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) under the Borehole Sites and Operations Regulations 1995; however, it is now within the scope of the Control of Major Accident Hazards (Comah) Regulations 1999.
Gwyneth Deakins, head of the HSE's major hazards policy unit, said the application of Comah is now in line with the most recent advice from Europe.
"Regulation of this area through Comah will provide the most appropriate safety standards as storage increases," she remarked.
In 2004, the UK became a net importer of natural gas and the need to increase storage capacity throughout the country to help secure affordable energy supplies has led to greater reliance on underground containment methods.
Industry analysts believe that the UK will important around 80 per cent of its gas by 2015.
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