GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE REGULATIONS

SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 549.68

GEOLOGICAL STORAGE

OF CARBON DIOXIDE REGULATIONS

29th August, 2011 *

LEGAL NOTICE 346 of 2011, as amended by Legal Notice 291 of 2015.

(1) The title of these regulations is the Geological Storage

of Carbon Dioxide Regulations.

(2) These regulations transpose Directive 2009/31/EC on the

geological storage of carbon dioxide and amending Council

Directive 85/337/EEC, European Parliament and Council

Directives 2000/60/EC, 2001/80/EC, 2004/35/EC, 2006/12/EC,

2008/1/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006.

(3) The scope of these regulations is to establish a legal

framework for the environmentally safe geological storage of

carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to contribute to the fight against climate

change. The purpose of environmentally safe geological storage of

CO 2 is permanent containment of CO 2 in such a way as to prevent

and, where this is not possible, eliminate as far as possible negative

effects and any risk to the environment and human health.

Regulation 4(2)

CRITERIA FOR THE CHARACTERISATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THE

POTENTIAL STORAGE COMPLEX AND SURROUNDING AREA REFERRED

TO IN REGULATION 4(2)

The characterisation and assessment of the potential storage complex and

surrounding area referred to in regulation 4(2) shall be carried out in three steps

according to best practices at the time of the assessment and to the following criteria.

Derogations from one or more of these criteria may be permitted by the competent

auth ori ty pro vid ed th e op erato r has demonstrated t hat the capacity of the

characterisation and assessment to enable the determinations pursuant to regulation

4 is not affected.

Step 1: Data collection

Sufficient data shall be accumulated to construct a volumetric and three-

dimensional static (3-D)-earth model for the storage site and storage complex,

including the caprock, and the surrounding area, including the hydraulically

connected areas. This data shall cover at least the following intrinsic characteristics

of the storage complex

(a) geology and geophysics;

(b) hydrogeology (in particular existence of ground water intended for

consumption);

(c) reservoir engineering (including volumetric calculations of pore volume

for CO 2 injection and ultimate storage capacity);

(d) geochemistry (dissolution rates, mineralisation rates);

(e) geomechanics (permeability, fracture pressure);

(f)

seismicity;

(g) presence and condition of natural and man-made pathways, including

wells and boreholes which could provide leakage pathways.

The following characteristics of the complex vicinity shall be documented

(h) domains surrounding the storage complex that may be affected by the

storage of CO 2 in the storage site;

(i)

population distribution in the region overlying the storage site;

(j)

proximity to valuable natural resources (including in particular Natura

2000 areas pursuant to Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979

on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC of

21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna

and flora, potable groundwater and hydrocarbons);

(k) activities around the storage complex and possible interactions with

these activities (for example, exploration, production and storage of

hydrocarbons, geothermal use of aquifers and use of underground water

reserves);

(l)

proximity to the potential CO 2 source(s) (including estimates of the

total potential mass of CO 2 economically available for storage) and

adequate transport networks.

Step 2: Building the three-dimensional static geological earth model

GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE

Using the data collected in Step 1, a three-dimensional static geological earth

model, or a set of such models, of the candidate storage complex, including the

caprock and the hydraulically connected areas and fluids shall be built using

c om p ut e r r e s e rv oi r si m ul a t or s . T he sta tic geologica l earth model(s) sh al l

characterise the complex in terms of

(a) geological structure of the physical trap;

(b) geomechanical, geochemical and flow properties of the reservoir

overburden (caprock, seals, porous and permeable horizons) and

surrounding formations;

(c) fracture system characterisation and presence of any human-made

pathways;

(d) areal and vertical extent of the storage complex;

(e) pore space volume (including porosity distribution);

(f)

baseline fluid distribution;

(g) any other relevant characteristics.

The uncertainty associated with each of the parameters used to build the model

shall be assessed by developing a range of scenarios for each parameter and

calculating the appropriate confidence limits. Any uncertainty associated with the

model itself shall also be assessed.

St e p 3 : C h a r a c t e r i s a t i o n o f t h e s t o r a g e d y n a m i c b e h a v i o u r, s e n s i t i v i t y

characterisation, risk assessment

The characterisations and assessment shall be based on dynamic modelling,

comprising a variety of time-step simulations of CO 2 injection into the storage site

using the three-dimensional static geological earth model(s) in the computerised

storage complex simulator constructed under Step 2.

Step 3.1: Characterisation of the storage dynamic behaviour

At least the following factors shall be considered

(a) possible injection rates and CO 2 stream properties;

(b) the efficacy of coupled process modelling (that is, the way various

single effects in the simulator(s) interact);

(c) reactive processes (that is, the way reactions of the injected CO 2 with in

situ minerals feedback in the model);

(d) the reservoir simulator used (multiple simulations may be required in

order to validate certain findings);

(e) short and long-term simulations (to establish CO 2 fate and behaviour

over decades and millennia, including the rate of dissolution of CO 2 in

water).

The dynamic modelling shall provide insight into

(f)

pressure and temperature of the storage formation as a function of

injection rate and accumulative injection amount over time;

(g) areal and vertical extent of CO 2 vs time;

(h) the nature of CO 2 flow in the reservoir, including phase behaviour;

(i)

CO 2 trapping mechanisms and rates (including spill points and lateral

and vertical seals);

GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE

(j)

secondary containment systems in the overall storage complex;

(k) storage capacity and pressure gradients in the storage site;

(l)

the risk of fracturing the storage formation(s) and caprock;

(m) the risk of CO2 entry into the caprock;

(n) the risk of leakage from the storage site (for example, through

abandoned or inadequately sealed wells);

(o) the rate of migration (in open-ended reservoirs);

(p) fracture sealing rates;

(q) changes in formation(s) fluid chemistry and subsequent reactions (for

example, pH change, mineral formation) and inclusion of reactive

modelling to assess affects;

(r) displacement of formation fluids;

(s) increased seismicity and elevation at surface level.

Step 3.2: Sensitivity characterization

Multiple simulations shall be undertaken to identify the sensitivity of the

assessment to assumptions made about particular parameters. The simulations shall

be based on altering parameters in the static geological earth model(s), and changing

rate functions and assumptions in the dynamic modelling exercise. Any significant

sensitivity shall be taken into account in the risk assessment.

Step 3.3: Risk assessment

The risk assessment shall comprise, inter alia, the following

3.3.1. Hazard characterization

Hazard characterisation shall be undertaken by characterising the potential for

leakage from the storage complex, as established through dynamic modelling and

security characterisation described above. This shall include consideration of, inter

alia

(a) potential leakage pathways;

(b) potential magnitude of leakage events for identified leakage pathways

(flux rates);

(c) critical parameters affecting potential leakage (for example maximum

reservoir pressure, maximum injection rate, temperature, sensitivity to

various assumptions in the static geological Earth model(s));

(d) secondary effects of storage of CO 2 , including displaced formation

fluids and new substances created by the storing of CO 2 ;

(e) any other factors which could pose a hazard to human health or the

environment (for example physical structures associated with the

project).

The hazard characterisation shall cover the full range of potential operating

conditions to test the security of the storage complex.

3.3.2. Exposure assessment - based on the characteristics of the environment and

the distribution and activities of the human population above the storage complex,

and the potential behaviour and fate of leaking CO 2 from potential pathways

identified under Step 3.3.1.

3.3.3. Effects assessment - based on the sensitivity of particular species,

communities or habitats linked to potential leakage events identified under Step

GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE

3.3.1. Where relevant it shall include effects of exposure to elevated CO 2

concentrations in the biosphere (including soils, marine sediments and benthic

waters (asphyxiation; hypercapnia) and reduced pH in those environments as a

consequence of leaking CO 2 ). It shall also include an assessment of the effects of

other substances that may be present in leaking CO 2 streams (either impurities

present in the injection stream or new substances formed through storage of CO 2 ).

These effects shall be considered at a range of temporal and spatial scales, and

linked to a range of different magnitudes of leakage events.

3.3.4. Risk characterisation - this shall comprise an assessment of the safety and

integrity of the site in the short and long term, including an assessment of the risk of

leakage under the proposed conditions of use, and of the worst-case environment and

health impacts. The risk characterisation shall be conducted based on the hazard,

exposure and effects assessment. It shall include an assessment of the sources of

uncertainty identified during the steps of characterisation and assessment of storage

site and when feasible, a description of the possibilities to reduce uncertainty.

(1) These regulations shall apply to the geological storage

of CO 2 in Malta and on the continental shelf within the meaning of

the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

(2) These regulations shall not apply to geological storage of

CO2 with a total intended storage below 100 kilotonnes,

undertaken for research, development or testing of new products

and processes.

(3) The storage of CO 2 in a storage site with a storage complex

extending beyond the area referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be

prohibited.

(4)

The storage of CO 2 in the water column shall be prohibited.

Regulation 13(2)

CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHING AND UPDATING THE MONITORING PLAN

REFERRED TO IN REGULATION 13(2) AND FOR POST-CLOSURE

MONITORING

1. Establishing and updating the monitoring plan

The monitoring plan referred to in regulation 13(2) shall be established according

to the risk assessment analysis carried out in Step 3 of the First Schedule, and

updated with the purpose of meeting the monitoring requirements laid out in

regulation 13(1) according to the following criteria

1.1. Establishing the plan

The monitoring plan shall provide details of the monitoring to be deployed at the

main stages of the project, including baseline, operational and post-closure

monitoring. The following shall be specified for each phase

(a) parameters monitored;

(b) monitoring technology employed and justification for technology

choice;

(c) monitoring locations and spatial sampling rationale;

(d) frequency of application and temporal sampling rationale.

The parameters to be monitored are identified so as to fulfil the purposes of

monitoring. However, the plan shall in any case include continuous or intermittent

monitoring of the following items

(e) fugitive emissions of CO 2 at the injection facility;

(f)

CO 2 volumetric flow at injection wellheads;

(g) CO 2 pressure and temperature at injection wellheads (to determine mass

flow);

(h) chemical analysis of the injected material;

(i)

reservoir temperature and pressure (to determine CO 2 phase behaviour

GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CARBON DIOXIDE

and state).

The choice of monitoring technology shall be based on best practice available at

the time of design. The following options shall be considered and used as

appropriate

(j)

technologies that can detect the presence, location and migration paths

of CO 2 in the subsurface and at surface;

(k) technologies that provide information about pressure-volume behaviour

and areal/vertical distribution of CO 2 -plume to refine numerical 3-D

simulation to the 3-D-geological models of the storage formation

established pursuant to regulation 4 and the First Schedule;

(l)

technologies that can provide a wide areal spread in order to capture

information on any previously undetected potential leakage pathways

across the areal dimensions of the complete storage complex and

beyond, in the event of significant irregularities or migration of CO 2 out

of the storage complex.

1.2. Updating the plan

The data collected from the monitoring shall be collated and interpreted.

The observed results shall be compared with the behaviour predicted in dynamic

simulation of the 3-D-pressure-volume and saturation behaviour undertaken in the

context of the security characterisation pursuant to regulation 4 and Step 3 of the

First Schedule.

Where there is a significant deviation between the observed and the predicted

behaviour, the 3-D model shall be recalibrated to reflect the observed behaviour. The

recalibration shall be based on the data observations from the monitoring plan, and

where necessary to provide confidence in the recalibration assumptions, additional

data shall be obtained.

Steps 2 and 3 of the First Schedule shall be repeated using the recalibrated 3-D

model(s) so as to generate new hazard scenarios and flux rates and to revise and

update the risk assessment.

Where new CO 2 sources, pathways and flux rates or observed significant

deviations from previous assessments are identified as a result of history matching

and model recalibration, the monitoring plan shall be updated accordingly.

2. Post-closure monitoring

Post-closure monitoring shall be based on the information collected and modelled

during the implementation of the monitoring plan referred to in regulation 13(2) and

above in item 1.2 of this Schedule. It shall serve in particular to provide information

required for the determination of regulation 18(1).

(1) Unless otherwise stated in these regulations, the

definitions in the Act shall apply.

(2)

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires

"the Act" means the Malta Resources Authority Act;

"closure of a storage site" means the definitive cessation of CO2

injection into that storage site;

"CO 2 plume" means the dispersing volume of CO 2 in the

geological formation;

"CO 2 stream" means a flow of substances that results from CO 2

capture processes;

*See regulation 1(4) of these Regulations as originally promulgated.

"the Commission" means the European Commission as

established by the Treaty on the European Union as amended by

subsequent Treaties;

"the Community" means the European Community as established

by the Treaty on the European Union as amended by subsequent

Treaties;

"the competent authority" m eans the Office of the Prime

Minister, and such other body or person as the Prime Minister may

prescribe and designate as the competent authority for different

purposes in terms of different provisions of these regulations;

"corrective measures" means any measures taken to correct

significant irregularities or to close leakages in order to prevent or

stop the release of CO 2 from the storage complex;

"Environment and Resources Authority" means the Environment

and Resources Aut horit y est ab lished under article 6 o f the

Environment Protection Act;

" e x p l o r a t io n " m e a n s t h e a s s e s s m e n t of p o t e n ti a l st o r a ge

complexes for the purposes of geologically storing CO 2 by means

of activities intruding into the subsurface such as drilling to obtain

geological information about strata in the potential storage

complex and, as appropriate, carrying out injection tests in order to

characterise the storage site;

"exploration permit" means a written and reasoned decision

authorising exploration, and specifying the conditions under which

it may take place, issued by the competent authority pursuant to the

requirements of these regulations and any other applicable law;

"geological formation" means a lithostratigraphical subdivision

within which distinct rock layers can be found and mapped;

"geological storage of CO 2 " means injection accompanied by

storage of CO 2 streams in underground geological formations;

"hydraulic unit" means a hydraulically connected pore space

where pressure communication can be measured by technical

means and which is bordered by flow barriers, such as faults, salt

domes, lithological boundaries, or by the wedging out or

outcropping of the formation;

"leakage" means any release of CO 2 from the storage complex;

"migration" means the movement of CO 2 within the storage

complex;

"operator" means any natural or legal, private or public person

who operates or controls the storage site or to whom decisive

economic power over the technical functioning of the storage site

has been delegated according to applicable legislation;

"post-closure" means the period after the closure of a storage

site, including the period after the transfer of responsibility to the

competent authority;

"significant irregularity" means any irregularity in the injection

or storage operations or in the condition of the storage complex

itself, which implies the risk of a leakage or risk to the environment

or human health;

"significant risk" means a combination of a probability of

occurrence of damage and a magnitude of damage that cannot be

disregarded without calling into question the purpose of these

regulations for the storage site concerned;

"storage complex" means the storage site and surrounding

geological domain which can have an effect on overall storage

integrity and security; that is, secondary containment formations;

"storage permit" means a written and reasoned decision or

decisions authorising the geological storage of CO 2 in a storage

site by the operator, and specifying the conditions under which it

may take place, issued by the competent authority pursuant to the

requirements of these regulations and any other applicable law;

"storage site" means a defined volume area within a geological

formation used for the geological storage of CO 2 and associated

surface and injection facilities;

"substantial change" means any change not provided for in the

s t o r a g e p e r m i t , w h i c h m a y h a v e s i g n i f i c a n t e ff e c t s o n t h e

environment or human health;

"transport network" means the network of pipelines, including

associated booster stations, for the transport of CO 2 to the storage

site;

" w a s t e " s h a l l h a v e t h e s a m e m e a n i n g a s i n t h e Wa s t e

Regulations;

"water column" means the vertically continuous mass of water

from the surface to the bottom sediments of a water body.

(1) The competent authority shall retain the right to

determine the areas within the meaning of regulation 2(1) from

which storage sites may be selected pursuant to the requirements of

these regulations and any other applicable law. This includes the

right of the competent authority not to allow for any storage in

parts or in the whole of those areas.

(2) The suitability of a geological formation for use as a

storage site shall be determined through a characterisation and

assessment of the potential storage complex and surrounding area

pursuant to the criteria specified in the First Schedule.

(3) A geological formation shall only be selected as a storage

site, if under the proposed conditions of use there is no significant

risk of leakage, and if no significant environmental or health risks

exist.

(1) Where the competent authority decides that exploration

is required to generate the information necessary for selection of

storage sites pursuant to regulation 4, an exploration permit issued

by the competent authority shall be required for the carrying out of

any exploration. Where appropriate, monitoring of injection tests

may be included in the exploration permit.

(2) The procedures for the granting of exploration permits shall

be open to all entities possessing the necessary capacities. Permits

shall be granted or refused by the competent authority on the basis

of objective, published and non-discriminatory criteria.

(3) The duration of a permit shall not exceed the period

necessary to carry out the exploration for which it is granted. The

competent authority may extend the validity of the permit where

the stipulated duration is insufficient to complete the exploration

concerned and where the exploration has been performed in

accordance with the permit. Exploration permits shall be granted in

respect of a limited volume area.

(4) The competent authority may include any condition in the

exploration permit as it may deem necessary and expedient.

(5) The holder of an exploration permit shall have the sole

right to explore the potential CO 2 storage complex. No conflicting

uses of the complex are to be permitted during the period of

validity of the permit.

(1) The operation of a storage site without a storage permit

shall be prohibited.

(2) Only one operator for each storage site shall be permitted

by the Competent Authority and no conflicting uses shall be

permitted on the site.

(3) The procedures for the granting of storage permits shall be

open to all entities possessing the necessary capacities. Permits

shall be granted by the competent authority on the basis of

objective, published and transparent criteria.

(4) Without prejudice to the requirements of these regulations

and of the requirements of any other applicable law, priority for the

granting of a storage permit for a particular site shall be given to

the holder of the exploration permit for that site

Provided that the exploration of that site is completed, that

any condition set in the exploration permit has been complied with,

and that the application for a storage permit is made during the

period of validity of the exploration permit.

(5) Conflicting uses of the complex during the permit

procedure shall be prohibited.

(6) The operator shall pay to the competent authority any cost

incurred in the course of the issue of the storage permit and for the

regulation of the operations so permitted.

Applications to the competent authority for storage permits

shall include at least the following information

(a) the name and address of the potential operator;

(b) proof of the technical competence of the potential

operator;

(c) the characterisation of the storage site and storage

complex and an assessment of the expected security of

the storage pursuant to regulation 4(2) and (3);

(d) the total quantity of CO 2 to be injected and stored, as

well as the prospective sources and transport methods,

the composition of CO 2 streams, the injection rates

and pressures, and the location of injection facilities;

(e) a description of measures to prevent significant

irregularities;

(f)

a proposed monitoring plan pursuant to regulation

13(2);

(g) a proposed corrective measures plan pursuant to

regulation 16(2);

(h) a proposed provisional post-closure plan pursuant to

regulation17(3);

(i)

the information provided pursuant to regulation 5 of

the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations;

(j)

proof that the financial security or other equivalent

provision as required under regulation 19 shall be

valid and effective before the commencement of the

injection.

The competent authority shall issue a storage permit only if

the following conditions are met

(a) the competent authority, on the basis of the application

submitted pursuant to regulation 7 and of any other

relevant information, is satisfied that

(i)

all relevant requirements of these regulations

and of other relevant laws are met;

(ii) the operator is financially sound and technically

competent and reliable to operate and control the

site and that professional and technical

development and training of the operator and all

staff are provided;

(iii) in the case of more than one storage site in the

same hydraulic unit, the potential pressure

interactions are such that both sites can

simultaneously meet the requirements of these

regulations and of any other applicable law; and

(b) the competent authority has considered any opinion of

the Commission on the draft permit issued pursuant to

regulation 10.

The permit shall contain at least the following

(a) the name and address of the operator;

(b) the precise location and delimitation of the storage site

and storage complex, and information concerning the

hydraulic unit;

(c) the requirements for storage operation, the total

quantity of CO 2 authorised to be geologically stored,

the reservoir pressure limits, and the maximum

injection rates and pressures;

(d) the requirements for the composition of the CO 2

stream and the CO 2 stream acceptance procedure

pursuant to regulation 12, and, if necessary, further

requirements for injection and storage in particular to

prevent significant irregularities;

(e) the approved monitoring plan, the obligation to

implement the plan and requirements for updating it

pursuant to regulation 13 as well as the reporting

requirements pursuant to regulation 14;

(f)

the requirement to notify the competent authority in

the event of leakages or significant irregularities, the

approved corrective measures plan and the obligation

to implement the corrective measures plan in the event

of leakages or significant irregularities pursuant to

regulation 16;

(g) the conditions for closure and the approved

provisional post-closure plan referred to in regulation

17;

(h) any provisions on changes, review, updating and

withdrawal of the storage permit pursuant to

regulation 11;

(i)

the requirement to establish and maintain the financial

security or any other equivalent pursuant to regulation

(1) L-awtorità

kompetenti

għandha

tagħmel

l-

applikazzjonijiet għall-permess disponibbli għall-Kummissjoni fi

żmien xahar minn meta tkun rċevithom. L-awtorità kompetenti

għandha wkoll tagħmel disponibbli materjal relatat ieħor li għandu

jiġi meqjus mill-awtorità kompetenti meta din tkun ser tieħu

deċiżjoni dwar l-għoti ta’ permess għall-ħżin. L-awtorità

kompetenti għandha tgħarraf lill-Kummissjoni bl-abbozzi tal-

permessi għall-ħżin kollha, u b’kull materjal ieħor meqjus meta jiġi

adottat l-abbozz tad-deċiżjoni.

(2) L-awtorità kompetenti għandha tinforma bid-deċiżjoni

finali lill-Kummissjoni, u fejn tkun tvarja mill-opinjoni li tkun

ingħatat mill-Kummissjoni, hi għandha tagħti r-raġunijiet għad-

deċiżjoni tagħha.

(1) L-operatur għandu jinforma lill-awtorità kompetenti

b’kull bidla ppjanata fl-operazzjoni tas-sit tal-ħżin, inkluż tibdil li

jkun jinvolvi l-operatur. Fejn xieraq, l-awtorità kompetenti

għandha taġġorna l-permess għall-ħżin jew il-kundizzjonijiet tal-

permess.

(2) Ebda bidla sostanzjali ma tista’ tiġi implimentata mingħajr

il-ħruġ ta’ permess għall-ħżin ġdid jew aġġornat skont dawn ir-

regolamenti. Il-punt 10 tal-Iskeda 1A li tinsab mar-Regolamenti

dwar l-Istudju dwar l-Impatt Ambjentali dwar tibdil jew

estensjonijiet għal proġetti approvati għandu japplika mutatis

mutandis f’każijiet bħal dawn.

(3) L-awtorità kompetenti għandha tirrivedi u fejn meħtieġ

taġġorna jew, jekk ma jistax isir mod ieħor, tirtira l-permess għall-

ħżin

(a) jekk tkun ġiet avżata jew tkun inġibdet lilha l-

attenzjoni bi tnixxijiet jew kull irregolarità sinifikanti

skont ir-regolament 16(1);

(b) jekk ir-rapporti preżentati skont ir-regolament 14 jew

l-ispezzjonijiet ambjentali mwettqa skont ir-

regolament 15 ikunu juru nuqqas ta’ ħarsien għall-

kundizzjonijiet tal-permess jew riskji ta’ tnixxijiet jew

irregolaritajiet sinifikanti;

(ċ) jekk tkun konxja b’xi nuqqas ieħor mill-operatur li

jilħaq il-kundizzjonijiet tal-permess;

(d) jekk ikun jidher li dan ikun neċessarju abbażi tal-aktar

sejbiet xjentifiċi u progress teknoloġiku riċenti; jew

(e) mingħajr preġudizzju għall-paragrafi (a) sa (d), ħames

snin wara l-ħruġ tal-permess u wara, kull għaxar snin.

(4) Wara li jiġi rtirat permess skont is-subregolament (3), l-

awtorità kompetenti għandha jew toħroġ permess għall-ħżin ġdid

jew tagħlaq is-sit tal-ħżin skont ir-regolament 17(1)(ċ). Sakemm

ma jkunx inħareġ permess għall-ħżin ġdid, l-awtorità kompetenti

għandha temporanjament twettaq l-obbligi legali kollha relatati

mal-kriterji ta’ aċċettazzjoni meta l-awtorità kompetenti tiddeċiedi

li l-injezzjonijiet tas-CO 2 , il-monitoraġġ u l-miżuri korrettivi ma

jitwaqqfux skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti f ’dawn ir-regolamenti, iċ-

ċediment tal-kwoti f’każijiet ta’ tnixxija taħt ir-Regolamenti dwar

Sistema Kummerċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-Emissjonijiet ta’

Gassijiet Serra għal Installazzjonijiet Stazzjonarji, u azzjoni

preventiva u ta’ rimedju taħt ir-regolamenti 6 u 7 tar-Regolamenti

dwar il-Prevenzjoni u r-Rimedju għal Danni Ambjentali. L-awtorità

kompetenti għandha tirkupra kull spiża magħmula mingħand l-

o p e r a t u r p r e ċ e d e n t i u k o l l b i l l i t ag ħ m e l u ż u m i l l - g ar a n z i j a

finanzjarja msemmija fir-regolament 19. Fil-każ tal-għeluq tas-sit

tal-ħżin taħt ir-regolament 17(1), għandu japplika r-regolament

17(4).

(1) Nixxiegħa tas-CO 2 għandha tikkonsisti kważi għal

kollox f’dijossidu tal-karbonju. Għal dan il-għan, l-ebda skart jew

ħaġa oħra ma jistgħu jiġu miżjuda sabiex dak l-iskart jew ħaġa oħra

jiġu mormija. Madankollu, nixxiegħa tas-CO 2 jista’ jkun fiha

sustanzi li jkunu assocjati b’mod supplimentari mis-sors, mill-ġbir

jew mill-proċess tal-injezzjoni u sustanzi ta’ traċċi miżjuda biex

jgħinu fil-monitoraġġ u l-verifika tal-migrazzjoni tas-CO 2 . Il-

konċentrazzjonijiet tas-sustanzi kollha supplimentari u miżjuda

għandhom ikunu anqas minn livelli li

(a) ikunu jaffettwaw b’mod ħażin l-integrità tas-sit għall-

ħżin jew l-infrastruttura tat-trasport rilevanti;

(b) ikunu ta’ riskju sinifikanti għall-ambjent jew għas-

saħħa tal-bniedem; jew

(ċ) ikunu jiksru l-ħtiġiet tal-liġi Komunitarja li tkun

tapplika.

(2)

L-operatur għandu

(a) jaċċetta u jinjetta biss nixxigħat tas-CO 2 jekk ikunu

twettqu analiżi tal-kompożizzjoni, inklużi s-sustanzi

korrużivi, tan-nixxigħat, u stima tar-riskju, u jekk l-

istima tar-riskju turi li l-livelli ta’ kontaminazzjoni

jkunu skont il-kundizzjonijiet imsemmija fis-

subregolament (1);

(b) iżomm reġistru tal-kwantitajiet u l-karatteristiċi tan-

nixxiegħat tas-CO 2 li jkunu konsenjati u injettati,

inkluża l-kompożizzjoni ta’ dawk in-nixxiegħat.

(1) L-operatur għandu jwettaq monitoraġġ tal-faċilitajiet

ta’ injezzjoni, tal-kumpless tal-ħżin (ukoll fejn possibbli tal-

formazzjoni tas-CO 2 ), u fejn xieraq tal-ambjent tal-madwar għall-

fini ta’

(a) qbil bejn il-kumpless attwali u dak immuddellat tas-

CO 2 u ilma ta’ formazzjoni, fis-sit tal-ħżin;

(b) identifikazzjoni ta’ irregolaritajiet sinifikanti;

(ċ) identifikazzjoni ta’ migrazzjoni ta’ CO 2 ;

(d) identifikazzjoni ta’ tnixxija tas-CO 2 ;

(e) identifikazzjoni ta’ effetti ta’ ħsara sinifikanti għall-

ambjent tal-madwar, anki b’mod partikolari fuq l-ilma

tax-xorb, għall-popolazzjonijiet tal-bnedmin, jew

għall-utenti tal-bijosfera tal-madwar;

(f)

valutazzjoni tal-effettività ta’ kull miżura korrettiva

meħuda skont ir-regolament 16;

(g) aġġornament tal-valutazzjoni tas-sigurtà u l-integrità

tal-kumpless tal-ħżin fil-perjodu qasir u dak fit-tul,

inkluża l-valutazzjoni jekk is-CO 2 maħżun ikunx se

jkun miżmum għal kollox u b’mod permanenti.

(2) Il-monitoraġġ għandu jkun ibbażat fuq pjan ta’ monitoraġġ

imfassal mill-operatur skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti fit-Tieni Skeda,

inklużi dettalji dwar il-monitoraġġ skont il-linji gwida stabbiliti

taħt ir-regolament 13 tar-Regolamenti dwar Sistema Kummerċjali

tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-Emissjonijiet ta’ Gassijiet Serra għal

Installazzjonijiet Stazzjonarji, preżentat lill-awtorità kompetenti u

approvat minnha skont ir-regolamenti 7(f) u 9(5)(e). Il-pjan għandu

jiġi aġġornat skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti fit-Tieni Skeda u f’kull każ

kull ħames snin biex jitqies t-tibdil għar-riskju vvalutat ta’ tnixxija,

tibdil fir-riskji stmati għall-ambjent u s-saħħa tal-bniedem, tagħrif

xjentifiku ġdid, u titjib fl-aħjar teknoloġija disponibbli. Għandhom

jiġu preżentati mill-ġdid pjanijiet aġġornati għall-approvazzjoni

lill-awtorità kompetenti.

L-operatur għandu jippreżenta lill-awtorità kompetenti, bi

frekwenza li għandha tiġi stabbilita mill-awtorità kompetenti, u

f’kull każ mill-inqas darba f’sena

(a) ir-riżultati kollha tal-monitoraġġ taħt ir-regolament 13

fil-perjodu tar-rappurtaġġ inkluż it-tagħrif dwar it-

teknoloġija tal-monitoraġġ li tkun tintuża;

(b) il-kwantitajiet u l-karatteristiċi tan-nixxigħat tas-CO 2

ikkonsenjati u injettati, inkluża l-kompożizzjoni ta’

dawk

in-nixxigħat,

fil-perjodu

tar-rappurtaġġ,

reġistrati skont ir-regolament 12(2)(b);

(ċ) prova tat-twaqqif u taż-żamma tal-garanzija

finanzjarja taħt ir-regolamenti 9(i) u 19;

(d) kull tagħrif ieħor li l-awtorità kompetenti tqis rilevanti

għall-finijiet tal-valutazzjoni tal-ħarsien għall-

kundizzjonijiet tal-permess għall-ħżin u taż-żjieda fit-

tagħrif dwar il-kumpless tas-CO 2 fis-sit tal-ħżin.

(1) L-awtorità kompetenti għandha torganizza sistema ta’

spezzjonijiet ta’ rutina jew mhux ta’ rutina tal-kumplessi tal-ħżin

kollha għall-fini ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti għall-finijiet ta’ verifika u

biex iħeġġu l-ħarsien għall-ħtiġiet ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti u tal-

monitoraġġ tal-effetti fuq l-ambjent u fuq is-saħħa tal-bniedem.

(2) L-ispezzjonijiet għandhom jinkludu attivitajiet bħal żjarat

tal-istallazzjonijiet tal-wiċċ, inklużi l-faċilitajiet ta’ injezzjoni, il-

valutazzjoni tal-operazzjonijiet ta’ injezzjoni u ta’ monitoraġġi

mwettqa mill-operatur, u l-verifika tar-reġistri kollha rilevanti

miżmuma mill-operatur.

(3) L-ispezzjonijiet ta’ rutina għandhom jitwettqu mill-inqas

darba fis-sena sa tliet snin wara l-għeluq u kull ħames snin sa meta

jseħħ it-trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà lill-awtorità kompetenti. L-

awtorità kompetenti għandha teżamina il-faċilitajiet ta’ injezzjoni u

ta’ monitoraġġ rilevanti kif ukoll il-firxa sħiħa tal-effetti rilevanti

mill-kumpless tal-ħżin fuq l-ambjent u fuq is-saħħa tal-bniedem.

(4)

L-ispezzjonijiet mhux ta’ rutina għandhom jitwettqu

(a) jekk l-awtorità kompetenti tkun ġiet avżata jew tkun

ġiet mgħarrfa bi tnixxijiet jew b’irregolaritajiet

sinifikanti skont ir-regolament 16(1);

(b) jekk ir-rapporti skont ir-regolament 14 ikunu wrew

nuqqas ta’ ħarsien għall-kundizzjonijiet tal-permess;

(ċ) biex jiġu investigati lmenti serji relatati mal-ambjent

jew mas-saħħa tal-bniedem;

(d) f’sitwazzjonijiet oħra fejn l-awtorità kompetenti tqis li

dan ikun xieraq.

(5) Wara kull spezzjoni, l-awtorità kompetenti għandha

tipprepara rapport dwar ir-riżultati tal-ispezzjoni. Ir-rapport għandu

jevalwa l-ħarsien għall-ħtiġiet ta’ dawn ir-regolamenti u jindika

jekk tkunx meħtieġa jew le azzjoni oħra. Ir-rapport għandu jiġi

nfurmat lill-operatur ikkonċernat u għandu jkun disponibbli

pubblikament skont il-liġi Komunitarja rilevanti fi żmien xahrejn

mill-ispezzjoni.

(1) F’każ ta’ tnixxijiet jew irregolaritajiet sinifikanti l-

operatur għandu jinforma minnufih lill-awtorità kompetenti u jieħu

l-miżuri korrettivi meħtieġa inklużi miżuri li jkollhom x’jaqsmu

mal-protezzjoni tas-saħħa tal-bniedem. Fil-każijiet ta’ tnixxijiet u

irregolaritajiet sinifikanti li jimplikaw ir-riskju ta’ tnixxija, l-

operatur għandu jinforma wkoll lill-awtorità skont ir-Regolamenti

dwar Sistema Kummerċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-

Emissjonijiet ta’ Gassijiet Serra għal Installazzjonijiet Stazzjonarji.

(2) Il-miżuri korrettivi msemmija fis-subregolament (1)

għandhom jittieħdu bħala minimu abbażi ta’ pjan ta’ miżuri

korrettivi preżentat lill-awtorità kompetenti u approvat minnha

skont ir-regolamenti 7(g) u 9(f).

(3) L-awtorità kompetenti tista’ f’kull waqt teħtieġ lill-

operatur biex jieħu l-miżuri korrettivi meħtieġa kif ukoll il-miżuri

relatati mal-protezzjoni tas-saħħa tal-bniedem. Dawn jistgħu jkunu

supplimentari għal jew differenti minn dawk stabbiliti fil-pjan ta’

miżuri korrettivi. L-awtorità kompetenti tista’ wkoll f ’kull waqt

tieħu miżuri korrettivi hi stess.

(4) Jekk l-operatur jonqos milli jieħu l-miżuri korrettivi

meħtieġa, l-awtorità kompetenti għandha tieħu l-miżuri korrettivi

meħtieġa hi stess.

(5) L-awtorità kompetenti għandha tiġbor l-ispejjeż li jkunu

ntnefqu fir-rigward tal-miżuri msemmija fis-subregolamenti (3) u

(4) mingħand l-operatur ukoll bl-użu tal-garanzija finanzjarja skont

ir-regolament 19.

(1) Sit tal-ħżin għandu jingħalaq

(a) jekk il-kundizzjonijiet rilevanti dikjarati fil-permess

jkunu ntlaħqu;

(b) fuq talba motivata tal-operatur, wara awtorizzazzjoni

tal-awtorità kompetenti; jew

(ċ) jekk l-awtorità kompetenti tiddeċiedi hekk wara l-

irtirar ta’ permess għall-ħżin skont ir-regolament

11(3).

(2) Wara li sit tal-ħżin jingħalaq skont is-subregolament (1)(a)

jew (b), l-operatur jibqa’ responsabbli għall-monitoraġġ, għar-

rappurtaġġ, u għall-miżuri skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti f ’dawn ir-

regolamenti, u għall-obbligi kollha relatati maċ-ċediment tal-kwoti

f ’każ ta’ tnixxijiet skont ir-Regolamenti dwar Sistema

Kummerċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-Emissjonijiet ta’ Gassijiet

Serra għal Installazzjonijiet Stazzjonarji, u azzjonijiet preventivi u

ta’ rimedju skont ir-regolamenti 6, 7, 8 u 9 tar-Regolamenti dwar

il-Prevenzjoni u r-Rimedju għal Danni Ambjentali, sakemm ir-

resp onsa bb il tà għ as-si t ta l-ħżi n ti ġi t rasferit a li ll -aw to ri tà

kompetenti taħt ir-regolament 18(1) sa (5). L-operatur għandu

wkoll ikun responsabbli għall-issiġillar tas-sit tal-ħżin u t-tneħħija

tal-faċilitajiet ta’ injezzjoni.

(3) L-obbligi msemmija fis-subregolament (2) għandhom

jintlaħqu abbażi ta’ pjan ta’ wara l-għeluq imfassal mill-operatur

ibbażat fuq l-aħjar prattika u skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti fit-Tieni

Skeda. Il-pjan proviżorju ta’ wara l-għeluq għandu jiġi preżentat

lill-awtorità kompetenti u jiġi approvat minnha taħt ir-regolamenti

7(h) u 9(g). Qabel l-għeluq ta’ sit tal-ħżin skont is-subregolament

(1)(a) jew (b), il-pjan proviżorju ta’ wara l-għeluq għandu jkun

(a) aġġornat kif meħtieġ, filwaqt li tingħata importanza

għall-analiżi tar-riskju, l-aħjar prattika u t-titjib

teknoloġiku;

(b) preżentat lill-awtorità kompetenti għall-approvazzjoni

tagħha; u

(ċ) approvat mill-awtorità kompetenti bħala l-pjan ta’

wara l-għeluq definittiv.

(4) Wara li sit tal-ħżin jingħalaq skont is-subregolament (1)(ċ),

l-awtorità kompetenti għandha tkun responsabbli għall-monitoraġġ

u l-miżuri korrettivi skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti f’dawn ir-regolamenti

u għall-obbligi kollha relatati maċ-ċediment tal-kwoti fil-każ ta’

tnixxija skont ir-Regolamenti dwar Sistema Kummerċjali tal-

Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-Emissjonijiet ta’ Gassijiet Serra għal

Installazzjonijiet Stazzjonarji, u għall-azzjoni preventiva u ta’

rimedju skont ir-regolamenti 6(1) u 7(1) tar-Regolamenti dwar il-

Prevenzjoni u r-Rimedju għal Danni Ambjentali. Il-ħtiġiet ta’ wara

l-għeluq skont dawn ir-regolamenti għandhom jintlaħqu mill-

awtorità kompetenti abbażi tal-pjan proviżorju ta’ wara l-għeluq

imsemmi fis-subregolament (3), li għandu jkun aġġornat kif

meħtieġ.

(5) L-awtorità kompetenti għandha tirkupra mill-operatur l-

ispejjeż li jkunu ntefqu fir-rigward tal-miżuri msemmija fis-

subregolament (4), ukoll bl-użu tal-garanzija finanzjarja skont ir-

regolament 19.

(1) Meta sit tal-ħżin jingħalaq taħt ir-regolament 17(1)(a)

jew (b), l-obbligi legali kollha relatati mal-monitoraġġ u l-miżuri

korrettivi skont il-ħtiġiet stabbiliti skont dawn ir-regolamenti, iċ-

ċediment tal-kwoti f’każijiet ta’ tnixxija skont ir-Regolamenti dwar

Sistema Kummerċjali tal-Unjoni Ewropea dwar l-Emissjonijiet ta’

Gassijiet Serra għal Installazzjonijiet Stazzjonarji, u l-azzjoni

preventiva u ta’ rimedju skont ir-regolamenti 6(1) u 7(1) tar-

R e g o l a m e n t i d w a r i l - P r e v e n z j o n i u r- R i m e d j u g ħ a l D a n n i

Ambjentali, għandhom jiġu trasferiti lill-awtorità kompetenti fuq

inizjattiva tagħha stess jew fuq talba mill-operatur kemm-il darba l-

kundizzjonijiet li ġejjin ikunu rispettati

(a) l-evidenza disponibbli kollha tkun tindika li s-CO 2

maħżun ser ikun miżmum għal kollox u tkun b’mod

permanenti;

(b) perjodu minimu, li għandu jiġi stabbilit mill-awtorità

kompetenti, jkun għadda. Dan il-perjodu minimu

m’għandux ikun inqas minn għoxrin sena, sakemm l-

awtorità kompetenti ma tkunx konvinta li l-kriterju

msemmi fil-paragrafu (a) jkun intlaħaq qabel ikun

għadda dan il-perjodu;

(ċ) l-obbligi finanzjarji msemmija fir-regolament 20 jkunu

ntlaħqu;

(d) is-sit ikun ġie siġġillat u l-faċilitajiet ta’ injezzjoni

jkunu tneħħew.

(2) L-operatur għandu jħejji rapport li jkollu fih l-kundizzjoni

msemmija fis-subregolament (1)(a) tkun intlaħqet u għandu

jippreżentah lill-awtorità kompetenti sabiex din tal-aħħar tapprova

t-trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà. Dan ir-rapport għandu juri, minn

tal-inqas

(a) il-qbil bejn il-kumpless attwali tas-CO 2 injettat u l-

kumpless immudellat;

(b) in-nuqqas ta’ xi tnixxija li tista’ tiġi rilevata;

(ċ) li s-sit għall-ħżin jkun qiegħed jevolvi lejn sitwazzjoni

ta’ stabbiltà fit-tul.

(3) Meta l-awtorità kompetenti tkun sodisfatta li l-

kundizzjonijiet imsemmija fis-subregolament (1)(a) u (b) ikunu

ntlaħqu, hi għandha tħejji abbozz ta’ deċiżjoni ta’ approvazzjoni

tat-trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà. L-abbozz tad-deċiżjoni għandu

j i s p e ċ if i k a l - m e t o d u b i e x j i ġ i s t a b b i l i t l i l- ku n d i z z j o n i j ie t

imsemmija fis-subregolament (1)(d) ikunu ntlaħqu kif ukoll kull

ħtieġa aġġornata għall-issiġġillar tas-sit għall-ħżin u għat-tneħħija

tal-faċilitajiet ta’ injezzjoni. Jekk l-awtorità kompetenti tqis li l-

kundizzjonijiet fis-subregolament (1)(a) u (b) ma jkunux intlaħqu,

hi għandha tinforma lill-operatur bir-raġunijiet tagħha.

(4) Meta l-awtorità kompetenti tkun sodisfatta li l-

kundizzjonijiet imsemmija fis-subregolament (1)(a) sa (d) ikunu

ntlaħqu, hi għandha tadotta d-deċiżjoni finali u tavża b’dik id-

deċiżjoni lill-operatur. L-awtorità kompetenti għandha wkoll

tinforma bid-deċiżjoni finali lill-Kummissjoni, u fejn tkun tvarja

mill-opinjoni li tkun ingħatat mill-Kummissjoni, hi għandha tagħti

r-raġunijiet għal dik id-deċiżjoni.

(5) Wara t-trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà l-ispezzjonijiet ta’

rutina st abbi liti fi r- regolament 15(3) għandho m jieqfu u l-

monitoraġġ jista’ jitnaqqas għal livell li jippermetti li jinstabu

tnixxijiet jew irregolaritajiet sinifikanti. Jekk jinstabu xi tnixxijiet

jew irregolaritajiet sinifikanti, l-monitoraġġ għandu jiġi

intensifikat kif meħtieġ biex jevalwa l-kobor tal-problema u l-

effikaċja ta’ miżuri korrettivi.

(6) F’każijiet fejn ikun hemm nuqqas min-naħa tal-operatur,

inklużi każijiet ta’ data mhix tajba biżżejjed, ħabi ta’ tagħrif

rilevanti, negliġenza, ingann bi ħsieb jew nuqqas fl-eżerċizzju ta’

diliġenza xierqa, l-awtorità kompetenti għandha tiġbor mingħand l-

operatur preċedenti l-ispejjeż li jkunu ntnefqu wara li jkun seħħ it-

trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà. Mingħajr preġudizzju għar-

regolament 20, m’għandu jkun hemm l-ebda ġbir ieħor tal-ispejjeż

preċedenti wara t-trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà.

(7) Fejn sit tal-ħżin jingħalaq skont ir-regolament 17(1)(ċ), it-

trasferiment tar-responsabbiltà għandu jitqies li jkun seħħ jekk u

meta l-evidenza kollha disponibbli tkun tindika li s-CO 2 maħżun se

jkun miżmum għal kollox u b’mod permanenti, u wara li s-sit ikun

ġie issiġillat u l-faċilitajiet ta’ injezzjoni jkunu ġew imneħħija.

10. (1) The competent authority shall make the permit

applications available to the Commission within one month after

receipt. The competent authority shall also make available to the

Commission other related material that shall be taken into account

by the competent authority when it seeks to make a decision on the

award of a storage permit. The competent authority shall inform the

Commission of all draft storage permits and any other material

taken into consideration for the adoption of the draft decision.

(2) The competent authority shall notify the final decision to

the Commission, and where it departs from the opinion delivered

by the Commission, it shall give reasons for its decision.

11. (1) The operator shall inform the competent authority of

any changes planned in the operation of the storage site, including

changes concerning the operator. Where it deems appropriate, the

competent authority shall update the storage permit or the permit

conditions.

(2) No substantial change may be implemented without a new

o r u pd a te d s to r a ge pe r m i t i ssu e d i n acc o r da n ce w i t h t h ese

regulations. Point 10 of Schedule 1A to the Environmental Impact

Assessment Regulations, regarding changes or extensions to

approved projects, shall mutatis mutandis apply in such cases.

(3) The competent authority shall review and where necessary

update or, as a last resort, withdraw the storage permit

(a) if it has been notified or made aware of any leakages

or significant irregularities pursuant to regulation

16(1);

(b) if the reports submitted pursuant to regulation 14 or

the environmental inspections carried out pursuant to

regulation 15 show non-compliance with permit

conditions or risks of leakages or significant

irregularities;

(c) if it is aware of any other failure by the operator to

meet the permit conditions;

(d) if it appears necessary on the basis of the latest

scientific findings and technological progress; or

(e) without prejudice to paragraphs (a) to (d), five years

after issuing the permit and every ten years thereafter.

(4) After a permit has been withdrawn pursuant to sub-

regulation 3, the competent authority shall either issue a new

storage permit or close the storage site pursuant to regulation

17(1)(c). Until a new storage permit has been issued, the competent

authority shall temporarily take over all legal obligations relating

to acceptance criteria where the competent authority decides to

continue CO 2 injections, monitoring and corrective measures

pursuant to the requirements laid down in these regulations, the

surrender of allowances in cases of leakage pursuant to the

European Union Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System for

Stationary Installations Regulations, and preventive and remedial

action pursuant to regulations 6 and 7 of the Prevention and

Remedying of Environmental Damage Regulations. The competent

authority shall recover any costs incurred from the former operator,

including by drawing on the financial security referred to in

regulation 19. In case of closure of the storage site pursuant to

regulation 17(1)(c), regulation 17(4) shall apply.

12. (1) A CO 2 stream shall consist overwhelmingly of carbon

dioxide. To this end, no waste or other matter may be added for the

purpose of disposing of that waste or other matter. However, a CO 2

stream may contain incidental associated substances from the

source, capture or injection process and trace substances added to

assist in monitoring and verifying CO 2 migration. Concentrations

of all incidental and added substances shall be below levels that

would

(a) adversely affect the integrity of the storage site or the

relevant transport infrastructure;

(b) pose a significant risk to the environment or human

health; or

(c) breach the requirements of applicable Community

legislation.

(2)

The operator shall

(a) accept and inject CO 2 streams only if an analysis of

the composition, including corrosive substances, of the

streams and a risk assessment have been carried out,

and if the risk assessment has shown that the

contamination levels are inline with the conditions

referred to in sub-regulation (1);

(b) keeps a register of the quantities and properties of the

CO 2 streams delivered and injected, including the

composition of those streams.

13. (1) The operator shall carry out monitoring of the

injection facilities, the storage complex (including where possible

the CO 2 plume), and where appropriate the surrounding

environment for the purpose of

(a) comparison between the actual and modelled

behaviour of CO 2 and formation water in the storage

site;

(b) detecting significant irregularities;

(c) detecting migration of CO 2 ;

(d) detecting leakage of CO 2 ;

(e) detecting significant adverse effects for the

surrounding environment, including in particular on

drinking water, for human populations, or for users of

the surrounding biosphere;

(f)

assessing the effectiveness of any corrective measures

taken pursuant to regulation 16;

(g) updating the assessment of the safety and integrity of

the storage complex in the short and long term,

including the assessment of whether the stored CO 2

will be completely and permanently contained.

(2) The monitoring required to be carried out by the operator in

terms of sub-regulation (1) shall be based on a monitoring plan

designed by the operator pursuant to the requirements laid down in

the Second Schedule, including details on the monitoring in

accordance with the guidelines established pursuant to regulation

13 of the European Union Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading

System for Stationary Installations Regulations, submitted to and

approved by the competent authority pursuant to regulations 7(f)

and 9(5)(e). The plan shall be updated pursuant to the requirements

laid down in the Second Schedule and in any case every five years

to take account of changes to the assessed risk of leakage, changes

to the assessed risks to the environment and human health, new

scientific knowledge, and improvements in best available

technology. Updated plans shall be re-submitted for approval to the

competent authority.

14. The operator shall submit to the competent authority at a

frequency required by the competent authority, and in any event at

least once a year

(a) all results of the monitoring pursuant to regulation 13

in the reporting period, including information on the

monitoring technology employed;

(b) the quantities and properties of the CO 2 streams

delivered and injected, including composition of those

streams, in the reporting period, registered pursuant to

regulation 12(2)(b);

(c) proof of the putting in place and maintenance of the

financial security pursuant to regulations 9(i) and 19;

(d) any other information the competent authority

considers relevant for the purposes of assessing

compliance with storage permit conditions and

increasing the knowledge of CO 2 behaviour in the

storage site.

15. (1) The competent authority shall organise a system of

routine and non-routine inspections of all storage complexes within

the scope of these regulations for the purposes of checking and

promoting compliance with the requirements of these regulations

and of monitoring the effects on the environment and on human

health.

(2) Inspections should include activities such as visits of the

surface installations, including the injection facilities, assessing the

injection and monitoring operations carried out by the operator, and

checking all relevant records kept by the operator.

(3) Routine inspections shall be carried out at least once a year

until three years after closure and every five years until transfer of

responsibility to the competent authority has occurred. The

competent authority shall examine the relevant injection and

monitoring facilities as well as the full range of relevant effects

from the storage complex on the environment and on human health.

(4)

Non-routine inspections shall be carried out

(a) if the competent authority has been notified or made

aware of leakages or significant irregularities pursuant

to regulation 16(1);

(b) if the reports pursuant to regulation 14 have shown

insufficient compliance with the permit conditions;

(c) to investigate serious complaints related to the

environment or human health;

(d) in other situations where the competent authority

considers this appropriate.

(5) Following each inspection, the competent authority shall

prepare a report on the results of the inspection. The report shall

evaluate compliance with the requirements of these regulations and

indicate whether or not further action is necessary. The report shall

be communicated to the operator concerned and shall be publicly

available in accordance with relevant Community legislation

within two months of the inspection.

16. (1) In the event of leakages or significant irregularities,

the operator shall immediately notify the competent authority, and

shall take the necessary corrective measures, including measures

related to the protection of human health. In cases of leakages and

significant irregularities which imply the risk of leakage, the

operator shall also notify the competent authority pursuant to the

European Union Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System for

Stationary Installations Regulations.

(2)

The corrective measures referred to in sub-regulation (1)

shall be taken as a minimum on the basis of a corrective measures

plan submitted to and approved by the competent authority

pursuant to regulations 7(g) and 9(f).

(3) The competent authority may at any time require the

operator to take the necessary corrective measures, as well as

measures related to the protection of human health. These may be

additional to or different from those laid out in the corrective

measures plan. The competent authority may also at any time take

corrective measures itself.

(4) If the operator fails to take the necessary corrective

measures, the competent authority shall take the necessary

corrective measures itself.

(5) The competent authority shall recover the costs incurred in

relation to the measures referred to in sub-regulations (3) and (4)

from the operator, including by drawing on the financial security

pursuant to regulation 19.

17. (1) A storage site shall be closed

(a) if the relevant conditions stated in the permit have

been met;

(b) at the substantiated request of the operator, after

authorisation of the competent authority; or

(c) if the competent authority so decides after the

withdrawal of a storage permit pursuant to regulation

11(3).

(2) After a storage site has been closed pursuant to sub-

regulation (1)(a) or (b), the operator remains responsible for

monitoring, reporting and corrective measures, pursuant to the

requirements laid down in these regulations, and for all obligations

relating to the surrender of allowances in case of leakages pursuant

to the European Union Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System

for Stationary Installations Regulations, and preventive and

remedial action pursuant to regulations 6, 7, 8 and 9 of the

Prevention and Remedying of Environmental Damage Regulations,

until the responsibility for the storage site is transferred to the

competent authority pursuant to regulation 18(1) to (5). The

operator shall also be responsible for sealing the storage site and

removing the injection facilities.

(3) The obligations referred to in sub-regulation (2) shall be

fulfilled on the basis of a post-closure plan designed by the

operator based on best practice and in accordance with the

requirements laid down in the Second Schedule. A provisional

post-closure plan shall be submitted to and approved by the

competent authority pursuant to paragraph of regulations 7(h) and

9(g). Prior to the closure of a storage site pursuant to sub-

regulation (1)(a) or (b), the provisional post-closure plan shall be

(a) updated as necessary, taking account of risk analysis,

best practice and technological improvements;

(b) submitted to the competent authority for its approval;

and

(c) approved by the competent authority as the definitive

post-closure plan.

(4) After a storage site has been closed pursuant to sub-

regulation (1)(c), the competent authority shall be responsible for

monitoring and corrective measures pursuant to the requirements

laid down in these regulations and for all obligations relating to the

surrender of allowances in case of leakages pursuant to the

European Union Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading System for

Stationary Installations Regulations, and preventive and remedial

action pursuant to regulations 6(1) and 7(1) of the Prevention and

Remedying of Environmental Damage Regulations. The post-

closure requirements pursuant to these regulations shall be fulfilled

by the competent authority on the basis of the provisional post-

closure plan referred to in sub-regulation (3), which shall be

updated as necessary.

(5) The competent authority shall recover from the operator the

costs incurred in relation to the measures referred to in sub-

regulation (4), including by drawing on the financial security

pursuant to regulation 19.

18. (1) Where a storage site has been closed pursuant to

reg ul a ti on 17 ( 1) (a ) or ( b), all legal obligations r elating to

monitoring and corrective measures pursuant to the requirements

laid down in these regulations, the surrender of allowances in the

event of leakages pursuant to the European Union Greenhouse Gas

Emissions Trading System for Stationary Installations Regulations,

and preventive and remedial action pursuant to regulations 6(1) and

7(1) of the Prevention and Remedying of Environmental Damage

Regulations, shall be transferred to the competent authority on its

own initiative or upon request from the operator, if the following

conditions are met

(a) all available evidence indicates that the stored CO 2

will be completely and permanently contained;

(b) a minimum period, to be determined by the Competent

Authority has elapsed. This minimum period shall be

no shorter than twenty years, unless the competent

authority is convinced that the criterion referred to in

paragraph (a) is complied with before the end of that

period;

(c) the financial obligations referred to in regulation 20

have been fulfilled;

(d) the site has been sealed and the injection facilities

have been removed.

(2) The operator shall prepare a report documenting that the

condition referred to in sub-regulation (1)(a) has been met and

shall submit it to the competent authority for the latter to approve

the transfer of responsibility. This report shall demonstrate, at

least

(a) the conformity of the actual behaviour of the injected

CO 2 with the modelled behaviour;

(b) the absence of any detectable leakage;

(c) that the storage site is evolving towards a situation of

long-term stability.

(3) Where the competent authority is satisfied that the

conditions referred to in sub-regulation (1)(a) and (b) are met, it

shall prepare a draft decision of approval of the transfer of

responsibility. The draft decision shall specify the method for

determining that the conditions referred to in sub-regulation (1)(d)

have been met as well as any updated requirements for the sealing

of the storage site and for the removal of injection facilities. If the

competent authority considers that the conditions referred to in

sub-regulation (1)(a) and (b) are not met, it shall inform the

operator of its reasons.

(4) Where the competent authority is satisfied that the

conditions referred to in sub-regulation (1)(a) to (d) are complied

with, it shall adopt the final decision and notify that decision to the

operator. The competent authority shall also notify the final

decision to the Commission, and where it departs from an opinion

which may be issued by the Commission, it shall give reasons for

such decision.

(5) After the transfer of responsibility, routine inspections

provided for in regulation 15(3) shall cease and monitoring may be

reduced to a level which allows for detection of leakages or

significant irregularities. If any leakages or significant

irregularities are detected, monitoring shall be intensified as

required to assess the scale of the problem and the effectiveness of

corrective measures.

(6) In cases where there has been fault on the part of the

operator, including cases of deficient data, concealment of relevant

information, negligence, wilful deceit or a failure to exercise due

diligence, the competent authority shall recover from the former

operator the costs incurred after the transfer of responsibility has

taken place. Without prejudice to regulation 20, there shall be no

further recovery of costs after the transfer of responsibility.

(7) Where a storage site has been closed pursuant to regulation

17(1)(c), transfer of responsibility shall be deemed to take place if

and when all available evidence indicates that the stored CO 2 will

be completely and permanently contained, and after the site has

been sealed and the injection facilities have been removed.

19. (1) The potential operator shall present proof, as part of

the application for a storage permit, that adequate provisions can be

established, by way of financial security or any other equivalent

and on the basis of arrangements established by the competent

authority which may include financial security instruments, bank

guarantees and adequate insurance cover, in order to ensure that all

obligations arising under the permit issued pursuant to these

regulations, including closure and post-closure requirements, as

well as any obligations arising from inclusion of the storage site

under the European Union Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading

System for Stationary Installations Regulations can be met. This

financial security shall be valid and effective before

commencement of injection.

(2) The financial security shall be periodically adjusted to take

account of changes to t he assessed risk of leakage and the

estimated costs of all obligations arising under the permit issued

pursuant to these regulations as well as any obligations arising

from inclusion of the storage site under the European Union

G r e e n h o u se G a s E m i s s i o n s Tr a d i n g S y s t e m f o r St a t i o n a r y

Installations Regulations.

(3) The financial security or any other equivalent referred to in

sub-regulation (1) shall remain valid and effective

(a) after a storage site has been closed pursuant to

regulation 17(1)(a) or (b), until the responsibility for

the storage site is transferred to the competent

authority pursuant to regulation 18(1) to (5);

(b) after the withdrawal of a storage permit pursuant to

regulation 11(3)

(i) until a new storage permit has been issued;

(ii) where the site is closed pursuant to regulation

17(1)(c), until the transfer of responsibility

pursuant to regulation 18(7)

Provided that the financial obligations referred to in

regulation 20 have been fulfilled.

The operator shall, on the basis of arrangements

e s t a b l i s h e d b y t h e c o m p e t e n t a u t h o r i t y, m a k e a f i n a n c i a l

contribution available to the competent authority before the

transfer of responsibility pursuant to regulation 18 has taken place.

The contribution from the operator shall take into account those

criteria referred to in the First Schedule and elements relating to

the history of storing CO 2 relevant to determining the post-transfer

obligations, and cover at least the anticipated cost of monitoring

for a period of thirty years. This financial contribution may be used

to cover the costs borne by the competent authority after the

transfer of responsibility to ensure that the CO 2 is completely and

permanently contained in geological storage sites after the transfer

of responsibility.

(1) The competent authority shall establish and maintain

(a) a register of the storage permits granted; and

(b) a permanent register of all closed storage sites and

surrounding storage complexes, including maps and

sections of their spacial extent and available

information relevant for assessing that the stored CO 2

will be completely and permanently contained.

(2) The registers referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be taken

into consideration by the Environment and Resources Authority in

relevant planning procedures when permitting any activity that

could affect or be affected by the geological storage of CO 2 in the

registered storage sites.

(1) The competent authority shall take the necessary

measures to ensure that potential users are able to obtain access to

transport networks and to storage sites for the purpose of

geological storage of the produced and captured CO 2 , in

accordance with sub-regulations (2), (3) and (4).

(2) The access referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be

provided in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner

determined by the competent authority. The competent authority

shall apply the objectives of fair and open access, taking into

account

(a) the storage capacity which is or can reasonably be

made available within the areas determined under

regulation 4, and the transport capacity which is or can

reasonably be made available;

(b) the proportion of the national CO 2 reduction

obligations pursuant to international legal instruments

and to Community legislation that Malta intends to

meet through capture and geological storage of CO 2 ;

(c) the need to refuse access where there is an

incompatibility of technical specifications which

cannot be reasonably overcome;

(d) the need to respect the duly substantiated reasonable

needs of the owner or operator of the storage site or of

the transport network and the interests of all other

users of the storage or the network or relevant

processing or handling facilities who may be affected.

(3) Transport network operators and operators of storage sites

may refuse access on the grounds of lack of capacity. Duly

substantiated reasons shall be given for any refusal.

(4) The competent authority shall take the necessary measures

to ensure that the operator refusing access on the grounds of lack of

capacity or a lack of connection makes any necessary

enhancements as far as it is economic to do so or when a potential

customer is willing to pay for them

Provided this shall not negatively impact on the

environmental security of transport and geological storage of CO 2 .

(1) The Prime Minister shall designate an independent

authority for the purpose of these regulations and Directive 2009/

31/EC, and such independent authority shall have access to all

relevant information, in order to settle expeditiously all disputes

relating to access to transport networks and storage sites, taking

into account the criteria referred to in regulation 21A(2) and the

number of parties which may be involved in negotiating such

access.

(2) In the event of cross-border disputes, the dispute settlement

arrangement referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be applied when

Malta has jurisdiction over the transport networks or the storage

site to which access has been refused. Where, in cross-border

disputes, more than one Member State covers the transport network

or storage site concerned, the competent authority shall consult

with its counterparts in the Member States concerned with a view

to ensuring the consistent application of Directive 2009/31/EC.

The competent authority shall make available to the public

environmental information relating to the geological storage of

CO 2 in accordance with the applicable Community legislation.

The competent authority may issue guidelines, in regard to

the provisions of these regulations.

(1) The competent authority may issue a compliance order

against any person who in its opinion has contravened any of the

provisions of these regulations or a condition of a licence or

authorisation issued thereunder.

(2) Any person who fails to abide by the provisions of a

compliance order issued by the competent authority shall, without

prejudice to any other liability under these regulations, the Act or

any other law, be guilty of an offence and be liable, on conviction,

to a fine (multa) of not less than one thousand euro (€1,000) and of

not more than sixty thousand euro (€60,000) for each day during

which the failure to comply subsists.

(1) Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of

these regulations or of a permit or licence condition or of an

authorisation or approval issued thereunder, shall be guilty of an

offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine (multa) of not

more than sixty-nine thousand euro (€69,000) or for one thousand

and three hundred euro (€1,300) for each day during which the

offence persists.

(2) Any person who, when information with respect to these

regulations is requested or required by the competent authority,

knowingly or recklessly -

(a) gives any false, inaccurate or misleading information;

or

(b) supplies incomplete information; or

(c) fails, without reasonable cause, to supply information

requested within the time given; or

(d) prevents or hinders any investigation; or

(e) produces or furnishes, or causes or knowingly allows

to be produced or furnished, any document or

information which he knows to be false in any material

respect,

shall be guilty of an offence. and shall, on conviction, be liable to a

fine (multa) of not less than one thousand euro (€1,000) and of not

more than sixty thousand euro (€60,000) for each day during which

the offence subsists.