The Greenhouse Gas Storage Regulation 2010 establishes the detailed regulatory framework for the implementation of Queensland’s greenhouse gas storage regime under the Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2009. Its principal objective is to regulate the exploration, assessment, testing and development of underground greenhouse gas storage sites, particularly for the long-term geological storage of greenhouse gas streams. The Regulation prescribes the technical and administrative requirements for work programmes, development plans, storage site assessments, injection testing and operational activities, while ensuring that potential risks to public health, the environment, water resources and other resource industries are properly identified, monitored and mitigated. The Regulation further aims to ensure transparency, accountability and effective governmental oversight throughout the lifecycle of greenhouse gas storage projects. It establishes comprehensive requirements for notifications, drilling and abandonment procedures, seismic and technical surveys, storage capacity assessments, injection monitoring, record-keeping and reporting. It also regulates the management of geological samples and data, sets confidentiality periods and publication rules for information, and provides for rents, fees, financial securities and administrative procedures. Collectively, these measures are intended to support the safe, efficient and environmentally sound deployment of carbon capture and storage activities while maintaining the integrity of Queensland’s regulatory framework for greenhouse gas storage.
Australia · 2010-04-08