The Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has opened an investigation into a possible breach of flare consent, contrary to the requirements of the licence.
It follows an initial enquiry that concluded there was “sufficient” evidence to merit a full examination into a potential failure to comply, the industry regulator said.
Among other things, the investigation will gather and assess further information to allow the OGA to reach a decision.
It will also off the company concerned the opportunity to provide written representations and decide how the case should be resolved.
The investigation follows the publication in October of the Thematic Review into Industry Compliance with Regulatory Obligations.
The review, which examined compliance in six areas of interaction between the OGA and licensees, identified some very good, and improving, practice.
But, it also noted the need for further improvement and warned that sanctions could follow in cases where breaches were found.
The review itself followed a June 2019 OGA letter to licensees and infrastructure owners which outlined the regulator’s approach.
The communication noted that ”too many issues [were] taking too long to resolve” and warned that “we will be progressively more proactive in using the OGA’s powers”.
Last year, the OGA said it was exploring “tougher measures” to eliminate unnecessary flaring or venting.
Offshore flaring makes up about a percent of total UK annual carbon dioxide emissions, while venting on the UKCS represents the same figure of total UK annual methane emissions.
According to the OGA, offshore flaring fell to its lowest level on record in 2020.