Off shore environmental legislation, guidelines and requirements
Off shore, beyond 12 nm, comprehensive environmental is currently under development by the Ministry for the Environment (MFE) and will be implemented by the newly established Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Existing legislation and requirements, include:
- Best Practice Environmental Guidelines to promote responsible activity and to assist with the identification, assessment and management of environmental effects beyond 12nm.
- Guidelines to minimise disturbance to marine mammals as a result of off shore O&G activities such as seismic surveying.
- For other off shore legislative information e.g. The Maritime Transport Act administered by Maritime NZ, which focuses on marine pollution from ships and off shore installations, including oil spills, and Health and Safety refer to Maritime NZ for assistance and overview, list of rules here and also Part 200 Marine Protection rules.
The EEZ and Continential Shelf Bill
The EEZ and Continential Shelf Bill (Environmental Effects Bill) was introduced to Parliament on 24th August 2011.
The policy development agent is the Ministry For The Environment (MFE). The administration body will be the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
For further information
Interim Measures
Cabinet paper - interim measures
Industry should refer to EPA best practice guidelines including Environment Impact assessment, and contact the EPA.