OPUS - Ecotoxicology & Mariculture - HMCS Harmonised Mandatory Control System.

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HMCS

Opus has extensive experience with the Harmonised Mandatory Control System (HMCS) and can guide clients through the various stages. Opus generates the environmental data required and liaises with the regulatory authorities.

The Harmonised Mandatory Control System (HMCS) covers the approval for use and discharge of chemicals in the Northeast Atlantic. The HMCS aims to protect the marine environment by identifying and restricting the use of chemicals, in offshore oil and gas production, with the potential for causing an adverse environmental impact.

Chemicals are not permitted for use offshore without authorisation from the relevant authority. Details of a chemicals composition, application, quantities to be used and the environmental effects are submitted to the national authorites.

This information is submitted on a standard form known as the Harmonised Offshore Chemical Notification Format (HOCNF). The data is then evaluated using pre-screening criteria and a decision support tool - the Chemical Hazard Assessment and Risk Management (CHARM) model.

UK operators are required to have permits in place to use chemicals offshore. Petroleum Operations Notices (PON 15s) are a summary of the environmental impact of the proposed project. Opus provides support in the completion of PON 15s by carrying out chemical risk assessments using an in house CHARM model.

Staff at the Opus laboratories have extensive experience with this work and have assisted with many HOCNF and PON 15 applications. For further information please contact the Opus Environmental Laboratories.