The six-month consultation seeks industry feedback on proposed restrictions on PFAS in firefighting foams

Proposed restrictions hope to combat the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances currently used in foams.

The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted the risks associated with PFAS, including toxicity, with evidence suggesting PFAS can cause child developmental issues; cancer; and organ damage, mobility, as they easily travel through soil, water and air (with samples found in the Arctic); and persistence, with the chemicals known as 'forever chemicals'.

A six-month public consultation period, running until 18th February, 2026, hopes to establish stakeholder perspectives before introducing restrictions.

The director of the HSE's chemicals regulation division, Dr Richard Daniels, elaborated, "HSE’s proposals have been developed through robust scientific methodology and where possible we have spoken with interested parties from across Great Britain. Now we are looking for more information from our stakeholders.

"We’re seeking evidence-based feedback on our analysis to ensure any future restrictions are proportionate, effective and tailored to Great Britain’s specific needs."

OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) has successfully commissioned the Bisat-C Expansion Facilities in Block 60, raising total oil processing capacity to 67,000 barrels per day, according to the Oman News Agency.

The project, described as a major milestone in OQEP’s upstream growth strategy, was delivered in record time, from contract award in January 2024 to first crude in less than 18 months. The early completion reflects what the company called “high levels of coordination, planning, and technical execution.”

The expansion enables an additional gross fluids handling capacity of 447,000 barrels per day, including 37,000 bpd of oil and 410,000 bpd of Produced Water treatment. OQEP said this strengthens the maturation of production growth from its flagship Block 60 asset.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards were a central pillar of the project’s delivery. At its peak, Bisat-C hosted 1,200 personnel, achieving three million safe man-hours without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI). The project also recorded two million kilometres driven without any Road Traffic Accidents (RTA), underscoring OQEP’s commitment to safe operations.

Oman’s localisation agenda also benefited from the development. OQEP reported an In-Country Value (ICV) spend of RO 24.6mn directed to SMEs, Made in Oman goods, and local service providers. In addition, 23 Omani graduates were trained and employed through the project.

On the technical side, the expansion required 486 piles (each 12 metres deep) to support new tanks and processing infrastructure. The Produced Water tank, the largest installed, has a storage capacity of 27,784 cubic metres (174,700 barrels). Other key units include a Gas Flotation Tank (15 metres high), a Gross Inlet Separator weighing 145 tonnes, and a Heater Treater and Desalter package with a combined capacity of 40,400 bpd.

OQEP added that the new water injection pumps, powered by a 4 MW system, will enhance reservoir management by re-injecting 1,130 cubic metres per hour at 90 Barg.

The US Department of the Interior is updating oil and gas commingling rules to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

'Commingling' means combining oil or gas production from two or more sources into a single stream for measurement and processing.

The updates, led by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provide clear standards that support safe operations, improve efficiency and maximise recovery of America’s energy resources. BSEE has finalised a rule to clarify expectations for offshore commingling, ensuring production methods protect well integrity, safety and ultimate recovery. The BLM is also issuing interim guidance to broaden commingling authority on public and tribal lands until updated regulations are complete. Field offices are directed to process applications quickly and consistently under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s expanded provisions.

According to the Department of the Interior, these updates support the Trump administration’s energy and regulatory priorities by advancing the goals of Executive Order, “Unleashing American Energy.” which seeks to maximise the USA’s energy resources while reducing ‘burdensome and ideallocailly motivated” regulations which impede developemtn of these resources and put up costs. They also align with Secretary Burgum’s orders emphasizing safe, efficient and predictable oversight of oil and gas operations, reinforcing policies that remove unnecessary regulatory barriers while ensuring maximum resource recovery and environmental protection.

“From day one, the Trump administration has worked to cut red tape, strengthen America’s energy dominance and ensure responsible resource development,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We’re delivering on that by aligning our regulations with the law, streamlining approval processes and giving operators a clear framework rooted in sound science and engineering. These updates make it easier to produce American energy without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, while at the same time protecting taxpayers, tribes and our shared energy future by ensuring production is safe, efficient and maximises the long-term value of our resources.”