Call for Inspection Units interested in obtaining approval to assess compliance with NOM-014-ASEA-2022

Executive Summary:

• On October 31, 2023, the Call for Proposals addressed to Inspection Units interested in obtaining approval to evaluate the conformity of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-014-ASEA-2022 was published.
• The Call establishes the requirements necessary to obtain “Third Party Approval” in the hydrocarbon sector. 
• Third Party Approval plays a crucial role in the protection of natural resources, especially in the context of construction and maintenance of wells for the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons in sensitive areas such as agricultural and livestock areas and wastelands. 

On October 31, 2023, the Call for Proposals addressed to Inspection Units interested in obtaining approval to evaluate the conformity of the Mexican Official Standard NOM-014-ASEA-2022, specifications for environmental protection for the construction and maintenance of wells for the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons in agricultural, livestock and wasteland areas, outside of protected natural areas or forest lands ("the Call"), was published in the Official Gazette of the Federation ("DOF"). 

This publication cancels and replaces NOM-115-SEMARNAT-2003, which establishes the environmental protection specifications that must be observed in drilling and maintenance activities of onshore oil wells for exploration and production in agricultural, livestock and wasteland areas, outside of protected natural areas or forest lands.

The Call establishes the necessary requirements to obtain the “Approval as a Third Party” in the hydrocarbon sector. It is important that the promoter submits a simple and legible copy of its current accreditation as an Inspection Unit Issued by an authorized Accreditation Entity, with scope in NOM-014-ASEA-2022.

The requirements are divided into general and technical, and details the criteria for accreditation, training and experience of staff, as well as the submission of applications online or in person. The Agency will evaluate the applications and may request additional information. In addition, it is noted that the interpretation of the requirements is the responsibility of the Agency. The formats and documents necessary for the process are provided online. 

Furthermore, the requirements for obtaining approval as a Third Party in the hydrocarbon sector establish a defined standard, and applicants must meet the requirements: training, experience and technical knowledge. The process of submitting and evaluating applications is clearly transparent, and the Agency has the authority to make final decisions on approval. 

The importance of the requirements to obtain approval as a Third Party in the hydrocarbon sector lies in several fundamental aspects, such as: 

• Safety and Environmental Protection: In the hydrocarbon sector, it is critical to ensure the safety of operations and the protection of the environment. The requirements ensure that approved organizations and professionals have the necessary technical competence to evaluate and verify compliance with environmental regulations and standards, which contributes to avoiding accidents and minimizing negative environmental impacts.

• Quality in Assessment: The requirements ensure that candidates for Technical Manager, Inspector and the Inspection Unit have the technical capacity and experience necessary to carry out assessments and verifications accurately and reliably. This ensures that the results are accurate and useful for decision-making in both safety and environmental matters.

Third Party Approval plays a crucial role in the protection of natural resources, especially in the context of construction and maintenance of wells for the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbons in sensitive areas such as agricultural and livestock areas and wastelands. 

The requirements ensure that thorough assessments are carried out and appropriate measures are taken to minimise negative impacts on the natural environment. These requirements contribute to a safer and more sustainable operation of the hydrocarbon sector.

Publication links:

• https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5707249&fecha=31/10/2023#gsc.tab=0