Since The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) was established in 1972 we have had very few really large spills in Norway. None of the magnitude likes the EXXON VALDEZ or the SEA EMPRESS. We had of course the BRAVO blow out in the North Sea in the late seventies, but even that blow out did not create any large impact on the coastline. This incident, however, gave Norway the possibility to build up what is a relatively comprehensive oil spill preparedness system.
The spills that have created most problems have been spills of bunker oil. We have quite heavy traffic of large bulk carriers along the Norwegian coast and many of these ships are of very low standard. In many cases engine trouble results in lost control of the ship and as a result the ship comes adrift and run aground resulting in spillage of large quantities of bunker oil. In most cases such incidents take place during wintertime, in bad weather and close to shore. As a result of that most of the oil will hit the shoreline. And as I am sure you know, bunker oil, is very difficult to handle.
January 12, 1992 the bulkcarrier “ARISAN”, loaded with 140,000 t of ore run aground northwest of Runde on the West Coast of Norway. A total of about 150 t of bunker oil leaked out. Owing to the wrecks position, it was unavoidable that oil reached the shore. Weather conditions were extremely bad, but 8 days after grounding 520 tof oil was successfully unloaded as a result of collaboration between SFT and The Norwegian Maritime Directorate. Runde is one of Norway's most important bird-sanctuaries, more than 200,000 couples are nesting here. There are 221 different species whereof several are threatened with extinction. Altogether 90 t of oil was recovered from land and sea, over 30 km of shore-line were polluted with oil and work with cleaning up involved 4,560 days' work. 3,000 sea birds died, loss of birds was registered over a stretch of 190 km. The discharge occurred before the nesting season had begun and this resulted in relatively low numbers of dead sea birds.
Investigations were carried out in connection with the consequences of the oil discharge. Notes from the shore cleaning operations have provided material of experiences gained, which can be used in later actions, especially those connected with the division of areas according to vulnerability.
The operation period was from January '92 to October '92. Total cost of the operation was about 34.5 million NKr. (5 million USD.)
The potential damage to this area on the West Coast, was of such magnitude that the central authority, in this case SFT, was mobilised.
This means that the government accepts the full responsibility for the planning and the implementation of the planned action for protection of the area and the whole cleanup operation.
According to the Pollution Control Act there are 3 pillars of Norwegian National Contingency.
・ Private preparedness
・ Municipal preparedness
・ Governmental preparedness
The most important contributors to the private preparedness for oil and chemical pollution control are refineries, petrochemical and chemical plants and the offshore petroleum industry. For the latter, SFT has set special standards at 3 levels; Oil combat services at production installations, general preparedness in case of major pollution (blow-outs) and special preparedness for drilling near land. Approximately 26,000 m of booms and 65 oil recovery devices are stored on ships and in depots owned by private companies. In case of pollution from the industry, The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority will monitor and verify that the polluter himself is responding according to the pre-approved contingency plan.
Municipalities shall provide for a preparedness system to combat cases of acute pollution which may occur or may cause damage inside the municipality, and are not covered by the private system. Since the late 1970's the Norwegian coastline has been divided into 51 inter-municipal (two or more municipalities) preparedness areas each with its own contingency plan and combating equipment. More than 70,000 m of booms and about 300 oil recovery devices are available. In the late 1990's a reorganising process will be completed resulting in 35 preparedness areas. This preparedness will cover land and sea. Local fire brigades will play an important role in combating spills whatever type of pollution, while harbour departments will normally be an important factor in oil recovery at sea.
The final and third pillar is the governmental preparedness under the leadership of The Norwegian Pollution
