Anti-oil pollution strategy in Sullom Voe—environmental considerations

Abstract

SynopsisThis paper describes briefly the history behind oil pollution contingency planning for Sullom Voe. It describes in detail the environmental factors which have been considered when drawing up the Sullom Voe Harbour Oil Spill Plan. These factors are:1. The nature of the sea zones within the Oil Spill Control Area.2. The nature of the coastline within the Oil Spill Control Area.In both cases accessibility of the various zones, and how this will affect contingency planning, is discussed.3. Wildlife and conservation interests including: (a) ornithological interests; (b) mammals; (c) inshore fisheries; (d) salt marshes and soft mud shores; (e) houbs and other sensitive shallow water areas; (f) Sites of Special Scientific Interest SSSI's and Nature Reserves; (g) secondary beach structures; (h) sand amenity beaches and (i) other amenity areas, e.g. harbours.Finally the strategy, based on the factors summarized above, and its effectiveness in the light of an oil spill, is discussed.