Discharges from offshore oil and gas installations have decreased due to OSPAR measures
OSPAR has developed programmes and measures in respect of all phases of offshore oil and gas activities and undertakes annual assessments of discharges, spills and emissions from offshore oil and gas installations.
Hydrocarbons and ‘chemicals’ are routinely discharged to the marine environment during offshore oil and gas operations. Assessment of the data for the period 2009–2014 shows a decrease in the discharge of both hydrocarbons and the most hazardous offshore chemicals. This is a continuation of the trend reported in the last OSPAR Quality Status Report (QSR 2010).
Many of the downward trends observed can be directly attributed to measures adopted by OSPAR and their subsequent implementation by the offshore oil and gas industry.
OSPAR’s Objective
OSPAR’s strategic objective with regard to offshore oil and gas activities is to prevent and eliminate pollution and adopt the necessary measures to protect the OSPAR Maritime Area against the adverse effects of offshore activities by setting environmental goals and improving management mechanisms, so as to safeguard human health and to conserve marine ecosystems and, when practicable, restore marine areas which have been adversely affected.
Marine Strategy Framework Directive Descriptor
D8: Concentration of Contaminants