05-05-06
Sea ice could render any clean up operations
ineffective for six months of the year at Shell's Sakhalin oil operation,
according to a new report published by conservation charity WWF.
The project on the remote Russian island of Sakhalin has angered
environmentalists and locals alike as it involves piping oil through the last
remaining feeding ground of the endangered western grey whale.
Now the WWF is calling on the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) to demand effective environmental protection measures for oil
spills from Shell or decline funding to the Sakhalin project.
The NGO's report released concludes that the sea ice conditions around Shell's
Sakhalin operation, which can dominate for more than six months of the year,
would mean that the company would not be able to respond to a major oil spill
for half of the year or longer.
Traditional oil spill response methods are rendered impotent because of the
predominant sea ice and prevailing weather conditions.
"It is shocking to see that in the rush to develop new oil and gas supplies
Shell is gambling with the environment," said Robert Napier, WWF chief
executive. "This is the worst place on earth to have to respond to an oil spill.
Even with the latest technology and perfect weather conditions it would be
impossible to clean up oil spills for 50 % of the time. During summer, wave
height and wind conditions can overwhelm response technologies. In winter, the
combination of dynamic sea ice, low visibility, and cold temperatures can shut
down most large-scale response systems."
In a briefing paper Shell proposes to use natural openings, called polynyas,
in the sea ice to burn off any oil spills. However according to WWF these ice
clearings are a vital focal area for marine life from plankton to marine
mammals.
"The EBRD can not agree to fund this project if they are serious about their
environmental values and want to maintain their credibility," said Mr Napier.
"If they go ahead and fund Sakhalin their social and environmental reputation
will be in tatters."
James Leaton, WWF oil expert, predicted a one in four chance of a spill
during the lifetime of the Sakhalin project.
"Oil spills this winter in Alaska and off northern Japan must act as a warning,"
he said. "Neither spill was quickly detected and neither has been cleared up.
The one off Japan has killed thousands of birds -- including some endangered
ones. The lack of sufficient technology to clean up a spill in icy conditions
raises serious questions over Shell's and other companies' ambitions in the
Arctic."
Source: NGO