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Cargo turnover
The main sources of
oil and oil product spills in Latvian marine waters
Aerial surveillance
The main sources of oil and oil product spills in Latvian
marine waters:
- ships (including those outside of territorial waters,
tankers, and ships for oil product collection and bunkering)
- large enterprises in harbours,
- lifting and disassembly of sunken ships and submarines;
dredging of the polluted sediments in the Liepāja Military
Harbour.
Oil and oil product spills from ships can be divided into two
groups:
- spill during operation of ships; and
- accidental spills.
Analysis of the causes of pollution incidents indicated that,
in about 90% of cases, oil products were released at sea with
intent, for the purpose of saving money and time required for its
safe disposal. Only 10% of the cases were due to accidents or
negligence of responsible persons.
In accordance with the Helsinki Convention, oil terminals ,
harbours and ship repair harbours must offer waste collection and
treatment services for oil residues, mixtures containing oil, and
tank cleaning waters.
Spills during operation are regulated by international and
national legislative acts which forbid the marine discharge of any
oil or oil-containing mixtures, untreated waste water, and
hazardous liquids, including untreated ballast water (closer than
12 nautical miles from the shore).
In this regard, the Baltic Strategy "Port Reception
Facilities for Ship-generated Wastes and the No Special Fee System"
of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) is being implemented, which
calls for compulsory delivery of ship waste in harbours.
In accordance to the Helsinki Convention, the Latvian National
Emergency Plan for Marine Pollution Incidents has been developed,
and procurement of the necessary equipment and training of
personnel is planned before 2001.
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