Environment Report 2014

From 2011 to 2013, 45 per cent of chemicals (338 tonnes) accidentally released were in the OCNS category D and E, the two lowest hazard rankings, and were predominantly hydraulic fluids which are mostly water-based. As they are largely made up of water, there is no significant impact on the marine environment. Gold category chemicals (29 tonnes) make up four per cent of the total accidental chemical releases. Gold category chemicals tend to have higher accidental release volumes than the other CHARM chemicals as they are used in much higher volumes. Regulatory controls on chemical usage offshore has resulted in a phasing out of the use of the most hazardous chemicals and only a small proportion of chemicals discharged offshore are in the higher hazard rankings. Between 2011 and 2013, two per cent (13 tonnes) of the chemicals discharged were in category A.

1

2

3

Figure 22: Accidental Chemical Release Volumes on the UK Continental Shelf from 2011 to 2013 by OCNS category

4

A C D E Gold Other* Unattributable

2%

4%

5

17%

45%

6

28%

4%

7

< 1%

8

* Other includes chemicals classified as 'B' and 'Blue'

Source: DECC April 2014

Category A chemicals are used where there are specific characteristics required for a particular application and they cannot be substituted with lower category chemicals. Chemical manufacturers make every effort to produce chemicals that are highly effective with a low environmental impact and continue to develop new and improved versions that will enable more low hazard chemicals to be used.

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