Sheryll Murray MP has welcomed the move by Conservative Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond to approach the International Maritime Organisation to discuss the chemically distinct form of PIB which resulted in the death of hundreds of seabirds earlier this year off the coast of South East Cornwall.
Sheryll had meetings with both Stephen Hammond, Shipping Minister and Richard Benyon, Minister for the Natural Environment, food and rural affairs to call for action.
In a letter to Sheryll the Minister has confirmed that the product was a chemically distinct form of PIB and the UK will approach the International Maritime Organisation to discuss this PIB variant to determine whether it is being carried appropriately on ships. If the IMO concludes this is a new product that has not been assessed then industry will need to submit an application to have it assessed before it can be shipped in accordance with MARPOL Annex II requirements.
Sheryll says "The Minister confirmed that Maritime and Coastguard Agency had carried out an intelligence based and forensic investigation but it had not been possible to identify the source of the pollution in the incident that occurred off South East Cornwall. However, the characteristics of the substance seen on the seabirds and in the sea meant it was unlikely to have come from a portable tank or drum. The form of pollution indicated that tank washing was the most likely source. This is why it is essential to make representations to the IMO and I am very pleased the Minister has made this move which will hopefully ensure this chemically distinct form of PIB does not have such a devastating effect on our seabirds and maritime environment again. I will be calling for a reclassification of this chemically distinct form of PIB by the IMO. I believe any vessel carrying this substance should discharge tank washing at dock and dispose of the waste properly before embarking on a further sea voyage."
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Contact: Sheryll Murray MP 01579 344428
Pictured: Sheryll at the coast.
Attached: Stephen Hammond Letter