HL Deb 21 October 1986 vol 481 cc261-2WA
Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What provision is made (a) in the United Kingdom, and (b) in other EC countries, for the reception of tank washings from chemical tankers and, where reception facilities are absent, what rules govern the disposal of these washings.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

There is at present no statutory requirement for the provision of reception facilities for tank washings arising on chemical tankers.

On 6th April 1986, Annex II of the International Convention for the prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, and the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78, Annex II) will be implemented internationally. The United Kingdom and all EC countries are parties to this convention.

The MARPOL 73/78 Annex II Regulations cover the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk (which includes chemicals) and will require that, for a very limited number of substances, residues and mixtures—that is, tank washings—be discharged to reception facilities in the unloading port. Parties to MARPOL 73/78 are, as a consequence, required to ensure the provision of reception facilities according to the needs of ships using its ports. In the United Kingdom this requirement has been given effect by the Merchant Shipping Prevention of Pollution (Reception Facilities) Order 1984. This order applies to harbour authorities and operators of terminals used by chemical tankers carrying noxious liquid substances.

Harbour authorities are aware of their obligation to provide reception facilities and it is expected they will comply in different ways dependent upon the nature and quantity of trade within their ports. Some may opt for the use of tanker vehicles to receive tank washings direct from ships, while others may provide reception tank storage facilities themselves or delegate this role to other organisations. Whatever route is chosen, tanker washings must ultimately be discharged from ports to licensed waste disposal sites on land. The Department of the Environment is the government body responsible for this aspect of disposal and I know they are currently active in this matter, both in the field of amendments to pollution legislation and in consultation with the land authorities and organisations concerned.

From 6th April 1987 ports should not accept unloading substances which require the use of reception facilities unless these facilities are provided or where alternative facilities elsewhere have been authorised.