Thousands of tonnes of oil spilled into the Atlantic
24.7.2019
Question for written answer E-002416-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Demetris Papadakis (S&D)
About 12 000 litres of a mixture of water and oil are estimated to have leaked into the North Atlantic on Wednesday, 17 July, owing to an accident at an oil rig off the Canadian island of Newfoundland.
On the basis of aerial observation of the spill that has formed, it is now estimated to cover a radius of about three nautical miles, or 5.8 km, on the surface of the sea — about twenty metres wide and 900 metres long.
This area of the North Atlantic has a rich marine fauna, with many endangered whale species living there.
Marine pollution does not stop at borders and similar phenomena are occurring with increasing frequency in the Mediterranean. Given the increase in similar incidents in recent years as well as their impact on the existing balances of our ecosystem and on human health, will the Commission say:
- 1.Has it carried out an assessment of the potential risk posed by and consequences of the increasing phenomenon of marine pollution?
- 2.Does any strategic planning exist for addressing such incidents in the EU Member States?