Norwegian Pollution Authority Halts Exploratory Drilling in the Barents Sea
Three environmental NGOs have lodged appeals against the discharge permit with contingency plan requirements granted by SFT to the oil company, Norsk Agip, for the drilling of an exploratory well in the Barents Sea. In order to ensure correct processing of the appeal, SFT has given the appeal suspensive effect. Until the appeal has been settled, Norsk Agip cannot begin drilling operations.
On 10 August 2001 SFT granted Norsk Agip a discharge permit for the drilling of exploratory well 7122/7-2 in the Barents Sea. The permit included requirements for contingency plans in the event of acute pollution. According to information from Norsk Agip, drilling operations cannot start until 10 September at the earliest. An appeal has been lodged against SFT’s decision to grant a discharge permit by the Green Warriors (Norges Miljøvernforbund), the Bellona Foundation and Nature and Youth. The latter organisation has also appealed against a permit granted by the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate allowing Norsk Agip to use the West Alpha Drilling platform to drill and test wells. This appeal has been referred to the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate. Norsk Agip has received copies of these appeals for comment. SFT will take into account the issues raised by the appeals. All three appeals have been given suspensive effect. In SFT’s view the appeals raise important matters of principle. In order to ensure full and correct observance of the appeal procedures, SFT finds that the appeals shall be granted suspensive effect in accordance with section 42 of the Public Administration Act. SFT is of the opinion that exploratory drilling, which has irreversible effects, cannot therefore begin until after the appeals have been fully dealt with. 
Map: Norsk Agip cannot begin drilling operations in well 7122/7-2, north of Hammerfest.
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