Environment Report 2017

ENVIRONMENT REPORT 2017

Figure 33: Total Mass of Chemical PON1s Reported in 2016 by Hazard Category

Unattributable, 1 tonne

Low, 94 tonnes

Low

Medium

High

PLONOR, 121 tonnes

PLONOR

Unattributable

Medium, 8 tonnes

High, 33 tonnes

Source: BEIS July 2017

From 2010-16, 3,200 tonnes of chemicals were reported in PON1s on the UKCS, representing a total of 1,365 incidents. PLONOR and low hazard category chemicals make up the majority (2,468 tonnes, 77 per cent) of the mass released. High and medium hazard category chemicals contributed 5 per cent and 3 per cent, respectively, by mass (163 tonnes and 98 tonnes), with the remainder (473 tonnes, 15 per cent) falling into the unattributable category (see Figure 34 opposite). There has been a 59 per cent decrease (just under 379 tonnes) in the mass of chemicals accidentally released between 2010 and 2016. The number of incidents has increased, up to 233 in 2016, which shows that the releases are generally of smaller amounts than in previous years. Recent efforts within industry to raise awareness of the reporting requirements and encouragement to report accidental releases may result in an increase in the number of the accidental chemical releases recorded. Sources of releases are investigated by operators and the regulator.

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