Orkney Islands Council Policy and Resources Committee has taken another step forward in the proposed changes for ballast water management in Scapa Flow.

 

Yesterday ( 2nd February) the Committee, upon presentation of recommendations from Director of Marine Services Capt Nigel Mills, agreed that ships will be allowed to de-ballast in Scapa Flow under circumstances in accordance with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) ballast water management convention 2004.

 

The Director of Marine Services will now issue a proposed policy statement to statutory consultees including Scottish National Heritage (SNH) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) for further consultation.

 

The outcome of that consultation together with a finalised ballast water management policy will be submitted by Capt Mills to the Policy and Resources Committee of Orkney Islands Council on the 13^th April 2010 for final Council approval.