Companies have dumped toxic and radioactive waste into the North Sea for decades, with minimal regulation and potentially severe environmental consequences.
Justin Nobel reports for DeSmog.
In short:
- Since the 1970s, oil and gas companies have discharged millions of cubic meters of toxic waste into the North Sea.
- Waste includes produced water, heavy metals and chemicals harmful to marine life, often accumulating in fish and shellfish.
- Despite strict environmental regulations, oilfield waste dumping remains largely legal due to loopholes and exemptions.
Key quote:
“Big spills grab the headlines, but what people often don’t realise is a toxic drip feed of oil and chemicals from the fossil fuel industry is polluting our ocean with frightening frequency.”
— Naomi Tilley, oil and gas campaign lead with Oceana UK
Why this matters:
Toxic and radioactive waste from oil drilling is legally contaminating the North Sea, posing threats to marine life and human health. The long-term ecological damage from this practice could have dire consequences for biodiversity and regional fishing industries.
Read more: North Sea's decaying pipelines: a looming environmental threat
