Forth Wars

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) campaigners have been challenging a proposal that could lead to ship-to-ship oil transfers taking place in Scotland's Firth of Forth.

The Firth of Forth is an exceptional marine environment and is highly valued by its many recreational water users who use the water all year round. It is therefore vital that its future is safeguarded against potential dangers such as ship-to-ship oil transfers.

If SPT Marine, the company making the application are successful then 7.8 million tonnes of Russian crude oil a year could be pumped between tankers in the Forth. The Russian export blend crude oil has been described as very dense, thick oil, making it particularly persistent in the event of a spillage.

A Scottish Green Party investigation has already found SPT were responsible for spilling around 35,000 gallons of oil in the Gulf of Mexico - but failed to disclose the information when providing official evidence to the Scottish Parliament. In written evidence to the parliament the company, SPT Marine, claimed an "excellent" record on ship to ship oil transfers by only referring to incidents dated after the shocking oil spill in 1995.

SAS are particularly concerned that the decision to consent (or not) will be made by the private company, Forth Ports plc's Board, who are set to benefit financially from the contract. At present they do not require confirmation by Scottish Ministers or the UK Government. SAS believe that the ultimate say on specific proposals lies with publicly-elected and accountable Executive ministers, not a private company.

Take Action

Step 1:
Please watch our campaign film Forth Wars!

www.avthree.co.uk/sasforthwars.htm

Step 2:
Now sign an e-card to the Managing Director of Forth Ports to register your disapproval of the project and which calls for Forth Ports to reject ship-to-ship oil transfers.

Click here to sign the e-card

Step 3:
You can also sign a Scottish Green Party/SAS petition that calls on Scottish Ministers to block the proposal using European environmental laws.

www.scottishgreens.org.uk

Step 4:
Help us by making a donation to this campaign

Click here to donate

Thank you

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