The team consists of the Port Company, Local Authorities, Offshore Industry and Oil Importers and was initiated to form a unified coordinated response to pollution incidents on the Shannon Estuary. Each member contributed initially to provide pollution response equipment and support tools. This equipment is available to respond to any pollution incident or threat. Members contribute annually to maintain equipment, carry out exercises and training and purchase new and replacement equipment.
The group has been in operation for the past 25 years under a committee of pollution officers representing the members. The aim of the group is to provide a unified response to oil pollution within the region, even though each member has individual responsibility for their own area. An oil Spill Tracking Model, Geographic Information System, Environmental Atlas, Sensitivity Study, Oil Spill Response Strategy, Hydrocarbon Baseline Study and Emergency Response Plans have been developed for the region and updated.
SEA-PT has been operating on an ad-hoc basis in 2012 where agreement was reached to set up SEA-PT Ltd., to take on the role into the future. It will still operate as before, non profit making, as contributions will cover the maintenance of equipment etc, hire of storage, exercises and courses. It will ensure that the Shannon region will continue to have the best cover, both in equipment and expertise that is possible in the event of oil pollution.
Shannon Airport
Clare County Council
Galway County Council
Kerry County Council
Limerick City and County Council
Shannon Foynes Port Co.
Valero
Rusal Aughinish
S.S.E. Tarbert
ESB Moneypoint Generating Station.
Inver Energy
Topaz Ireland
NORA
AFSC
The Oil Pollution Response Consortium is supported financially by the oil users, port and local authorities. This enables additional pollution control equipment to be purchased as well as the implementation of a sophisticated computer programme for predicting the spread of an oil spillage.
SEA-PT Ltd. Reg Number 378350