Approval to use products
If a request to use an oil spill treatment product is made within English or Welsh waters, we will give a formal response (give or withhold permission) within one hour.
To ensure a rapid response, we have trained responders available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Read our approval to use oil spill treatment products flowchart (PDF 14 KB) updated 30 April 2013.
A marine pollution incident is different, and we consult several organisations to ensure that specific scientific, environmental and fisheries advice is taken into account for every decision. Our consultees are:
- MMO offices
- Provides advice on fisheries activity and local interests. Provides real-time information on incidents.
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas)
- Advise on the impact of pollution and possible responses.
www.cefas.defra.gov.uk - Natural England or Natural Resources Wales (if within 12 nautical miles)
- Provides advice on local environmentally sensitive and protected areas.
www.naturalengland.org.uk
www.naturalresourceswales.gov.uk - Joint Nature Conservation Committee (if outside 12 nautical miles)
- Provides advice on local environmentally sensitive and protected areas.
www.jncc.defra.gov.uk
Contact information
For marine pollution incidents please call:
Within office hours
0870 758 1050
Outside office hours
07770 977 825
At all times if other numbers out of order
0845 051 8486
Marine Pollution Response Team
Lancaster House
Hampshire Court
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE4 7YH
Tel: 0191 376 2511
Fax: 0191 376 2682
Email: dispersants@
marinemanagement.org.uk