Norwegian oil spill aid not welcomed by the US
OSLO (AFP) - The dispersants used by the Norwegians have not been certified in the United States – even though being more environmentally friendly.
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A Norwegian oil industry group said Friday dispersants it had planned to send to help clean up the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil leak would not be used since they lack certification in the United States.
At the beginning of May, Nofo, a Norwegian industry association for battling oil spills, announced it would send 150 cubic metres (5,297 cubic feet) of dispersants.
The aid was to be used to help clean up the oil that has been gushing into the Gulf of Mexico since the BP-leased Deepwater Horizon platform exploded on April 20.
"The dispersants we use have not been certified in the United States even though they are more environmentally friendly" than the ones currently being used, Sjur Knudsen of Nofo told AFP, confirming media reports.
"The Americans are using Corexit, a powerful product," which is considered highly toxic, he said.
Nofo was willing to send other types of aid, including boats used to gather oil from the water, he said, pointing out that whether such assistance would be accepted was up to US authorities.
Norway is one of the world's largest oil and gas exporters.
Last Updated (Friday, 11 June 2010 15:35)
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