ABSTRACT
On the 1st of January 2002 the Norwegian Ministry of Environment introduced new regulations regarding the use of dispersants in oil spill response at sea. The Norwegian policy is to allow the use of dispersants when this means of response gives the best environmental results. Compared with former regulations this extends the possibilities of using a broader range of combat methods well suited for different spill scenarios. A thorough analysis has to be done in advance and the criteria for use must be documented in a contingency plan. Specific tests are required to make sure the dispersants are low toxic and effective (oil type specific). The regulations state that use of dispersants is prohibited unless well planned and documented. Whenever an oil company or other enterprises handling considerable amounts of oil, plans to use dispersants as a means of combat, the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority will consider the criteria for use described in their contingency plan. In oil spills where use of dispersants is not pre-planned the polluter or organization in charge of the operation at sea has to apply to the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority to get permission to disperse. This application has to include weather conditions, water depth, oil type, toxicity and effectiveness of the dispersant, and a Net Environmental Benefit Analyze. The large amount of documentation required compared with the short windows of opportunity means that in practice the use of dispersants has to be pre planned to be successful.