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National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP): Safeguarding Sri Lankan Waters

Sri Lanka’s strategic location along the busy East-West maritime route sees over 400 vessels passing daily and more than 5,000 annual port calls.

National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP): Safeguarding Sri Lankan Waters

Sri Lanka’s strategic location along the busy East-West maritime route sees over 400 vessels passing daily and more than 5,000 annual port calls. With expanding port activities and increased oil-related operations, the risk of oil and hazardous and noxious substance (HNS) spills is significant, posing serious threats to marine ecosystems and economic stability. To address these risks, the National Oil Spill Contingency Plan, first introduced in 2000, has been updated and refined over the years (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016) into the National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP). Prompted by recent maritime incidents, this updated plan incorporates advanced measures to effectively manage both oil and chemical spills. Developed under the Marine Pollution Prevention Act No. 35 of 2008, NOHSCP ensures Sri Lanka is equipped to handle spill risks efficiently.

Oil Spill Contingency Plan Regulation

The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) plays a vital role in safeguarding Sri Lanka’s marine environment by issuing approvals for oil handling agencies, including ports, harbor terminals, ship repair yards, dry docks, pipelines, and storage facilities. These agencies are required to develop and implement Oil Spill Contingency Plans as part of their preparedness measures, in line with the Oil Spill Contingency Plan Regulation No. 01 of 2012. This plan should be renewed every two years.

The goal of these plans is to minimize the impact of oil spill incidents, even on a minor scale, and ensure prompt, efficient response actions. In response to emerging environmental challenges, MEPA is continuously revising regulations to enhance preparedness. The incorporation of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) spill management into the updated contingency plans reflects a proactive approach to addressing the risks posed by chemical spills. By enforcing these regulations, MEPA ensures that oil and HNS handling agencies are adequately prepared to protect Sri Lanka’s coastal and marine ecosystems, maintaining environmental safety and resilience.

Preparedness
Conducts risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities.
Ensures readiness with advanced equipment and trained personnel.
Establishes inter-agency coordination for effective response.

Response
Swiftly deploys resources to contain and clean spills.
Utilizes spill modeling to predict and mitigate impacts.
Protects sensitive ecosystems through collaborative efforts with relevant agencies.

Post-Spill Recovery
Restores affected marine and coastal areas.
Manages waste generated from clean-up operations.
Monitors environmental impacts to mitigate long-term effects.

National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan (NOHSCP) - Digital Dashboard

The National Oil and HNS Spill Contingency Plan is a comprehensive document providing detailed guidance for managing oil and HNS spills. However, its length and complexity can make it challenging to refer to during emergencies.

To address this, a digital dashboard has been developed, enabling users to access critical information quickly and efficiently. This dashboard facilitates better coordination and collaboration among stakeholders during emergencies by streamlining response efforts. Relevant data and protocols are readily available, ensuring a swift and organized response when every second counts.

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