RF Nature Ministry increases fines for oil spills
The method for calculation of harm to water bodies caused by violation of water legislation (registered by the RF Ministry of Justice, decree No 9471 dated May 15, 2007) approved by the RF Ministry of Natural Resources (decree No 71 dated 30.03.07) was put into practice a week ago, PortNews IAA learnt from Roman Baluev, deputy head of the North-West Department of RosPrirodNadzor. According to Baluev, the size of penalty to be imposed on those guilty in oil spills has been increased 10-fold. According to calculations made by the North-West Department of RosPrirodNadzor the claim against the parties guilty of oil spills within the water area of the Baltic Sea will make some RUR 600,000 for 100 kilograms of spilt oil products. The sum will depend not only on volume but on the time needed for response activities as well. The new document will be applied for calculation of harm done to environment in case of oil spills at both water territory and on the shore.