Polluters responsibility
If a situation arises with acute pollution or danger of acute pollution, the responsible polluter has a duty to initiate measures. The measures shall prevent or stop the pollution, and remove or limit damage and inconvenience caused by the pollution.
The emergency preparedness is in a reasonable proportion to the probability of acute pollution and the extent of the damage and inconvenience that may occur. Businesses subject to contingency must prepare a contingency plan that is approved by the Norwegian Environment Agency.
The duty to act persists even if the municipality or the state acts.
If the company or person responsible does not implement measures or the measures implemented are not sufficient, the Norwegian Coastal Administration may issue orders. NCA can then order the polluter to come up with an action plan to combat the incident, provide information and implement measures.
NCA may also decide that the state shall lead the operation.
