UK : ALTERNATIVE PLANS TO BREAK-UP BRENT SPAR OIL RIG

(11 Oct 1995) English/Nat
Oil giants Shell U-K have refused to rule out controversial plans to dump the decommissioned Brent Spar rig at sea.
But following protests across Europe about the toxic sludge on board the rig, Shell today invited independent civil engineers and environmental groups to come forward with other plans to dispose of the rig.
Greenpeace, who forced Shell to cancel the dumping plans by occupying the rig last summer, say they are delighted with the decision.
Moored in limbo in a Norwegian fjord, the Brent Spar oil rig still awaits a decision on its final fate.
High-profile protests by environmentalists this summer forced the owner, Shell U-K, to shelve plans to sink the rig in the Atlantic. Greenpeace activists claimed the toxic sludge on board would wreak environmental havoc if it was dumped at sea.
Shell announced today that it is open to suggestions as to how best to dispose of the Brent Spar, but has not ruled out entirely the British government-approved option of sinking the rig.
It plans to draw up a shortlist of other ideas from independent organisations:
SOUNDBITE(English):
It is not passing the buck. What it is, is making sure that all the ideas are being assessed. And I can assure you that the evaluation of all these ideas is going to be an enormous task and a task which Shell will have to do. And it will definitely not be a passing the buck type of task
SUPER CAPTION: Heinz Rothermund, Shell UK Exploration
Shell's hand was forced partly due to a dramatic protest by Greenpeace activists. Despite being stormed by police, the activists occupied the rig for four and a half weeks in summer until Shell backed down:
SOUNDBITE(English):
I was very pleased today to hear them say more than once that they are confident that they will find an alternative to dumping the Brent spar and an alternative that will satisfy the government. It was a good decision. I'm very pleased about it
SUPER CAPTION: Sarah Burton, Greenpeace
Shell did not put a deadline on the consultation process. They did rule out several marginal plans, such as one to convert the rig into a floating casino.
But until a decision is reached on its future, the hulk of the Brent Spar rig will remain a lonely eyesore in its stunning temporary harbour.
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This was the rig that Jethro Tull played a gig on.