![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2.22743925.jpg\")
The UK has agreed to hold further talks with other European countries before deciding whether to approve Shell\u2019s plans to decommission four disused oil rigs in the Atlantic.<\/p>\nThe UK has agreed to hold further talks with other European countries before deciding whether to approve Shell\u2019s plans to decommission four disused oil rigs in the Atlantic.<\/p>\n
Germany had called a special meeting of the OSPAR Commission, which oversees a treaty on protecting the North-East Atlantic, because of concerns the Brent field rigs containing about 11,000 metric tons of crude oil residue could pose an environmental risk.<\/p>\n
The OSPAR secretariat said after the meeting in London that Britain \u201cwill further engage in discussions with parties before taking a decision on whether to issue the permit\u201d exempting Shell from having to remove all of the huge steel and concrete platforms.<\/p>\n
Germany\u2019s environment ministry said it hoped the talks would help establish procedures for dealing with further platform disposals.<\/p>\n
Dr David Santillo, marine biologist and senior scientist at Greenpeace International said: \u201cThe UK government today heard first hand the breadth and depth of concerns from its North-East Atlantic neighbors on Shell\u2019s plans to leave tens of thousands of tonnes of hazardous waste hidden in the concrete tanks on the seabed.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough the UK committed to \u2018further discussion\u2019 before making any decision on a permit, this is no guarantee that Shell will be required to clean up their toxic mess.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need the UK government to see sense and put the goal of protecting the ocean for current and future generations above Shell\u2019s profits.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt a time of climate emergency, it\u2019s vital that governments hold oil companies fully to account for their legacy of pollution if we are to make real progress on phasing out of fossil fuels. We will be watching closely.\u201d<\/p>\n