The contaminated areas that exist in and around the refinery in Nynäshamn have been subject to new expert investigations during the past year. The results of these investigations and proposals for action are now with the Land and Environment Court awaiting their decision.
A comprehensive survey was carried out in 2011 and 2012, particularly in one area of the seabed outside the refinery where it has been known for some time that there is oil in the sediment. The investigation, made by an independent research company called Niras, has shown that there are no unknown discharges of oil from Nynäshamn refinery, that the oil in the sediment is more than 30 years old and that it does not affect plant or animal life around the area. In connection with the investigation of the area on the seabed, the integrity of the safety dam next to the waste water treatment plant was also investigated by the Swedish Environmental Research Institute, IVL. The conclusion of the study was that there is no measurable leakage from the dam.
The report made by Niras recommends that the sediments should not be removed since the work would pose a risk for animal and plant life. The conclusion is that the sediments are best left where they are at present. The Land and Environment Court will most likely make a decision on what action to take in 2012.
In late 2011 Nynas also submitted a final action plan for cleaning the areas J3 & J4 in the refinery, also known as "The storage area for acid sludge", for the decision of the Land and Environment Court. In doing so, Nynas entered a new phase in the cleaning of this area too.
More in depth information on work by Nynas in previously contaminated areas at Nynäshamn refinery is available in Swedish, "På väg mot en renare oljeindustri".