Pollution in Port Erin

Summary

The requester inquired about charges brought against companies involved in the demolition of the Marine Biological Station following pollution incidents in Port Erin Bay. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture confirmed that no charges were brought against any of the companies involved.

Key Facts

• No charges were brought against Island Drainage or other companies involved in the demolition.
• The demolition of the Marine Biological Station resulted in diesel and kerosene heating oil entering the drainage system and Port Erin Bay.
• Millions of polystyrene beads from building insulation were dispersed and remain on the beach after stormy tides.
• The request was received on 19 February 2025 and responded to on 28 February 2025.

Data Disclosed

• 19 February 2025
• 28 February 2025
• 4460805
• millions
• 2015

Original Request

Were any charges brought against Island Drainage and the other companies involved in the demolition of the Marine Biological Station. During the demolition works quantities of diesel and kerosene heating oil were allowed to access the drainage system and enter the Port Erin Bay. This was then followed up the the dispersal of millions of polystyrene beads from the building insulation which are still found on the beach now after particularly stormy tides.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Freedom of Information Co-ordinator Corporate Services Directorate Thie Slieau Whallian, Foxdale Road, St John’s, Isle of Man, IM4 3AS Tel no (01624) 685854 Fax no (01624 685851 Email: defa@gov.im www.gov.im

Our ref: 4460805 28 February 2025

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 19 February 2025, which states:

"Were any charges brought against Island Drainage and the other companies involved in the demolition of the Marine Biological Station. During the demolition works quantities of diesel and kerosene heating oil were allowed to access the drainage system and enter the Port Erin Bay. This was then followed up the the dispersal of millions of polystyrene beads from the building insualtion which are still found on the beach now after particualrly stormy tides."

Our response to your request is as follows: I have detailed below the information that is being released to you.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (The Department) can confirm that there were no charges brought against any company involved in the demolition of the Marine Biological Station.

Please quote the reference number 4460805 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on;

1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or
2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
   In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.