Cairns receives clearance

Disna MUDALIGE

Marine Environment Protection licenses have been issued to four oil exploration blocks in the Mannar basin that are being explored by Cairn Lanka Pvt Limited complying with the new regulations made to the Marine Pollution Prevention Act, Marine Environment Protection Authority chairman R S Ariyapperuma told the Daily News yesterday.

He observed that the licenses have been issued since the necessary requirements have been satisfied by the applicant. The licence is valid for two years from the date of issuance.

He said that the regulations are effective from May 26, 2011and the gazette notification pertaining to it was published on June 7, 2011.

He noted that the applicants for the licence should submit a detailed account of the steps to be taken to mitigate, control or manage the discharge of any pollutant in accordance with plan a 'Discharge Management Plan' and an Environment Impact Assessment.