Local government entities are under serious financial pressure, and procurement is tasked with helping to reduce spend.
Marine exercise tests counter-pollution response
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s (MCA) counter-pollution response is being practiced this week in an exercise off Portland, Dorset.
The three-day activity, running from 5 March to 7 March, will test the response to a mock scenario in which 300 tons of fuel is spilled in waters east of Portland Harbour.
The practice will include testing MCA operations at sea as well as working with partner agencies to further test their plans along the shoreline.
Stan Woznicki, MCA head of counter pollution and salvage, said they work "hard to keep the maritime and coastal environments safe from pollution and to protect people and wildlife."
He said: "We rehearse regularly to prepare our teams to respond to a wide range of incidents, and also how to work alongside other agencies so that, if the worst happens, collaboration is swift and effective."
Woznicki added the MCA is "ready round the clock to respond to incidents in UK waters and the UK's Exclusive Economic Zone.
The UK’s counter-pollution response contractor Ambipar is being deployed, with involvement also from the Marine Management Organisation, Portland and Weymouth harbour authorities, and Weymouth and Dorset councils.
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