Chemical monitoring in Sullom Voe: the SOTEAG and statutory programmes

Abstract

SynopsisTwo chemical monitoring programmes have operated in Sullom Voe since 1978, a statutory programme which measures levels of contaminants in the area of the diffuser outfall and the SOTEAG programme which measures contamination in the wider area of Sullom Voe and Yell Sound. Both programmes were in place prior to the operation of the terminal and had gathered useful information. The subsequent information provided annually by the two monitoring programmes during the operations of the terminal has allowed accurate assessment of the levels of contamination in the area of operation and has shown that the contamination from heavy metals and hydrocarbons in the Sullom Voe area is at the lower end of the range of levels encountered in mainland estuarine regions.