Environmental

Environmental Policy

The Dorset coast hosts International, national, regional and local designations protecting wildlife, the beauty of the landscape, its geology and history.  With this in mind, the environmental policy for the company is as follows: 

'To secure the long-term viability of Portland Harbour by operating and developing in a manner which safe guards the environment in accordance with all relevant legislation.'  

Environmental Management Plan

In order to ensure environmental management is integrated into the company at the highest level of decision-making, and in a structured manner, the company is committed to the development and implementation of an environmental management system. The development of the system is ongoing with a formal lauch date to be advised. Standard methodologies and tools used for preparing environmental impact assessments, management plans and systems tailored to the specific requirement of the company are being used.

For the Portland Port Ltd and Portland Harbour Authority Ltd Environmental Policy please Click Here. The environmental policy is currently in draft form and will remain in draft for the duration of this year providing an opportunity for both internal review and external comment. We would welcome your feedback and ask that you direct any comments to the Environmental and Planning Manager at the port.

Oil Spill Contingency Plan

The 'Portland Oil Spill Contingency Plan' is designed to guide and assist the Harbour Authority through the processes required for managing an oil spill incident originating from operations within or approaching the harbour.  Its primary purpose is to set in motion the necessary actions to stop or minimise the discharge and to mitigate its effects. Effective planning ensures that the necessary actions are taken in a structured, logical and timely manner. The Plan conforms to the Merchant Shipping (Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation Convention) Regulations 1998, SI 1998 No. 1056, that entered into effect in the UK on the 15th May 1998 and is regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

Waste Management Plan

The 'Portland Waste Management Plan' is designed to provide guidance to visiting vessels on the processes and facilities available within Portland Harbour for the handling of ship generated waste.  To this end it attempts to ensure that all ships normally using the Harbour dispose of all waste in an efficient and environmentally correct manner.  The plan is regulated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and conforms with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973, and its 1978 Protocol (MARPOL 73/78).  Of relevance to the UK is the Merchant Shipping (Port Waste Reception Facilities) Regulations 2003, amended 2009. 

Coastal Access

A significant proportion of the land estate on the Isle of Portland is accessible to the general public. This includes nearly 1.5km existing south west coast path, approximately 4km public footpath and additional coastal access land. Approximately 2km of new coastal access path is being proposed by Natural England and a further 1.5 km would be enabled by Portland Gas Storage Ltd in the longer term, at the earliest later in 2013.