Norwegian Oil Spill Aid Snubbed On Lack Of US Certification

11th Jun 2010 11:20

OSLO (AFP)--A Norwegian oil industry group said Friday dispersants it had planned to send to help clean up the disastrous Gulf of Mexico oil leak wouldn't be used since they lack certification in the U.S. At the beginning of May, Nofo, a Norwegian industry association for battling oil spills, announced it would send 150 cubic meters of dispersants. The aid was to be used to help clean up the oil that has been gushing into the Gulf of Mexico since the BP PLC (BP)-leased Deepwater Horizon platform exploded April 20. "The dispersants we use haven't been certified in the U.S. even though they are more environmentally friendly" than the ones currently being used, Sjur Knudsen of Nofo told AFP, confirming media reports. "The Americans are using Corexit, a powerful product" which is considered highly toxic, he said. Nofo was willing to send other types of aid, including boats used to gather oil from the water, he said, pointing out that whether such assistance would be accepted was up to U.S. authorities. (END) Dow Jones Newswires June 11, 2010 06:20 ET (10:20 GMT)