A is the keeper of a super-tanker. Due to a breakdown of instruments the tanker springs a leak and a huge amount of oil is spilled. A thick oil slick gets washed ashore, where it covers a popular beach area and lots of sea birds and some mammals.

1. Who is obliged to take clean-up measures? Are private organisations entitled to bring legal action and/or to undertake clean-up measures?

2. Is A liable for the costs of clean-up measures undertaken by public authorities and/or private organisations?

3. The local fishing industry and tourism facilities suffer severe loss of profits. Do they have a right to claim damages from A?

4. Large amounts of seawater are contaminated. Is A liable for this damage? Who has the right to claim this damage, and how is the damage evaluated?

Comparative remarks

Comparison

Clean-up costs (Cases 16, Question (a), and Case 17, Question (a))

In nearly all European countries, remediation costs for water pollution are covered by tort law. This includes fault-based liability and recovery according to the laws of the neighbourhood, or nuisance in the common law countries.

Most countries also provide for strict liability remedies. In Finland, strict liability for water contamination is governed by the Environmental Damages Act 1994. In Portugal, strict liability applies if the damage is caused by an objectively dangerous activity (Article 23 LAP). Compensation for significant ecological damage can be obtained both according to Article 23 LAP and according to the Base Law on the Environment (LBA).