The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority has cautioned StatoilHydro over higher-than-expected emissions from its liquefied natural gas project, Hammerfest LNG, near the North Cape.

The surprise appearance of two flare towers alerted locals and eventually the SFT to a possible rise in local pollution. The Norwegian energy champ is understood to have been emitting too many poly-aromatic compounds, not reporting emissions as it should and not issuing necessary warnings of emissions spikes.

PAH's are responsible for causing genetic chromosomal aberrations in many marine animals, according to Canadian scientists.

StatoilHydro was under the regulator gun this summer when its flares were found to be releasing too much soot, a known accelerator of arctic ice melt. The company was ordered to get a monitoring plan in order by year-end or else face fines.

ws@scandoil.com

Tags: StatoilHydro