It starts by presenting some historical background on the development of worst-case scenarios for petroleum production in Norwegian waters together with management policies to help us understand the situation on risk assessments today. The paper then seeks to characterise main uncertainties related to the worst-case scenario in the Lofoten area concerning: (i) the estimated probability and characteristics of a worst-case scenario and (ii) the modelled impacts of such an oil spill. In parallel, the paper shows how uncertainty has allowed different interpretations of ‘facts’ among experts. Uncertainties are further

discussed whether they can be reduced and/or resolved, and whether values are embedded in the knowledge production. In light of the discussed uncertainties and the narrow scope of discussed environmental impacts of NVP-BKM120 datasheet a blowout, the paper finally questions the relevance and

role of risk assessments based on the worst-case scenarios: what kind of public debate and decision-making are they able to support? The search for petroleum on Selleckchem Alpelisib the Norwegian continental shelf started in the 1960s. Exploration was only allowed south of the 62°N due to unsettled border issues. Environmental concerns and consequences for the fisheries were not central political topics until the 1970s. When the government in 1974 started the discussion on opening areas in the north, it was recommended Levetiracetam that this would require concern for the environment and existing enterprise [16]. From that time on, there has been disagreement on whether to open which areas, based on the different perceptions on whether the implied risks were acceptable or not. In 1988, a large part of the Barents Sea was opened [17], while areas south of Lofoten were opened in 1994 [18]. The Lofoten area, Nordland VII and Troms II (see Fig. 1), remained closed and still are. Nordland

VI (a part of the Lofoten area) was closed again in 2001, when the preparation for the Management plan for the Barents Sea and the Lofoten area (from now on referred to as the ‘Management plan’) was initiated [19]. A blow-out on the Bravo platform in the North Sea in 1977 put worst-case scenarios at the forefront of the debate, with a particular focus on the probability of a blowout. Impact assessments and estimated probability of accidents became mandatory for the petroleum industry in the Pollution Control Act of 1981 [20]. The act articulates that potential polluters need to undertake an impact assessment of realistic accidents and estimate the probability of these. Impact assessments of petroleum activities in a broader sense were made mandatory through the Petroleum Act of 1985 [21].