FILE- In this June 30, 2012 file photo, the Exxon Valdez is anchored some six nautical miles off the Bhavnagar coast near Alang ship-breaking yard in western Indian state of Gujarat, India. India's Supreme Court has allowed the Exxon Valdez, the oil tanker involved in one of the worst U.S. oil spills, to be dismantled in western Gujarat state.The court ruled Monday, July 30, 2012, that the ship could anchor near Alang, the hub of India's shipbreaking industry. The ship, now known as the Oriental Nicety, entered Indian waters in May. (AP Photo/File)
July 31, 2012 - 4:08 AM
NEW DELHI - India's Supreme Court has allowed the Exxon Valdez, the oil tanker involved in one of the worst U.S. oil spills, to be dismantled in western Gujarat state.
The court ruled Monday that the ship could anchor near Alang, the hub of India's shipbreaking industry.
It said the ship owners would have to pay for disposal of any toxic substances found during its dismantling.
The ship, now known as the Oriental Nicety, entered Indian waters in May. It was denied permission to anchor at Alang after an environmental activist petitioned the top court, saying it contained toxic substances.
In 1989, millions of gallons of crude oil spewed into Alaska's ecologically sensitive Prince William Sound when the Exxon Valdez dashed against rocks, causing incalculable environmental damage.
News from © The Associated Press, 2012