EP Petroecuador reported that this Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at approximately 04:30, during the process of retrieving light crude oil and packing the line from the ship through the Esmeraldas terminal, a failure occurred in the relief system that caused a hydrocarbon spill.

Currently, the company has mobilized its emergency teams to mitigate and control the effects of the spill at the site and the following actions are being implemented:

On that topic, Jinsop Martínez, Secretary General of the Petroecuador Company Committee, commented that the first reports were that the problem appeared on Balao Beach and was progressing to Las Palmas Beach. He said that from the incoming videos it appears that the affect is quite significant.

For Martínez, this situation may be due to the lack of maintenance in the area. He assessed that it is an example of workers not having personal protective equipment. He also explained that the rehabilitation should be done in the sea and on the beach.

A few citizens posted videos and photos of the event on the emerald beach.

The Te veo Ecuador account also posted a video documenting the scale of the accident.

Meanwhile, the oil company reported that it is important to note that this incident will not affect export activities and fuel supply.

Petroecuador said it would continue to publicize the work being carried out in the area and also invited the public to report through the public company’s official channels.

On this topic, the Ministry of Environmental Protection, Water and Ecological Transitions said that it is carrying out adequate control and monitoring of spills. “The priority is to protect the well-being of the population and mitigate the impact on the environment, ensuring compliance with all necessary clean-up and remediation actions.”

He also indicated that since this fact became known, employees of the State Portfolio have been checking all affected environmental and social components.

He concluded by saying that this portfolio will ensure that the responsible operator carries out contingency, cleanup and crude oil recovery activities. The company must present an emergency plan.. (I)