The construction of the final SOTE route in the El Reventador sector will be towards the right bank of the Quijos River
The ultimate solution for the Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE), which has been affected by regressive and lateral erosion in the sector of the Coca River and its tributaries (Quijos and Piedra Fina) would cost about $100 million reported this morning manager of Petroecuador, Italo Cedeño. He assured that the regressive erosion is threatening the pipelines that are in the sector, that is, the SOTE, the Shushufindi Quito pipeline and even the Heavy Crude Oil Pipeline (OCP).
The way out in the case of Petroecuador, he says, is to build a definitive variant that is located on the right bank of the Quijos River and thus get as far away as possible from the enemy that is El Reventador. On the right bank the soil is not friable, he explained. He explained that the Pre-feasibility studies will cost $1.8 million and will take about five months to complete.
On the other hand, the construction of the definitive solution would cost at least $100 million, and would take 12 to 15 months from the start of the work. Petroecuador’s intention is to execute directly, in the model that has been carried out with the other variants, that is, with the help of the Army Corps of Engineers. He explained that during the work, the pumping operations will not stop.
For Cedeño, this solution is essential, to avoid other episodes such as those that occurred in April 2020 or the stoppage of pumping in December 2021. He explained that the economic damages could have reached some $500 million in the last stoppage, so that it is important to prevent new episodes, with an investment of this type.
Regressive erosion has affected the SOTE, OCP and Shushufindi Quito pipeline, but it also destroyed a part of the Quito Lago Agrio highway. The Ministry of Transport has also talked about giving a definitive solution to the issue of the road, going through the right bank. The catchment works of the Central Coca Codo Sinclair are at risk of being affected by retrogressive erosion. While destiny is also pending from the town of San Luis that will probably have to be evacuated when the phenomenon reaches 50 meters from the houses.
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
