An oil spill that contaminates the Teteye river, in Lago Agrio, originated 12 days ago, residents of the area denounce

Inhabitants of Lago Agrio, in Sucumbíos, reported that an oil spill reached the Teteye River. Videos, which went viral on social networks, show a large black spot in the tributary.

Through a video uploaded today, October 7, Donald Moncayo, a resident of the affected area, expressed on social networks that a hundred meters from his home “oil is flowing down the Teteye River. This oil flows into the Aguarico River that joins the Napo. For this oil to be passing through my house, it must have traveled some 5,000 meters from where the event occurred.”

Oil spills, an unfortunate affectation that is common in the region

He indicated that the well is in charge of Petroecuador: “I want to make a call to Petroecuador officials. I know that you are not from the Amazon and come to work from Quito, Guayaquil and Cuenca and then return, but those of us who remain here are the ones who pay the piper for your negligence. Since September 24, when it hasn’t rained, until today, October 7, they should have picked it up, ”he said indignantly.

The Ministry of the Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (Maate) confirmed the emergency and stated that the spill occurred on September 25. He pointed out that the spill occurred in the high pressure line of the Power Oil systems belonging to block 56.

Oil spill in the Piedra Fina sector, in Napo, was caused by a rupture of the OCP pipeline

“The operator has been notified of the execution of contingency activities, cleaning, remediation of the affected area and presentation of the respective emerging plan,” Maate said in a statement.

According to the State portfolio, technical personnel carried out the accompaniment on September 26 where the “advance of the contingency by 94%” was verified. In addition, he indicated that activities are currently being carried out for the recovery of crude oil and cleaning of the area.

Meanwhile, Petroecuador also issued a statement stating that they have “reinforced the control points and proceeded to recover the crude oil… At the moment, work continues to clean up the banks of the Teteye River and its tributaries to mitigate the affectation”. Although it did not report how many barrels of crude were spilled.

The state oil company also reported that it is coordinating with the National Police to deal with certain possible causes and responsibilities for the spill. (YO)