The Peruvian authorities are investigating a recent oil spill incident in the Marañón River, located in the Peruvian Amazon, in order to identify the causes and those responsible, as well as to assess the environmental impact on the nearby waters.
Environmental inspectors and port officials are working closely to determine the extent of the damage, while the Specialized Environmental Prosecutor’s Office is verifying the cleanup and remediation actions in the affected area.
The spill, which occurred in the Norperuano Pipeline (ONP) in Loreto, Peru, has been thoroughly reviewed by Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Jackeline Hoffman, who visited the Pipeline Station 1 in Urarinas to inspect the effects of the incident on the native communities of Saramurillo and San José de Saramuro.
In collaboration with the Environmental Assessment and Control Agency (OEFA), the Prosecutor’s Office focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of the remediation measures implemented to mitigate pollution and preserve the river ecosystems of the Marañón River.
The state company Petroperú attributed the spill to an alleged technical failure in the flange of the barge Goias 3000, used by Upland Oil & Gas for the transportation of Mayna crude.
Oil spill in the Marañón River
This mishap resulted in an oil leak, with most of the crude contained on the vessel’s deck and a smaller amount spilled into the river.
Petroperú claimed to have immediately activated its Emergency Response Plan to address the incident, facilitating control and cleanup maneuvers alongside Upland Oil & Gas.
Additionally, the OEFA collected water samples for analysis in an accredited laboratory, with the aim of determining the potential environmental impact and the corresponding administrative measures.
Spills in sections of the pipeline are frequent, and Petroperú has pointed out that they are sometimes caused by third parties, highlighting the need for swift actions to prevent pollution of the Amazon rivers and protect vital water sources for the region.
