Ruptures in Peru’s main oil pipeline have spilled 3000 bbls of crude into the Amazon region, polluting two rivers.
National environmental regulator OEFA said the oil from the broken pipeline has poured into the Chiriaco and Morona rivers in northwestern Peru. OEFA ordered Petroperu, the operator of the pipeline, replaces parts of the pipeline and improve maintenance.
Peru’s health ministry has declared a water quality emergency in five districts near the spill.
Petroperu faces fines of up to 60m soles (US$17 million) if tests confirm that the spills, which took place in late January and early February, affected the health of locals, said OEFA.
Heavy rains have hindered Petroperu’s initial efforts to contain the damage.
Edited from various sources by Elizabeth Corner
Sources: The Guardian, Reuters