LIMA, Jan 27 (NNN-ANDINA) – Peru reported a new and “relatively small” oil spill, off the coast of the province of Callao, which was already affected by some 6,000 barrels of oil accidentally spilled at the La Pampilla refinery, over a week ago, local authorities reported yesterday.
The new spill, by the same refinery, operated by Spanish energy company, Repsol, occurred on Tuesday, in the district of Ventanilla, as work was being done prior to the removal of the Pipeline, End Manifold, underwater distribution and collection equipment, according to the Environmental Evaluation and Enforcement Agency.
The Peruvian Navy also said that, during one of its inspection flights on Tuesday, in the area affected by the previous spill, “an oily spot” was observed.
Jesus Menacho, head of the Navy’s Coast Guard Operations Command, told local media that, the new spill “is relatively small and has been controlled by barriers” in the area.
Repsol argued yesterday, in a press release, that it was a “controlled upwelling of remnants,” generated during Tuesday’s work on the infrastructure, located 18 metres below the sea surface.– NNN-ANDINA
