Community members of Betterland, Ikarama and Kalaba communities in Bayelsa State have reported massive discharge of crude oil into Taylor Creek in Yenagoa local government area of Bayelsa. The residents of the area said the spills have been happening over the past week.
Saharareporters sources disclosed that crude oil discharged from Well 2 operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC). The spill has been contaminating Taylor Creek since May 6, 2013, said the sources.
The spillage has provoked a disagreement between Shell officials and community leaders over the cause of the oil leaks. Shell contends that the spills were caused by saboteurs while the community argues for Shell’s culpability.
A fisherman at the spill site told SaharaReporters that he lost his nets and other fishing gear which were stained with crude. He stated that he and other fishermen were caught unawares by the spill.
“It was in the middle of my fishing that I discovered that my nets and other things were soaked. I cannot reuse them again because the fishes are so sensitive. Once they smell oil, they run away,” said Ebie Johnson, an artisanal fisherman.
Precious Okoloba, a Shell spokesman, reportedly said that the oil firm had reported several spill incidents in the area, blaming the spills on the activities of oil thieves.
“We have to investigate to find out if this is a new case,” Mr. Okoloba said.
Commenting on an earlier spill in the area, Shell’s Corporate Media Relations Manager, Tony Okonedo, said, “Sadly, this spill adds to a rising trend in the Adibawa area.” According to Mr. Okonedo, Shell “recorded four different spills on our flow lines in the area between 9th and 26th April, all caused by sabotage and theft as attested to by the different JIV [joint investigation visit] reports.” He added: “Cleanup of residual impacted areas is planned for later in the year. SPDC is very concerned about these sabotage spills because of the negative impact on the people and the environment.”
Source: Vanguard
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